& Consultation Services
Using Traditional
African Drums/Rhythm
to Relieve Stress
Drumming Out Stress with
Professor
Francis Agyakwa
Drumming Out Stress is a research and evidence-informed therapeutic drumming activity that helps professionals to relive work-related stress by learning to play the Djembe drum. Get ready to have some fun!
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Studies
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A 2014 study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine enrolled both middle-aged experienced drummers and a younger novice group in a 40-minute djembe drumming sessions. Their blood pressure, blood lactate and stress and anxiety levels were taken before and after the sessions. Also, their heart rate was monitored at 5 second intervals throughout the sessions. As a result of the trial, all participants saw a drop in stress and anxiety. Systolic blood pressure dropped in the older population post drumming.
Upcoming Event:
The Power of Communal Drumming.
“Building Community, Healing Together” at Sculpture Park 2024
The Power of Communal Drumming. “Building Community, Healing Together:
Come experience The Power of Communal Drumming as a source of healing and building community with Mr. Francis Agyakwa, a TEDx Mile High Speaker, educator, and trauma specialist. In partnership with Denver Arts and Venues.
In this workshop participants will learn the basic patterns of playing the Djembe Drum, learn about the connection and benefit of drumming and healing, and connect with other participants in a fun and supportive environment.
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Age Restriction: 11 & Older
This event is supported by Denver Arts & Venues.
Biography
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Mr. Francis Agyakwa is a first-generation Ghanaian immigrant who has called Denver home for over 20 years. He holds a dual bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver, graduate school of social work. His research work is on Building Resilience Through Self-Expression: Using Traditional African Drumming/Rhythm to heal stress. He explores the positive impact of drumming and healing on mental health and stress. Mr. Agyakwa is currently a member of the new Rhythmic Healing Project with University of Edinburgh, Scotland. As a Certified Compassion-Fatigue Educator, Mr. Agyakwa uses drumming to also help attorney’s, social workers, police officers, nurses, children, and youth in destress.
Wosom-Wosom
Training and Consultations Services
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Corporate Team Building Workshops
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Drum Circle Facilitation
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Community Healing Events
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Stress & Compassion Fatigue Counseling
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Children,Youth Program
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The program for children, youth and adolescent is a seven week session.
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Breakdown:
Week One: Introduction and building trusting Relationship. History and origin of Djembe
Week Two: Introduction to Basic concept and Rhythm of the Djembe Drum (Three beats) Engagement and Social Learning
Week Three: (Djembe Rhythm Four) Application to Cognitive processing (Hand and Brain coordination process)
Week Four: (Djembe Rhythm six)
Cognitive Process, application to Life difficulties and Lessons
Week Five: (Djembe Rhythm Seven)
Building Community and Self confidence
Week Six: (Djembe Rhythm Seven part 2)
Individual vs Group Identity formation
Week Seven: Celebration Individual and Group Performance
