Building Confidence with Call and Response Drumming

Confidence is an important part of our lives, one of the more important aspects of a personality that affects all types of relationships and endeavors. However, finding ways to build confidence can be a challenge in itself, especially when the first step in confidence building requires a strong belief in the very self that needs that strength. There are ways, however, that a person can find an inner strength, especially with the help of others. Drumming, for instance, can be a vital tool for those seeking a way to gain confidence in the self, as well as assimilate into a non-judgmental community environment.

Drum circles have increased in popularity over the years throughout many different disciplines. These events can be based simply on community participation, or can be found in therapeutic, educational or business settings. A particular type of drumming, “call and response” drumming, has been successful in assisting participants in reaching personal goals, whether creative, social, team-building, or through building self-confidence. This technique is simple in nature – the drum circle leader or facilitator beats a simple rhythm as the “call” and the participants echo the same rhythm in “response.” Building a dialogue of rhythms, the participants not only feel more at ease with the idea of drumming, but can also benefit from being among those with similar issues.

“Call and Response” drumming is deeply rooted in the cultures from which many hand drums and percussion instruments evolved. This particular type of drumming was used as a means of communication over long distances between different tribes or groups of people. As people evolved and more modern communication took over, drumming as a whole became more of a creative, entertaining activity. However, the basic ideals of drumming remain intact today, as it is an effective way to join people together and establish relationships full of acceptance and mutual admiration for drums, rhythm and each other.

It is these relationships that can be key components of self-confidence, and can be easily established through “call and response” drumming. Additionally, being led by a facilitator through “call and response” drumming takes much of the pressure off of a drum circle newbie, and by drumming with others and feeling a level of acceptance, a person can begin to gain confidence in the self.