Choosing a Career in Music Therapy
Music therapists use psychological and healing properties of music, in treating patients of all ages for a wide range of ailments. Drum therapy is a specific type of music therapy, derived from the ancient traditions of shamanic drumming. Drum therapy has been scientifically proven to promote healing and is not the new-age fad which may have previously been suggested.
Drumming is embraced as a ritual in many cultures, and is used in healing by Mongolian shamans and West African healers. Some Native American groups have made their traditional drumming a part of alcoholism recovery programs. The drum is commonly used to unite people and bring about a trance-like state. Drumming is used by music therapists with patients who find it difficult or impossible to express themselves in other ways.
Modern researchers have turned their attention to drum therapy. Scientific studies have proven its effectiveness, and have verified that it boosts the immune system and provides exercise. The exercise of drumming has been proven to release endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-killer. As a result of the benefits which drumming has been proven to provide, researchers developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. Remo, the drum head manufacturer, supports the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol in partnering with music therapists. Remo, the drum head manufacturer, supports the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol in partnership with music therapists.
Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain's hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also lessens the damaging effects of stress. A survey of nursing home employees who participated in weekly drumming sessions identified a stress reduction of about 62%, plus a dramatic reduction in staff turnover over the next year. Another study saw a decrease in student dropout rates, while another discovered discipline improvements among troubled youths.
Practitioners of drum therapy are skilled at making their patients comfortable with the instruments. Often drum circles will have participants who are of varying levels of skill and experience. Drumming involves the layering of simple patterns in order to create a beautiful and complex tapestry, each individual plays an essential part. While the parts give each participant an opportunity to participate in teamwork, improvisation allows them to express themselves freely and openly. The uniting effect of drumming synchronizes parts of the brain and also brings together people in drumming circles. An occupation as a music therapists can be extremely rewarding, it offers an alternative path down which musicians can progress.
Drumming is embraced as a ritual in many cultures, and is used in healing by Mongolian shamans and West African healers. Some Native American groups have made their traditional drumming a part of alcoholism recovery programs. The drum is commonly used to unite people and bring about a trance-like state. Drumming is used by music therapists with patients who find it difficult or impossible to express themselves in other ways.
Modern researchers have turned their attention to drum therapy. Scientific studies have proven its effectiveness, and have verified that it boosts the immune system and provides exercise. The exercise of drumming has been proven to release endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-killer. As a result of the benefits which drumming has been proven to provide, researchers developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. Remo, the drum head manufacturer, supports the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol in partnering with music therapists. Remo, the drum head manufacturer, supports the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol in partnership with music therapists.
Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain's hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also lessens the damaging effects of stress. A survey of nursing home employees who participated in weekly drumming sessions identified a stress reduction of about 62%, plus a dramatic reduction in staff turnover over the next year. Another study saw a decrease in student dropout rates, while another discovered discipline improvements among troubled youths.
Practitioners of drum therapy are skilled at making their patients comfortable with the instruments. Often drum circles will have participants who are of varying levels of skill and experience. Drumming involves the layering of simple patterns in order to create a beautiful and complex tapestry, each individual plays an essential part. While the parts give each participant an opportunity to participate in teamwork, improvisation allows them to express themselves freely and openly. The uniting effect of drumming synchronizes parts of the brain and also brings together people in drumming circles. An occupation as a music therapists can be extremely rewarding, it offers an alternative path down which musicians can progress.
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