The Healing Power of the Drum

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.

In the last four or five years I have really been into learning musical instruments (Harmonica, Flute, Recorder, all kinds of various percussion instruments), but my true passion these days has been the drums of all kinds (Bongo, Djembe, Darbuka, Frame, Taiko drums etc.). I have taken numerous on line courses and read every book I could on the subjects and I also belong to a drum circle group. I am also working on becoming a drum circle facilitator in the future.I just finished this fascinating and informative 190 page soft cover book (The healing power of the drum: A psychotherapist explores the healing power of rhythm by Robert Lawrence Friedman) which I recommend to anyone interested in all the many benefits of learning to play the drum for fun and therapy.This book is organized into three parts and provides a detailed and comprehensive treatment of the author’s personal experience in using the drums in his treatment of people with numerous psychological and health issues. Part one covers the limitless healing drum. Part two explores complementary medicine and rhythm. The final part explains how to bring drumming into your life. The twelve chapters cover an enormous amount of valuable and practical information for anyone interested in the use of the drums for not just your health but for pure enjoyment as well.I found this to be an excellent reference source in my search to learn as much as possible about drum circles.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art and Warrior Haiku and Senryu)

I think that it’s important to understand where your heart is focused when you are pursuing healing with the assistance of a drum. Drumming is known to be used in witchcraft ceremonies. Albeit drums are also used in Christian church services. I just think that it it’s important to be mindful of where your heart is focused.

Great book filled with lots of facts. Easy read. I want to find Mr. Friedman and take classes with him. He seems like a Master!!

I'm looking at it right now. ....I bought it over 2 years ago, btw.

A Great Read, this book was very inspirational

I have been transfixed by the content. I am a drummer and love all things relating to drums. This is just another reason why we drummers love to drum and so fascinating that there is so much more to drumming. Also that drumming can help people in so many ways.

Have bought a drum and realised its potential for healing myself and others, this book confirms it, We need to spread the word about the power of drumming, for our health and the planet's health...the evidence is astounding-go read !

Very good book

The Drum is such an easy way to express feelings and emotions. Love the book and the information.

Great book and pertinent information for this therapeutic modality.