1. Have participants remove their rings before playing hand drums. This protects their rings AND the drums.

2. If you use chairs – make sure they don’t have arm rests to best facilitate drumming.

3. Identify “Welcomers” and “Greeters” who help people choose drums and get seated.

4. Have Remo drums and percussion instruments beautifully displayed to allow people to discover the instrument that best fits their unique personality

5. Be clear about the purpose and intention of the drum circle…what it is and what it isn’t. Drum Circles are not a cure, but rather a tool that gets defined by the individual experience. Drum Circle

6. Start with a strong beat that isn’t too fast to follow. Often a low bass drum goes a long way to hold down the rhythm.

7. Try having people add into a groove one at a time. The rhythm will naturally build and it allows people the opportunity to really listen to each other.

8. Acknowledge the Ancestors and Cultures that have been practicing group drumming for centuries.

9. End the circle with a “one-word symphony.” Have each person stand up and say one word about their experience in the drum circle. Let the group find their own rhythm of speaking their word. Conclude with everyone standing.

10. Ask them if they want to come back and do it again!