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 developed this training?

Village Music Circles utilizes the Drum Circle Facilitation techniques developed by its founder, Arthur Hull. Arthur has dedicated his life to making the joy of rhythm accessible to people everywhere. Through his trainings, books, DVDs, and music, Arthur strives to bring people a direct experience of the joy of rhythm; empowering others to carry the positive impact of community building through rhythm forward into their own lives and community.

Arthur has sparked the world-wide movement of drum circle facilitation, creating a new and internationally recognized profession of the Drum Circle Facilitator. Arthur’s goal is to help this growing community develop and build a strong platform from which values-based professionalism can emerge.

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.

 

Welcome to a town called Harmony!

We will gather for the weekend in the town of Harmony, Pennsylvania, about a half hour north of Pittsburgh, in a renovated 130-year-old opera house. The venue is on the second floor, accessible by stairs.

The space is called The Center of Harmony
253 Mercer Street
Harmony, PA 16037

Harmony is a lovely little town. Coffee, crepes, soups, baked goods, ice cream, and more are available downstairs from the venue, with other dining options within a short walking distance.

 

Registration and Program Fees

Registrations and payments can be made through Eventbrite, or using Paypal or Venmo by emailing Mike directly at mdeatonarts@gmail.com

Please feel free to reach out about any concerns or questions you may have.

Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drum-circle-facilitator-playshop-with-mike-deaton-3-day-training-tickets-598462516497

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/903070227666479/

 

 

This weekend playshop is priced at $395

LAUNCH SPECIAL – Save $100 if you register and pay by May 15th, making your cost only $295.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – Save $50 if you register and pay by June 15^th, making your cost $345.

Lodging and meals are not included.

Instruments will be provided but please bring your favorite drums and percussion.

 

Training Schedule

Friday, July 14th: 4pm-9pm (Registration/Meet and Greet begins at 3pm. Optional “Late Night” Jam to follow, after 9pm)

Saturday, July 15th: 9am-9pm (Optional “Late Night” Jam to follow, after 9pm)

Sunday, July 16th: 9:30am-4pm

(Please note Mike is also leading a Sound Meditation session with gongs and more on Thursday, July 13th, if you are able to arrive a day early and be part of it. Playshop participants will receive a 50% discount for this Thursday session.)

 

 

Covid Safety

We are looking forward to gathering in rhythm and community and are committed to helping us all stay well and healthy. There will be ample space for physical distancing. Participants are encouraged to follow their own needs, to be safe and comfortable during the gathering.

Masks are optional and not required by the venue or organizer. We will be following safety guidelines in place at the time of the training. All participants are asked to self-test for COVID before departing for the playshop. If you are feeling unwell or have been exposed to someone with Covid please stay home.