So, why “Playshops”?
Simple, there’s no work when you’re having fun!
Introduction to the Drum Circle
These “Facilitated” style drum circles are designed to help the newbies, encourage those that have never touched a drum, and bring the wisdom of more experienced players into a playful atmosphere of fun and experimentation. Perfect for beginners and “people without rhythm”, these circles explore rhythmic possibilities with a specific direction, as opposed to the more chaotic “public” circles. Excellent for schools and children’s groups (recommended grade 4 and up).
All you need is space and a some friends. I will supply a few drums and other rhythmic noisemakers. If you have a drum, bring it! Better yet, bring an extra to share!
$20 per person, with a minimum of 10 people. Maximum is restricted by space.
Drum Making
OK, I hate to say this, but 'Harry Potter' got it wrong.
Those that trade in magic, for the most part, don’t buy their tools from a shop.
They make them.
They always have.
Now here’s your opportunity to make your own ancient, special, unique magical tool – imparting your spirt, blessings and energies into the finished drum.
This is an amazing investment of your energy into what will surely become one of your most sacred, beloved tools.
Magickal Drumming Playshops
This is a perfect set of playshops whether you are a wholistic practitioner, priest/ess, solitary, or if you’d just like to incorporate drumming with deeper meaning into your own life. Can be done over four sessions or in one all day run, perhaps incorporated into an immersive weekend with my Drum and Rattle Making Playshops (my favorite way – contact me for details).
This playshop series isn’t based upon any particular teachings, traditional or otherwise, but upon my two decades in the field, combining my unusual background in physics and music with drumming ideals and principles that have existed for millennia. You don’t need to be a “Shaman” or “Enlightened” to put these lessons into practice. And, if you don't yet own your own drum, I supply a brace of curated drums and other toys to use in your exploration.
1
Introduction to Magickal Drumming
This is exactly as it sounds, an introduction with a whole bunch of Q and A. Drums are not needed, as this will be primarily lecture, but drums are a really good idea as we explore basic rhythm and tonal structure.
Topics covered:
History, rhythm structure, harmony, tonality, simple introductions to the tie-ins between Meditation, Celebration and Healing.
2
Meditation
Expect active participation.
Topics covered: Personal meditation, guided, group, and which drums to use under what circumstances.
2
Ceremonial and Ritual Drumming
This is an active participation session for drummers and practitioners alike – whether seasoned or exploring.
Topics covered: opening/closing sacred space, raising energy, “talking” to the spirits, types of drums to be used in which situations, planning and “winging it”.
4
Healing
Ah, the age-old Shamanic practice. Bring your drums, ailments, ideas, and get ready to get your hands dirty as you’ll be working on your classmates.
Topics covered: Rhythm styles, appropriateness, drum choices, and why.
Mother Drum Encounter
Dating back at least 10,000 years, the Mother Drum is the heart of the tympanic drums.
Allow me to share this gift with you by bringing one of these wonderful instruments to your home, shop, studio, or place of worship.
This is not your normal drum circle as the energy feedback is completely different. These instruments only get better the more people you gather around them. Any size group is fine, but 8 or more is best.
Note: Due to the rather spiritual and experiential nature of this Playshop, I do not charge a fixed fee. However, donations for time and energy are gladly accepted.
Rattle Making Playshop
Besides the drum, the rattle might be the oldest of the magical tools – and certainly one of the most portable.
Here’s your opportunity to make one of these great tools for your personal magickal tool bag!
I’ll supply pre made rawhide heads, handles, fillings, glue, rawhide strips, paints and brushes and a few decorative ideas. Deer, Elk, and Buffalo rattles available.
You bring feathers, leather, bones, beads or whatever else you’d like to use for decorations!
Kid friendly – dress for mess!
Since I’m quite sure you’ll have a lot of questions about this process, shall we get started?
Here are the questions I get the most.....
If I miss something, ask!
"Are these Native American drums?"
Native Americans still make similar drums, but so do a lot of other cultures around the world. These are, essentially, the same kind of drums any of our ancestors might have made thousands of years ago when they were still working with stone tools - only better, thanks to a few personal tweaks that help longevity and make them easier to work with. They're truly Pan-cultural and practically part of our DNA - no matter what your background.
"What are my hide selections?"
Buffalo, Elk, Horse, or Deer. These are all indigenous hunted animals - except the horse, which are of natural deaths - and are all blessed and all the parts used long before I ever see the hides.
"What are the differences?"
Tough question to answer, as every drum is utterly different than every other one (the beauty of this particular medium), but IN GENERAL:
Buffalo - deeper pitch, less resonant, more grounding, heavier.
Elk - Medium to higher pitch, most versatile, longer resonance, energy varies. Elk is my "go to" hide for almost everything.
Deer - light weight, higher pitched, simple, clean resonance, very "air"/"Higher chakra" kind of feeling.
Horse - These can be really all over the place, so no guarantees here, but they tend to be a great option for those that aren't a fan of the hunted species.
Again, remember, these are generalizations (really, I can't stress this enough) and what your drum becomes is also DIRECTLY related to your personal energy resonance.
"What size can I make?"
14", 16", 18" and 20" Yes, generally, bigger is deeper and louder. If you want to wake the dead, do a 20" Buffalo. For ceremonial/divining work, a 16" Elk or deer might be a better choice. You get the idea. The 16” Elk and Deer are my most popular, but I feel the 18” Elk and the 16” Buffalo are the best for the money. If you’re wondering, My personal drum is an 18” Buffalo.
"What if I want to make something bigger?"
Great! At that point, they can get pretty time consuming and may not be group class friendly. Talk to me about what you'd like to do and we'll arrange to have you come up to my Home workshop in Nor Cal for a 1-on-1 session. This works REALLY well for mother drums if you're so inclined.
"What do I have to bring?"
A sunny disposition, a sense of adventure, and two hands (or a friend with two hands). I supply all the hide, hoops, tools, and materials for drum sticks. Of course, drum sticks!!
"Will we be decorating our drums?"
Nope, not this time, but I'll happily answer all your questions as to how to personalize your new baby. Also, if you have an idea on a customization you’d like to make, let me know. We should be able to make something work out for you.
"How long does it take?"
2-3 hours, depending on the group. About 3-7 days before the drum is ready to play.
“Do we get to take them home?”
Of course! What would be the fun, otherwise?
“Umm… where are the prices?”
Well, though I do have a base set of prices to work from, Travel expenses will add to these. Basically, the closer to my home base, the less expensive. Please contact me so we can discuss your options.