Group drumming stimulates behavioral and physiological synchronization that contribute to the formation of social bonds
Helm, Dusty. “Drum Circle NAMM 2016 Drum Circle with Arthur Hull.” YouTube, YouTube Video, 22 Jan. 2016, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_fK-fnK8iU. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.
“In an interdisciplinary study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers have reported their discovery that while drumming together, aspects of group members’ heart function—specifically the time interval between individual beats (IBI) —synchronized.
“Analysis of the data demonstrated that the drumming task elicited an emergence of physiological synchronization in groups beyond what could be expected randomly. Further, behavioral synchronization and enhanced physiological synchronization while drumming each uniquely predicts a heightened experience of group cohesion.
“Our results present a multi-modal behavioral and physiological account of how synchronization contributes to the formation of the group bond and its consequent ability to cooperate,” … A manipulation in behavioral synchrony and emerging physiological coordination in IBI between group members predicts an enhanced sense of cohesion among group members.”
“We believe that joint music making constitutes a promising platform for implementing ecological and fully interactive scenarios that capture the richness and complexity of human social interaction,” says Prof. Gilboa of the Department of Music, who co-authored the study. “These results are particularly significant due to the crucial importance of groups to action, identity and social change in our world.”
Science X. “Group Drumming Stimulates Behavioral and Physiological Synchronization That Contribute to the Formation of Social Bonds.” Medicalxpress.com, Medical Xpress, 21 May 2020, medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-group-behavioral-physiological-synchronization-contribute.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.
John Boone immigrated to the small New Zealand town of Katikati from The Netherlands with his family at the age of 12. Music and drama were his favourite subjects at school and by the time he was 15, he had joined all the school bands and theatre plays. His tertiary studies at Canterbury University were funded by playing in local bands during the weekends and his passion for music continued to grow stronger. When John returned to New Zealand in 2000 after his big OE, he had an exciting idea to set up an interactive percussion business mainly, connecting people through the power of music. John brought together his experience with theatre and music and in 2003 Rhythm Interactive was born. Rhythm Interactive has travelled throughout Australasia and Asia, delighting thousands of people of all ages. TEDx Talks. “Rhythm – the Pulse of Life: John Boone at TEDxQueenstown.” YouTube, YouTube Video, 1 May 2013, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F6czP42Lhw. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.
“There are a variety of ways that drum circles are used to bring positive change, increased productivity, and employee resiliency to the workplace. …These include:
Drumming for stress reduction/resiliency, where drum circles allow employees to engage and play/share during the middle of the work day in a fun environment. The benefits include increased productivity and employee health. Typical play times are 30 to 60 minutes.
Drumming for team-building, where drum circles are used to help employees better connect and improve working relationships, critical in team concentric operations. This type of drumming is also ideal at ice-breakers and retreats to get participants to come and and engage with others. The benefits include increased expression of thoughts & ideas, improvement in productivity, and fewer errors and mis-understandings thru improved communications. Typical play times are 60-90 minutes.
Drumming for creativity & problem solving in the workplace. This is an issue in the workplace that is not well understood, where strategies range between compartmentalizing challenges to brain storming sessions. Ultimately, there are two primary forms of problem solving: 1) analytical or comparative reasoning, and 2) free-thinking where methods are employed to free up worker’s minds. The benefits include increased problem solving ability thru retraining of the mind. Typical play times are 60 to 90 minutes.
Now for some remarkable brain science and workplace development. Employees tend to play much better when not instructed as to how or what to play. The reason is, when faced with unfamiliar circumstances and no punative consequences, employees will usually rely on their innate problem solving abilities, in which case here is the ability to play music and rhythm that is innate within all of us.
As such, most groups do very well. Group drumming in the workplace then builds trust and confidence in one’s innate abilities, where typically people have either been discouraged from trusting their judgment, or have been given strict instruction not to act on their initiatives.
It is in this latter regards that strict company structure can leave employees never learning to trust their judgment in leadership, problem solving, or managerial duties. Group drumming can be just what the doctor ordered, and help usher in change towards more healthy group dynamics. Not only is this good for productivity, it’s critical for stress-relief and mental health.”
“Drum Circles Bring Resilience, Wellness, and Creativity to the Workplace.” DolleCommunications Blog, DolleCommunications Blog, 6 May 2015, dollecommunicationsblog.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/drum-circles-aid-workplace-productivity-employee-engagement-and-inclusion/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.
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