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3/19/2009

Drum Circles

I got an email not long ago from Mimi Sinclair, a board-certified music therapist who is expanding her business into the world of workplace learning and performance by offering to bring drum circles to organizations.

You can see a flyer that explains her offerings here. Or visit her web site by clicking here.

I was intrigued by the idea, so I called Mimi to find out more. Here’s what I learned.

One way she uses the drum circle is for some easy team building and to energize a group, say, after lunch when everyone is feeling sluggish. The other – and to me more intriguing – is to use the drum circle as a metaphor for workplace performance.

“There are elements of making music together that are clearly transferrable to being on a team,” Mimi said. “You have to listen to one another, you have to find a place where you fit in, you have to figure out how you can build on what someone else is doing.”

And what about those who resist the idea that learning to drum together can transfer to the workplace? After all, weren't ropes courses all the rage not that long ago?

“Yes, there will be resistance, but with my training as a therapist, I know how to help the team find metaphors in music that they can use on the job -- and in their personal lives."

Just to be clear: I don’t have any experience with drum circles or with Mimi, other than our brief conversation. I was simply intrigued enough to follow up and then to pass on the information. I do not want this to appear to be a GCASTD endorsement. If you know of others who offer this same service, have them contact me at president@gcastd.org and I will add their information to the GCASTD blog as well.

Posted at 1:47 PM by ehansen917 | Category: Resources | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

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