A Practical Guide To Hand Drumming And Drum Circles

This 300 page book is jam packed with practical information, suggestions, and ideas for people who love hand drumming. If you're interested in starting up a drum circle just for fun, an interactive drumming program for your group, or facilitating drum circles for a living, this read will help you along your drumming path. The focus is on sharing as much information about hand drumming and drum circles as I possibly could. Introducing people to drumming is what I love to do. I hope you dig my book, and my experiences help you to enjoy hand drumming more. Maybe even give you a few laughs along the way.

Expect lots of thrilling stuff, like 6 different ways to quickly jot down, or quickly transcribe drum rhythm notations. I cover vocalizing rhythms and how to get a rhythm going quickly no matter how large your group is. There is my sample set list of various rhythms that I use for a 90 minute facilitated drum circle. It's sort of an outline I use and then improvise from as needed. It gives you an easy to follow guideline for almost any form of drum circle.

I cover facilitating drum circles, working with specialty groups, hosting drum circles, rhythmic drumming events, and programs for all ages. Everything from having a rockin' drum circle - to a healing drum circle, plus the many different ways to approach them. I cover a wide variety of topics and questions I frequently get asked. For example: How do I start up a drum circle? What kind of drum(s) should I get? How should I approach working with this group, or that group?

And many other hand drumming, or drum circle related topics. Drumming with special needs groups, health and wellness, with kids, teens, adults, elders, and mixed age groups. Drum circles in cafe’s, and pubs. Team building, conventions, businesses, corporations, and events. Drum circles with at risk populations, at spiritual gatherings, and community events. Working with music directors, educational teachers, in schools, music therapists, medical professionals, and lots more.

Whether you only need a few musician pointers, or if you are someone who wants to get a weekly drum circle started, my book will help you along. I discuss how to go about building a drum circle or drumming program in almost every setting.

I also cover the business side of drum circles. Are you wanting to start one just for fun? Or only cover your expenses? Want to earn a full time living from it? I cover all that, and lots more. I hope to help you along your drumming journey.

Hand drumming and drum circles enriched my life, and I think it will for you as well. I've been attending and facilitating drum circles for over 30 years. I hope you can benefit from some of the things I've done right, as well as the things I’ve done wrong. It doesn't matter if you are new to hand drumming, have been drumming for a while, or you are a professional musician, this book is filled with good information on getting more enjoyment out of hand drumming, and from drum circles. The proceeds from it help me to fund work in our community. You would be buying direct from the author. (me) Thanks for helping out.

"This book is really just the thing I've been looking for. I have practically the full collection by now, yet find Ratigan's approach quite easygoing and fun to get behind."
- Peter V.

"I am reading your book with laughs and tears in my eyes. I'm almost 50, but have only been loving, playing, teaching and sharing the drum for 6 years. It is my whole being right now. Reading your book is like visiting with a friend."
- Carolyn F.

"I started your book by the "Analyze This" approach from front to back, and back to front. I couldn't read it fast enough, it really turned me on. I found it to be so inclusive and helpful. I highlighted at least half the text!"
- Music teacher, Regina R.

"Your practical guide is a treasure. Experience Wisdom and Love are given in a very simple way...making Drum Circles approachable to all. Thank You."
- Nikolas P