The Healing Power of the Drum
by Robert Lawrence Friedman
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Book Summary Information
Author: Robert Lawrence FriedmanEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2000-09
ISBN: 0941677877
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: White Cliffs Media
Accessories:
- RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
- Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
Book Reviews of The Healing Power of the Drum
Book Review: Worth A Read...We Are Rhythm...
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a very intriguing book that discusses how drumming / rhythm making can relieve stress, inspire confidence, create connection, promote teamwork, purge anger / frustration, build (or repair) relationships, and unlock positive energy in human beings, and thus, open doors to genuine wellness and happiness for those who are willing to participate. The author celebrates the drum as a special instrument that, like no other, possesses the almost magical ability to feed the yearning / wounded human spirit that is often lost (neglected) in today's fast-paced, often-depressing, technology driven world. In the first chapter, Friedman states, "Through providing a channel back to our deeper nature, the drum concurrently provides those who use it with a link to others. The drum seems to have the capacity to unite all individuals who choose to experience it together. Despite race, religion, color, creed, background, or ideology, all are joined together through this ancient instrument's calling. The drum, therefore, becomes a vehicle for transporting all who utilize it across boundaries, to an experience of wholeness and community" (page 8). So, perhaps, according to this author's ideas, drumming is the great glue that holds humanity together; it's a language that all can understand. The forgiving drum allows the freedom of individual expression and the binding of togetherness to happen simultaneously--the balance of opposing tendencies in human experience, an intimate embrace of both the Apollonian and the Dionysian souls; drumming can potentially offer a catharsis. [I liked the author's allusions to Taoism as he explained these points.]
While there can be debatable points in the book, the information does provoke thought and self-analysis in how one is affected by the rhythms of the world and personal rhythms. In my opinion, the following sections themselves justify the price of the book for their enlightened, useful ideas:
Chapter Three: The Ancient Calling
[I especially liked the given quote by Mickey Hart that Friedman offered on page 23: ""If you could see your DNA, you'd see what your inside rhythm looks like. You are rhythm. You are made of flesh, blood, bones, and rhythm. Rhythm is what keeps you alive."]
Chapter Four: The Personal Experience of Drumming
[This section describes how drumming can have profound and lasting effects on one's life.]
Chapter Ten: Practical Techniques & Rhythm Activities
[Simple ideas to get one started with drumming activities are here.]
Chapter Eleven: Drumming Exercises from Musical Therapy
[Most helpful is the section, "What are your life rhythms?" if you answer questions honestly. ]
Rhythm and Percussion Resources
[An excellent lists of people, products, organizations, and contacts. Beginners will find this section especially helpful.]
Things I would have liked to see in book but didn't: 1) I wanted to see more specific details and examples in Chapter Nine: Skeptics and Visionaries; and 2) I would like to see more pictures of people / different populations drumming and drum / percussion instruments themselves.
Nevertheless, the book begs to be read and discussed. It would be appropriate for educators, therapists, youth group coordinators, trainers, parents, healthcare providers, motivators, and anyone who wishes to explore new avenues of personal, professional, and social development. The book might make an intriguing, interdisciplinary choice for a supplemental textbook in college sociology, wellness, communication, humanities, and music appreciation courses.
Summary of The Healing Power of the Drum
The Healing Power of the Drum is an authoritative yet easy to read book that shows how everyone can achieve health benefits from the increasingly popular activity of hand drumming. The raison d'etre for the book is to raise awareness of the hand drum from merely a musical instrument to a tool that can be used by individuals to attain psychological, physiological and spiritual well-being.The book explores the drum from a multidimensional perspective, explaining the drum's ability to release anger, create joy, alter brain rhythms, induce trance, and create empowerment. Research and anecdotal reports provide validation of the benefits of personal drumming.
The Healing Power of the Drum provides a springboard for readers to use the drum in exciting and innovative ways to enhance their own wellness. The book reflects the very qualities of drumming. It is easy to read and non-technical, fun, and yet it provides depth, meaning and purpose for the reader. As the drum provides seemingly limitless ranges of emotions from deep relaxation to extraordinary aliveness, the book accordingly explores the vast range of experiences offered by drumming, from its ability to create euphoria to its deep and sacred power to heal.
Contributors of world renown include:
Dr. Michael Thaut, Director, Center for Biomedical Research and Music, Colorado State University.
Dr. Kenneth Aigen, Co-Director of Research for the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at New York University. Dr. Connie Tomaino, Director of the Department of Music Therapy, Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, affiliated with Albert Einstein Medical Hospital, Bronx, New York.
Barry Bernstein, Music Therapist.
Christine Stevens, Music Therapist.
Jim Greiner, Latin PercussionT artist and drum facilitator, who shares some of the most eloquent stories of the hand drumming experience ever written.
Heather MacTavish, founder of New Rhythms Foundation, who discusses how hand drumming helped her survive and heal from Parkinson's disease.
Arthur Hull, leading drum circle facilitator.
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