Have you ever been captivated by the sound of a drumbeat and wondered what it would be like to join in? A drum circle isn’t just about music—it’s a shared experience that brings people together through rhythm, creativity, and connection. Whether you’ve never touched a drum or you’re a seasoned percussionist, a drum circle welcomes everyone to join in and feel the power of collective music-making. In this post, we’ll explore what a drum circle is, the instruments involved, and why it’s an experience that resonates deeply with so many.
So what, exactly, is a drum circle? Basically, it's a group of people who sit together in a circle to play hand drums or other assorted percussion instruments and participate in a free form, rhythmically oriented music jam. The drums typically used are hand drums (not snare drums or full drum sets) such as African djembes, congas, bongos, ashikos, doumbeks/darbukas, frame drums or bodhrans, as well as percussion instruments such as shakers, rattles, bells, woodblocks, and tambourines.
A drum circle is a creative exploration of spontaneous improvisation, or in other words, a way in which we can express ourselves creatively in the moment through the medium of music and rhythm.
The most important thing to remember for anyone who has never previously participated in a drum circle is that musical training is NOT required. Although many musicians enjoy participating in drum circles, participation is not restricted to people who have a formal background in music. All human beings have a sense of rhythm. We all have a heartbeat, and it is this fundamental, primordial beat that forms the basis of all music. By tapping into this innate ability through group drumming, we can allow the natural rhythm and creativity that is within us flow outward and into the collective space of the drum circle.
Anyone who attends a drum circle can contribute and participate in some way. In fact, that is part of the fun and beauty of the experience: drum circles break down the boundaries between audience and performer to create a communal experience where everyone is included.
I once experienced this dramatically at a yoga festival up in Northern Michigan a few years ago: I was inside one of the buildings when I suddenly heard some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard in my life. I went outside to sit in the audience and was enraptured by the performance. At the same time, I was waiting for the drum circle to start over on the hillside, which had been delayed. As I was listening to the performer on stage, I suddenly heard the sound of drums in the distance and I felt a conflict: I could either stay and listen to the beautiful music, or I could join in the drum circle. The drums won out, as I ran to get my djembe, crossed the river, ran up the hill to where the group was gathered around a bonfire, and sat down to play along with them. In that moment, I was no longer a passive audience member enjoying a performance: I was an active participant in a collective and free- form music jam, where we were all the creators and all the performers. There was no audience in the drum circle, so the boundary between audience and performer ceased to exist. It was a very powerful, empowering, and unforgettable experience!
Drum circles are more than just musical gatherings—they’re opportunities to connect with others, express yourself creatively, and tap into the rhythm that lives inside us all. Whether you’re drawn by curiosity or looking for a new way to connect, participating in a drum circle can be a transformative and unforgettable experience. If this has sparked your interest, why not find a drum circle near you or start one of your own? The rhythm is waiting for you—let it draw you in!
©Copyright 2019 Michele T. Leonard. All Rights Reserved.
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