Drumming Taster Session

RCT People First are a charity that is run by and for people with learning disabilities who live in the areas of Rhondda-Cynon-Taff. Their aim is to empower their members to challenge prejudice and discrimination through training, education, and support.

The workshops with CMW will take place in the vestry of Tre Rhondda Chapel and is part of Adult Learners Week 2022. The average age of this learner group is around 35 years, both 1-hour sessions will be delivered to groups of around 10 participants which will include some staff and helpers from RCT people first. We hope to inspire a passion for learning something new for all those taking part, and through this fun inclusive learning process we aim to help improve health and wellbeing, as well as building self-confidence.

It has been shown that ensemble drumming supports social and emotional wellbeing and is a positive, non-competitive, team-building activity that everyone can participate in together, regardless of age or ability. Playing a drum affirms an individual’s existence and is an expressive outlet that helps to release emotions and stress in a positive way.

Group drumming is fundamentally an experience of listening and rhythm-making and the innate connection between drumming and counting is clear as rhythms contain a wealth of mathematical processes that can be experienced in a creative and participatory way. There are other educational aspects too relating to the history and geographical roots of the various drums being used.