Music is medicine for our times. Learn the tools and techniques to confidently facilitate drum circles and share the power and joy of group music-making with others.

This Village Music Circles™ Basic Facilitator Playshop is a three-day training that will empower you to build a rhythm community while exploring the foundational elements of drum circle facilitation. It is also loads of FUN!

Learn powerful facilitation techniques and develop skills while gaining the confidence to successfully lead rhythm events for a variety of diverse populations.

Packed with information and hands-on experience, both beginning and experienced facilitators will have plenty of opportunities for practicing new skills in a safe, supportive environment. No musical experience is required to participate.

During your three days with trainer Mike Deaton, you can expect to:

• explore hand drums and percussion from around the world.
• experience the joy of group improvisation.
• understand the family-friendly community drum circle format.
• learn how to keep the music interesting and engaging.
• practice fun techniques you can use from the center or side of the circle
• explore practices for better listening and better learning.
• learn how to “teach without teaching” using the Village Music Circles protocol.
• spend time with other playful and empowering humans.
• build community and facilitate human potential through rhythm.
• further develop your own techniques for self-critique.
• become better able to meet the needs of your target populations.
• learn to apply these skills to other settings and populations.
• return to your community, school, etc., with a wealth of new ideas.

What does this program entail?

In 20+ hours of training, participants will have extensive practice opportunities in the facilitation techniques and the skills needed to lead a drum circle event for a variety of populations.

The playshop will include a mix of different teaching styles, where group instruction and discussions combine with large and small group activities that use movement, voice, musical instruments, and improvisational rhythm games. Gentle critique and feedback are an important part of the learning process to help you improve.

In addition to the instruction and hands-on practice time, opportunities for networking with other facilitators of many cultures, backgrounds, and experience levels provide stimulation and inspiration to developing facilitators.

The Basic Facilitators’ Playshop is a high-powered, dynamic experience, full of joyful music making and opportunities for creative PLAY.

Required Reading: Drum Circle Facilitation: Building Community Through Rhythm, by Arthur Hull

Who is this training for?

• Group facilitators of all kinds
• Music therapists & music teachers
• Counselors, social workers & therapists
• Musicians & drummers
• Community & youth activities organizers
• School teachers
• Wellness & life coaches
• Community groups & families
• Healthcare professionals
• Corporate trainers
• Ministers & spiritual leaders
• Anyone seeking inspiration & new skills!

Who will be leading this training?

Village Music Circles Certified Global Trainer Mike Deaton, a professional Drum Circle Facilitator steeped in the Village Music Circles protocol for over 20 years. Mike’s fun-loving nature and gentle training style help create a safer space for learning, no matter what your skill level and experience.

Working alone and with others in the field, including Arthur Hull, Jim Donovan, Mary Knysh, and others, Mike has been a teacher or co-trainer at over 50 weekend events and countless standalone workshops. He has dedicated his life to building community and using musical tools and expressive arts to empower others to create their own positive transformations.

For more information / to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drum-circle-facilitator-playshop-with-mike-deaton-3-day-training-tickets-598462516497 

or email mdeatonarts@gmail.com