You may have heard of a drum circle before, but understanding what you’re going to experience when attending one is a big part of fully enjoying your time. In essence, a drum circle is a group activity focused on creating a shared rhythm through improvisation and listening to one another. 

People gather to play drums and other percussion instruments in a communal setting, and no prior music experience is required to participate. Generally, musicians of all skill levels are welcome to join the drum circle. Let’s dig a little deeper and explore other aspects of what makes a drum circle an influential encounter. 

The difference between a drum circle and other musical gatherings

Drum circles are different from going to a concert or other musical gathering because they are all-inclusive. The environment centered around the rhythm and energy pulse created when a group of people vibe off of each other is invigorating. 

You don’t need to have special skills or talents to get involved in the fun, and the music created in a drum circle is spontaneous. Each person focuses on the rhythm of the other, and everyone works together to create an ultimate pulse of positivity. 

The mental health benefits of a drum circle

For some, the mental health benefits of joining a drum circle are numerous. Taking part in a drum circle can help reduce stress, manage anxiety,  increase your mindfulness, and improve your overall mood. Joining a drum circle regularly can also help provide you with a sense of community and a new friend group to engage. 

The natural catharsis created through communal rhythm may even help you to process emotions you don’t know how to manage through words. The sense of accomplishment you feel when the drum circle is over is also a positive mental health booster. 

No experience necessary to join

Before you decide you’re not skilled enough to take part in a drum circle, you should know that there’s no experience necessary to join. The true art of a drum circle is found in the rhythm and vibe created by the unity of the people involved. 

You don’t have to be a superstar on the bongos to find your place. Some drum circles will even provide the drum for you, so you don’t have to invest any money to take part in the celebrations either. 

Types of drums used in a drum circle

You’ll find a range of drums present in various circles. Djembes, Congas, Frame drums, Tambourines, Ashikos, Bodhrans, Tubanos, Bougarabous, and even basic hand drums can be used in a drum circle. Every drum circle is a little different, depending on the purpose of the circle and the people involved. 

Additional aspects of a drum circle

Sometimes, there’s more to a drum circle than just percussion instruments. You may find dancers and fire handlers hanging around the gathering as well. 

The birthplace of modern drum circles in North America is New Orleans’ Congo Square, a significant location in the development of American music. This region was called Bulbancha, a Choctaw/Chickasaw word meaning “place of many tongues,” both before and after the French colonial occupation. This name reflected the variety of languages and cultures that came together in this area.

“…physically, socially and emotionally engaging fellowship”

Micah Briggs

Congo Square was a unique location where Africans in slavery, people of color who were free, Native Americans, and the allies of freedom would congregate on Sundays to trade items, frequently to escape slavery. This naturally led to the continuation of their cultural legacy through drumming and dancing.

How to get involved

If you’re looking to find a drum circle to experience in your local community, it’s as simple as a quick web search. A quick search for drum circles near me will likely produce all the information you need to find and join. 

If not, hosting your own drum circle is easy. All you have to do is get a few people who are willing to participate to gather together, and you’re well on your way to hosting a successful drum circle. Check out this brief video on facilitating the start and stop of a drum circle before you go.