The Masterpiece Living Lyceum set the bar for adult learning environments and “walked the talk” at their second annual event for continuing-care retirement community leaders. Imparting knowledge and discussion with strong doses of fun sets the Masterpiece Living Lyceum apart from other conferences.

After lunch on Tuesday, Lyceum participants entered the neighboring room set up with an inner and outer circle of chairs – each chair with a drum. Jana Broder, founder and owner of Drum Magic, addressed the group from the center of the circle and briefly explained that Drum Magic evolved from her early “gigs” in the senior communities.

Jana’s voice resonated over our group exuding a love for her art. She demonstrated how to hold the instrument to generate the best sound. These African drums called “djembes” are covered with goat skin and designed for hand drumming. She demonstrated basic rhythms to us in bite size pieces that could be learned by even the most timid first time drummers. Anyone who was apprehensive was immediately put at ease.

Jana facilitated by example saying, “My turn, your turn” or if we jumped in too soon she would jokingly remind us, “Me first, then you.” We learned the base, rim and slap beats and another rhythm sequence combined drumming and clapping. She encouraged participants to “listen” and “turn your brain off.”

To our unified beat, Jana sang several African songs. Folks spontaneously jumped up and joined her in the center of the circle to dance. Jana led us in a round – one side of the room played their beat pattern and the second side of the room came in on her queue until we had it on our own and she drummed a solo. Equally fun was the interplay of soft and loud drumming which Jana enthusiastically conducted.

Jana shared that seniors are profoundly affected by the drum and transformations happen before your eyes. At any age, drumming has the ability to release us from our limitations and inhibitions.

Drumming is a creative experience that stimulates our brains. Our bodies and our hands hear and feel the rhythm and the vibration of sound. It is an opportunity to let our brains go on coast. Our fingers tingle and we release the stress and tension of the day by allowing our bodies to just be in the moment of joy, laughter and happiness.

 
Thank you Jana for leading us in a magical hour of drumming!

Hello Jana!

Wow! What an incredible experience!! Everyone was so energized and elated!   Here is my testimonial:

 “Having Jana at our client conference was the highlight of the week. It re-energized and at the same time relieved stress of the group. Several of our clients are going back to find local drum circle leaders in their areas. An incredible experience!”

How’s that?  It’s hard to put that experience into words.

Thanks so much!
Emily

Emily Warren
Director of Operations
Masterpiece Living, LLC