Drum & Dance Classes
for Individuals with Special Needs

On Zoom and In Person Socially Distanced Classes!
Tara Murphy leads creative dance and drum classes for children and adults with special needs and developmental disabilities. It is a great time to release energy, lift spirits, connect with others, have fun, and get healthy exercise.

Special needs drum & dance classes begin with energetic, rhythmic dance for the first 30 minutes. Participants move to exciting recorded Afropop, world music or traditional African drumming. First the class works on moving the whole body from head to toe, and practicing specific African-inspired dance steps. Then participants can have some fun by playing various dance games, where they can express themselves creatively through their movement, emotions and imagination.

Next, the class jams out with African drums for the next 30 minutes. Tara provides all drums and small percussion for students and staff. The group learns hand drumming technique and a succession of rhythms which are played as an ensemble, according to individual ability. Tara often introduces various other African and world music instruments that students can play and explore along with the drums. The classes often include simple, fun chants throughout, to accompany the drumming. These rhythmic sessions provide great therapeutic value and group connection.

Scientific studies show that the effects of group drumming are more powerful than medications in alleviating anxiety and depression, as well as relieving pain and boosting the immune system. Group drumming boosts people's overall mood and spirits, providing easeful and healing social interaction.

See Article about Therapeutic Drumming

For more information please contact: 508-274-8626 or info@ammaya.org