Therapeutic Wellness Program for Teachers and Students
Drumtastic Program
The DRUMTASTIC program is the original and only evidence-based drumming fitness, health, wellness program based on science and research that provides a “Whole Brain & Whole Body” workout which promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive health at all life stages. Drumstatic is perfect for students with special education needs as there are many educational and social-emotional benefits from different types of gross motor skills like group drumming. However, our program benefits all students through developing expanded retention, coordination, self-esteem, physical functioning, and cognitive functioning. Participants also learn problem-solving strategies, improved patience and perseverance, develop coordination, and nurture social skills, sensitivity, cooperation, and conflict resolution. All while having fun!
ADVANTAGES FOR STUDENTS
CREATES AN INCLUSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Since just about anyone has the ability to drum or play an adaptive percussive instrument, Drumtastic includes everyone, promoting self-confidence while decreasing isolation.
“Drumtastic is an awesome way to get EVERYONE involved!.” - Mrs. Jen Kontis, Special Education Teacher
CREATES A SENSE OF CONNECTIONS FOR STUDENTS
When the entire group has an opportunity to “sync” up and be something bigger than themselves during Drumtastic, it strengthens the connections and feelings of belonging with others in the group.
“Drumtastic was the perfect way to describe the day!” - Jonah G..
CREATES OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP IMPORTANT SKILLS
Drumming encourages an appreciation of playing and listening to music. In addition, depending on the drums used, it encourages development of fine and gross motor skills.
“…great way to work in motor skills, exercise, and leisure skills into one activity. ” - Mr. Dan Arrison, Assistant Director of Special Education
CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-EXPRESSION
Drumtastic give participants a chance to express themselves in a new way. This could be beneficial for more introverted participants who don’t like sharing in group settings. They can discover cooperation and positive interactions without the anxiety of talking in front of others.
I usually really quiet so this experience has been really beneficial for me. Drumtastic helps me feel part of the class and let’s me get rid on some of my stress." - Alex C.
Science & Evidence-Based
Bittman, B. B., Berk, L. S., Felten, D. L., & Westengard, J. (2001). Composite effects of group drumming music therapy on modulation of neuroendocrine-immune parameters in normal subjects. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 7(1), 38.
Ekins, C., Wright, J., Schulz, H., Wright, P. R., Owens, D., & Miller, W. (2019). Effects of a drums alive® kids beats intervention on motor skills and behavior in children with intellectual disabilities. Palaestra, 33(2).
Fancourt, D., Perkins, R., Ascenso, S., Atkins, L., Kilfeather, S., Carvalho, L., ... & Williamon, A. (2016). Group drumming modulates cytokine response in mental health services users: A preliminary study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 85(1), 53-55.
Fancourt, D., Perkins, R., Ascenso, S., Carvalho, L. A., Steptoe, A., & Williamon, A. (2016). Effects of group drumming interventions on anxiety, depression, social resilience and inflammatory immune response among mental health service users. PloS one, 11(3), e0151136.
Litchke, L. G., & Mary Margaret Bracken, M. T. (2018). A qualitative study on the social-emotional benefits of Drumtastic Ability Beats® for children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 17(3), 37-47.
Willemin, T. A., Litchke, L. G. Liu, T., & Ekins, C. (2018). Social Emotional Effects of Drumtastic : A Dyadic Within – Group Drumming Pilot Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. International Journal of Special Education, 33(1), 94-103.
Yang, Q. (2022). Examining the effect of Drums Alive® intervention on verbal communication and task engagement in children with autism spectrum disorder (Doctoral dissertation).