Curriculum
DCM Training Courses show students how to integrate several forms of group music making include:
Drum Circles
A drum circle is a musical jam session where each participant is encouraged to participate in ways that are appropriate and productive. The goal of the drum circle is to create music that is shaped by the group and have that music help to create a product of community value. Drum circles are used to help promote unity, creativity, camaraderie, community, and fun. The DCM approach to drum circle facilitation is about:
- encouraging self-expression, exploration, and fun.
- providing instruction and guidance only when needed.
- becoming an equal member of the group.
- leaving space for input from all members of the group
- using non-invasive supportive and shaping techniques.
- facilitating primarily through musical means.
- helping people make personal connections through active music making.
- promoting recreational music making and other forms of creative expression.
- empowering people to create an aesthetically pleasing experience.
- incorporating singing, chants, and movement.
A community drum circle with families and friends
Rhythm Games and Drum Play
Rhythm Games are music-based activities that feature “play rules” or “givens” that shape the way people interact. Games often have specific outcomes in mind and, unlike a drum circle, are highly structured. Many rhythm games can be played without the use of musical instruments, which is another difference between a game and a drum circle.
Drum Play is any use of drums and percussion instruments in a non-musical context. This can include using drums to create sound effects (to embellish a story), make works of art (sculptures), and using instruments as props (for pantomime). Drum play is often used as a pre-musical experience to allow participants to become familiar with the instruments and use them in creative ways that are in addition to making music.
Rhythm Games and Drum Play are:
- focused on play outcomes, rather than music outcomes.
- helpful as an entry point for music making.
- examples of the non-technical use of instruments.
- often referential, rather than purely aesthetic.
- based on play rules and structure.
- outcome oriented activities, rather than improvisations.
- useful as cooperative activities and to create metaphors.
- often less challenging than playing music.
Guided Interactive Drumming
Guided Interactive Drumming is a directed and structured form of group drumming. It is not improvised, as a drum circle, but specific with regards to how participation takes place. Activities often involve teaching specific musical responses to cues that are provided by the leader(s). The process often includes “call & response” or echoing specific rhythms, chants, and musical phrases. Participants are guided through a series of steps in order to reach a pre-planned outcome, such as playing specific rhythms or performing a piece of music. Interactive Drumming activities are:
- “top-down” and directed by the leader(s), rather than co-created.
- suited for populations who require structure and guidance.
- often based in drumming traditions, such as those from West Africa or Brazil.
- centered in the use of “parallel play” (everyone following a leader) rather than cooperative play (participants influencing each other).
- generally not improvised, but may include some input from the group.
- often used to promote a sense unity, power, and excitement.
Song Leading
Group singing has a long history and is by far the most common form of community music making. Songs may be traditional, popular, or improvised and are shaped by the participants with the help of the guide. Song leaning is an important part of most music-based programs because it provides a way for participants to verbally express thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Many songs have special meaning to participants and can impart a sense of pride, unity and belonging. Songs are also important teaching tools in most cultures, presenting ideas, concepts, lessons, and folklore as part of the verbal tradition. Song Leading helps to:
- bring a community together through a common means.
- give a voice to the group.
- pass along lessons, stories, and folklore.
- Learn popular songs.
- provide a connection to the breath and body.
- create a blanket of sound that envelops the group.
- complement instrumental play and dance.
- provide a platform for self-expression and communication.
As part of the Song Leading component of DCM, students learn basic techniques on the ukulele. The Ukulele is a use-friendly, accessible instrument that helps support group singing. The Ukulele has a long history in community music making and in recent years, has enjoyed increased popularity throughout the world over. DCM Participants may also choose to learn to play the Native American-style Flute.
Jamming on Ukuleles and flutes
Laughter Exercises
Laughter promotes deep breathing, camaraderie, and a general sense of well being. Laugher exercises are led experiences that encourage participants to laugh for no reason (except to feel better). Laughter exercises are designed to be playful, engaging experiences that often lead to authentic laughter. Studies are beginning to show measurable health benefits from engaging in laughter on a frequent basis. Laughing tends to help people:
- feel more energized.
- gain a greater sense of community.
- bond with their peers.
- let down their guard.
- increase their capacity for laughter.
- feel more joyful.
DCM uses laughter experiences developed and popularized by Indian Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of Laughter Yoga International. Kalani is a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher (LYT) who has studied with Dr. Kataria. Laughter exercises are accessible to people of all ages and cultures. Laughter is a key component in the DCM approach and integrates with singing, dancing, and play of all kinds.
These are just a few ways that we promote community and reach specific outcomes for our participants. The DCM Certification process ensures that a facilitator can not only create each type of experience, but that he/she can combine them into a custom program that meets the needs of the clients.
Connect with the power of music to transform lives.