We’ve all heard that hand drumming can be healing and serve as medicine. It’s frequently referenced in Western New Age circles for tantric release, yoga, meditation, and various other practices. And I do not doubt it or challenge this.
But I also wonder, does anyone truly study the significance of the drum, or are we simply making these claims because they sound appealing and are effective marketing tools? Everyone claims to know, but I claim to not know. That’s why I dedicate myself to studying and seeking more understanding. I ask questions and look for information.

I’m not suggesting anyone is doing anything wrong, but why not take the time to learn about the drum, whatever drum you are trying to play or use, before asserting all these different uses? Why not explore its cultural origins, the communities, elders, and societies from which it comes, and what it has traditionally been used for?

Before trying to incorporate it into our new age blend of healing, magic, and personal practice, shouldn’t we understand its roots? I find it interesting that we would never think to do this with any other instrument. I understand that the drum is magnetic; it pulls us to it. Young children and babies are drawn to it. That’s beautiful! It gives immediate satisfaction without any knowledge or technique, but we all need to realize it goes way beyond this. To think it does not—believing we already know it all to me, is simply arrogant.

Why not learn about the musical compositions and how to play it? Why not respect it as a legitimate musical instrument and a form of artistic expression, rather than trying to reinvent it as something entirely new? Why do we feel the need to create something novel? I understand that many people want to have fun, and learning doesn’t negate that, learning is essential with any instrument. It’s no different than with guitar or piano. There are techniques, systems, and deep cultural histories behind it.

Respect, understanding, and genuine study enrich our connection to the instrument and the culture it embodies. Part of the healing process—if we truly want to heal, is to realize that part of sickness and disease can stem from arrogance. Thinking we don’t need to do certain things—whether dietary choices, exercise, mental practices, or others, can hinder healing. At its highest level, healing comes from humility. The mind and ego can trick us into believing we don’t have to do anything.

“It is all about being creative, doing your own thing, expressing yourself freely.” These concepts and attitudes are often closely linked to hand drumming jams and sound great in theory. We all have our own inner rhythm. But if this is all you know, if this is your only way of playing, and you are honest with yourself, it can be very limiting. Many of us can often find ourselves stuck playing the same things repeatedly.

If you attend any community drum jam that has been happening regularly for many years, it’s no surprise that it sounds exactly the same as it did ten years ago. At least, that’s my experience. People don’t improve without training and learning. Experimentation is wonderful, but with a larger repertoire or a solid foundation, you can be even more creative. Even with a limited palette, basic colors, if you understand how to mix and match, if you’ve been taught or have figured it out, there’s much more you can do than just mixing all the colors together every time, which results in a muddy brown.

So, learn the basics of the instrument.