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The
Disabled Drummers Association prides itself in its ability to serve.
Our members are always on hand to lend an ear, give valuable advice,
provide joy through music and offer support where needed. Our clinics
present our members as talented, responsible individuals who find
music therapeutic, uplifting and empowering and share the experience
through audience participation. Although the majority of DDA members
are challenged in some way, we demonstrate that the love of musical
expression is the common denominator that transcends all disabilities
and is a proven factor in the recovery of many patients.
Music
therapy has been used in a variety of cultures for centuries. The
practice of using drums to aid in healing is as viable as the now
popular recreational therapy. Both target range of motion, coordination
and applied repetition to gain strength. Drumming creates focus
of attention, memory skills, hand-eye coordination and concept development.
The added sound aspect of using drums is soothing and builds self-confidence
as the patient realizes they have created music that had never been
heard before. Where no previous music skills were present, performed
drum rhythms comfort, relieve anxiety, and engage the individual
in a group activity with instant gratification. Hand percussion
promotes strength in hands, wrists, arms and shoulders while addressing
mental awareness through “time keeping” with the music.
While
therapy is crucial to a patient’s recovery, why not make it
fun? Time spent doing boring exercises can be transformed into “music
class” – something to look forward to and get your therapy
at the same time. While music therapy does not eliminate the need
for other specialized therapy programs, it certainly can work in
concert with the specified regime and bring patients closer to their
goals.
Adding
music therapy to a school curriculum is not a novel idea, but has
been eliminated in the past due to budget issues. It’s a proven
fact that students do better in math and with problem-solving skills
when exposed to music. The DDA is prepared to offer our services
to make this unique program affordable to even the smallest venue.
A facility may acquire a minimum amount of inexpensive hand percussion
instruments and the DDA may supply drums to use in each session.
Or the facility may wish to supply and store their own equipment
to be used at any time for its students to enjoy and have DDA members
instruct faculty members in the playing of such equipment to full
benefit.
The
DDA’s main objective is that if music is in your soul, we
wish to help develop its voice. Music sparks creativity that can
be carried over to other aspects of life and while a session may
last and hour, the benefits last a lifetime.
Who
can benefit from this program?
Surgery
Patients
Transitional
Care Units
Nursing
Homes
Children's
Facilities
Schools
(All Grade Levels)
Care
Givers
Social/Corporate
Venues
Clubs
/ Events / Expos
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