We believe that music is our most direct form of prayer. Drum is its' voice. We bring the same reverence and respect to our Drum Circle that we bring to any other temple, church, or sacred space.

Drums are sacred items. Not furniture. Only hands or appropriate drum sticks will touch the tops our drums. Never beat your drum. Smack a racket ball, beat a punching bag, but lovingly play your drum. They are sacred items. Never touch another person's drum without permission. If you can't find the owner, don't touch!

Leave white noise and the mundane world outside the circle. Cell phones and pagers don't belong in the circle. If you can't give yourself a few hours of uninterrupted peace, disconnect some of that technostuff and Drum a lot!

Feel free to take a break. If you have been to big Pow Wows or circles you have seen Drummers take turns. When your hands are tired, take a walk, breathe, get a drink of water. Sit and let the music flow through you. Drum is joy, as you drum more, you'll be able to drum longer. Make it an endurance contest and you'll miss the beauty part of it!

Stop thinking. Feel. Music comes from feeling, not thinking. You'll never learn a rhythm until you feel it. That's why drumming gives you more Alpha waves than meditation. It's about stilling the upper brain chatter and finding inner peace. Flow.

Take off all rings, watches, and bracelets that might scratch the drum head.

Always match the drum to the drum stick, like for like. A hide covered drum calls for a leather beater, a synthetic drum head will use wood or plastic. When in doubt, ask.

Listen. Always keep in touch with the heartsong of the lead drum. Make sure you can hear every drum in the circle. If you discover, that in you have been out drumming others, just take a beat and soften your drumming. Listen

Help others schlepp their drums. Drum is about community. Act accordingly.

Try not to interfere with the flow of the Drum Circle. If you want to talk to someone, take them aside and chat all you want. Noisy conversations and writhing children belong elsewhere. We are here to Drum!

"Why not ask a question before you Drum and let it rise on the Drum beats? When the Drumming fades back to the aethers, open yourself to an answer. In prayer we ask the questions, and in peace we get the answers, Drum can sing volumes to your inner Self. Find your heartsong and you'll choreograph every day of your life perfectly" Shawnodese Moon

MotherPeace Drumming Tips and Suggestions