Drum Circles
with Kevin Makarewicz

For thousands of years, people throughout the world have joined together in drum circles to bring about a unique celebrative and healing experience that transcends language and transcends cultural barriers and provides an exhilarating way of communicating and communing.

Drumming is available for everyone.

Many people falsely believe that they don't have music in them. It has been my experience in over 25 years of facilitating music making that music exists intrinsically in each person. It is usually stress or inadequate cultural models and expectations which prevent people from experiencing and expressing their own musical gifts.

Drumming is good for your health.

Drumming has therapeutic effects as it induces relaxation, and enhances theta wave production and brain-wave synchronization. Drumming is a great modality to learn to be excited and calm at the same time.

Drumming builds and strengthens a community.

Drumming alleviates isolation and alienation, creating a sense of connectedness with self and others. Cooperation and collaboration is the basic glue of the circle.

Drumming is for all ages.

We live in a society where there is considerable disconnect between the different generations. We loose the rich learning, empowerment and joy that we could receive by interacting with those who are younger and those who are older. In these circles, I teach how people of different generations can play together and support one another.

Drumming releases stress and is good exercise.

A study conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Institute of Mental Health showed that: people got healthier and happier participating in music, art, dance and poetry programs. The study included 300 men and women over the age of 65. After a year they reported better overall health, fewer doctor visits, less use of medications, fewer falls, less depression, less loneliness and higher morale.

Drumming is accessible.

The drum is a user-friendly instrument that everyone can play. I give basic and more advanced teaching as to how to play effectively and protect our bodies at the same time.

Drumming is immediate.

It offers a unique learning curve with fast results.

Drumming is inclusive.

It creates a common ground for young and old, novice and expert, disabled and able-bodied.

Drumming allows self expression of non-verbal creativity.

Anyone can participate in a circle, to explore rhythms with their hands and drumsticks.

Drumming is fun!!!

About Kevin Makarewicz

Kevin Makarewicz has been playing teaching and facilitating hand drumming for 25 years. In his programs Kevin not only teach the skills of music making but encourages positive empowerment through relationship and community building. He has led the expressive therapies program at Wellspring, led residencies and school programs. He has led drum circles around CT and NY including drum circles for families and communities. He was a founding faculty of the Music for People teachers training program. Kevin has a Master in Expressive Therapies from Lesley College, and a BA in Music and Psychology from WCSU. He has studied drumming with Ibrahim Camara for the National Ballet of Senegal, Baba Olatungi, Arthur Hull, John Marshall.Kevin is the founder of the Longdance Ceremonial Community.