Drum Talk by George Grant

A nice balance of structure and freedom. I felt very comfortable, free, and supported by everyone.

Before half way through the playing, I was able to use my voice, along with instrumental tone and volume to accent it, without thinking about doing it,
or being self-conscious ... thus bring my body into a connected state with the music, and into a meditative state.

Personally, Saturday was HUGE for me. I was fearless! WOW! It was the first time for me to stay fearless the whole time. And funny thing, as a result, my voice seemed to cooperate! It felt so good! I was in the flow! I found that it went by so fast. I couldn't believe it had been so many hours when we ended. Once again, I felt we were just getting started and it was over. I wanted to start the sound back up again and ride wave number two. On the way driving home, C and I couldn't stop chanting. New development: I'm able to be confident and come up with cool patterns too! (novice-cool, of course. But it's a big deal for me to do one that I don't think "how stupid" about.) Overall, I thought it was Excellent. I had some big breakthroughs. I feel totally comfortable now. The fear has largely dissipated! It's just such a wonderful energy to delve into and swim around in without fear! Thank you thank you thank you. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

I enjoyed having all by old believes scattered. I just want more. Who knows what I might be able to break through. I liked the safe environment to stretch in.

Out of this world. I'm getting goose-bumps. I'm thrilled everything is somehow coming together. I enjoyed listening as much as contributing. I enjoyed the fundamentals of music theory taught in an extremely palatable, easy to understand pattern. Emphasis on listening and sensitivity was superb. I learned I can musically do a lot more than I once believed.

I learned to listen to the other instruments talking, learning when to back out and when to be subtle. We actually began having conversations.

What I liked best was getting to feel the music without the mathematical dissecting one normally associates with rhythm patterns; saying instead of counting.

I've learned that I like myself more because I can feel good making music. I now have the tools to make music for myself without judgement.

I learned to feel comfortable that I can do it by myself, even if it is not in time or perfect.

I realize that I have not been embarrassed for other people because they are not "doing it the right way". By celebrating and enjoying another person "just going for it" there is a realization in me that I might be able to allow the same attitude for myself.

I will be more willing to try new experiences and learn from then instead of being afraid. There is so much to try in this life and I need to start trying.

These simple vocal adventures we have had are causing big impact in my life – way beyond just voice. And I feel as though I've just had a small bite of a tremendous feast. So much more unfolding to look forward to!

For people who had never before made music in a group like this, we were sounding pretty okay -- amazing what listening to each other can produce.

This is experience in creating, not in following.

When I let myself enjoy the sounds I'm making, rather than worrying about the way I'm sounding (how silly), there is a noticeable vibration around me. When we all do this, we find a groove.

If even one of us had not been here, the music would have been different.

To take a risk to express inner feelings and intuition is an important continuing theme for me.

This process can really help me. I think many people are afraid to "go out on a limb," but with group support, I feel comfortable being expressive.

If the steady support began to fail while I was being more expressive, I would fall back and pick up the beat. I think this is what is meant by "being a team player."

For me, the creative process is something that helps me to discover my hidden ability. I've always felt I was not a creative person. However, this class shows me I AM capable to be creative!

I have found a great way to release stress and remain connected to my source. I'm heightened and grounded simultaneously. I will be able to use the vocal toning every time I want to clear my mind.

Several times there were lots of empty spaces which made the music all the more interesting. I stopped completely several times and simply enjoyed the music. When I felt I had something to add, I joined back in. This is soothing, so freeing, after a busy day. It calms by whole body, and most of all my mind. It is all absorbing. When we finished, there was a silence, a peace. All the confusion of the day was over -- tranquility reigned.

We all seemed to get more brave, more intuitive than thoughtful; awareness not based in conscious thought, and yet it is conscious, just not so "linear."

I had struggled with piano for five years and was very apprehensive about coming to the workshop. My husband really loves drumming, so I wanted to develop and explore music with him. I was absolutely determined to watch, observe, and not participate. I was worried I might make a fool of myself or annoy other people. The workshop was very non-threatening and other people were just starting to learn music too. To say the syllable rhythms really clicked for me. Without having to follow a specific song, I was able to make up patterns as well as anybody else. Like baby-steps, I felt "I can do this." I was so excited after the workshop that I went home and just jammed on the piano by myself. Later that night, I felt comfortable and adequate enough to play drums with my husband, who I consider a professional player. It seemed like we were equal partners, both relating to each other's patterns, instead of me just fooling around while he just tolerated me. During a break at work one day at work, I felt comfortable to just let go and jam on my recorder in front of two friends who read music – without worrying that I wasn't playing a specific "song." When my friends asked me what song I was playing, I was totally comfortable to say it was just me jamming. They asked me if I wanted to learn Amazing Grace. Without fear, I just followed along and learned the melody by ear. This experience has been magical for me; virtually miraculous.

Comments by Adult Participants – Drum Talk® and Freedom Through Vocal Toning

Comments by Adult Participants – Drum Talk^® and Freedom Through Vocal Toning