The call to gather.
The call into rhythm as women.
A safe space for musical exploration and learning.
This practice of women’s hand drumming is four-fold:
- spending time drumming and experiencing the felt sensation of being in the groove, deep listening, and active participation in a group of drummers.
- learning ancient grooves from around the world that have served cultures throughout history in their daily life, celebrations, and rituals.
- spending time with the technical aspects of music making including concepts of pulse, grouping, subdivisions, syncopation and proper technique on different hand-held percussion instruments. In past classes we have had a mix of women focused on frame drums, dumbek, cajon, & djembe as well as spending time working with shakers.
- finding modern applications for the grooves and techniques by asking deep questions such as: How can I bring more rhythm into my life and make these practices my own? How can I deepen my relationship to music?
I, Arlyn, hear again and again stories of early musical wounding – “I wanted to play, but my band teacher told me that I had no talent.” “I wanted to sing, but my parents told me to play this instrument instead.” “I wanted to play this instrument, but my parents insisted I sing.” “My brother (or sister) was the musician of the family, not me.” “I always wanted to learn but never had the time.” Whatever it is that is your story, including just wanting to play more with an intentional focus, these classes offer permission to follow yourself home through finding the pulse that connects us all.
“Drumming is a great workout for your brain and actually can make you smarter because when you drum you access your entire brain. Research shows that the physical transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain actually synchronizes the left and right hemispheres. So, when the logical left hemisphere and the intuitive right hemisphere of your brain begin to pulsate together, your inner guidance system – or intuition – becomes stronger.” Link to full article: 10 Health Benefits of Drumming compiled by Christiane Northrup, MD
Arlyn’s women’s drumming offerings: class series, workshops, and private lessons focused on frame drums (primarily tar & bendir), dumbek, cajon, & djembe. Please join our mailing list (see sidebar at right) to hear about upcoming classes and workshops, or contact Arlyn to schedule a private lesson.
Arlyn in located in Western Colorado, and teaches women’s drumming locally as well as travels to bring drums and facilitation to your event.
Testimonials
“What I love about Arlyn’s drum classes for women is the balance between musicality and intuition. The classes are a blend of practical knowledge, drumming basics and revealing the rhythm inherent in us all. Being surrounded by women made me feel at ease to express, support other drummers and be supported in my playing. I recommend these classes to any woman regardless of past musical experience, as I came into the class with very little drum experience and was surprised by how quickly I was able to tap into my musical side.” ~ R.S. Paonia, CO
“The study of Rhythm, for me, is not about learning to become a drummer. It’s feeling how repeated rhythms can open the long closed or rusty closet doors inside my subconscious. I’ve been amazed how it literally shakes and rattles things loose and sets them free. It’s had a huge impact on my creativity and my outlook on things. And who better to do this with than a group of sweet women, led by Arlyn, in the amazing Drum room? Ladies if this sounds good to you then make this class happen. You deserve it!” ~J.S. Hotchkiss, CO