for schools:
DrumStory
Group Drumming & Storytelling for Kids :
Kindergarten through High School and youth at risk
DrumStory workshops are designed to bring children together through rhythm, music and story. While being extremely fun and engaging, these non-competitive drum workshops increase children’s self-confidence, teamwork, focus, and listening skills. Through community drumming kids learn how to play the drum and listen together and be a part of the greater group. This Class also exposes young people to many unique percussion instruments from around the globe while at the same time showing the kids on a map the geographic regions and countries these drums originate from. DrumStory workshops also use myths, stories, and teaching tales to take students on imaginative and soulful journeys. The combination of drumming and age-appropriate stories leaves kids captivated and open to important messages. Story themes can include anti-bullying strategies, self-esteem building, teamwork and more. Workshops are uplifting, powerful, and fun, and bring youth groups together in innovative ways. John can present to a classroom, assembly, camp, school, or a school district; workshops can be tailored to any size group. Drums are provided.
What people say about DrumStory:
“John had the students captivated from start to finish. He instantly connected with everyone while bringing home some very profound messages of friendship and anti-bullying.” Brenda Mauro, teacher Holliston Public School
“This was the best thing ever! I really liked the story and how he became friends with the monster in the end.” Tully, age 8
“John has been working with my extremely challenged students for over four years. His patient, sensitive, methodical approach has opened the door for them into an exciting new world of life changing rhythms. He is an extraordinary teacher.” Senta Reis, M.Ed, Valleyhead Residential Treatment Center
“I like the story because it taught me not to panic, it was a really good story and i also like the UFO drum from switzerland.” Susan, age 11
for corporations:
DrumPlay
The Rhythm of Teamwork : Corporate Drumming workshops
John de Kadt teaches drumming workshops for corporate leaders around the country. These fun team building workshops are a great way to bring executes together in a new and creative de-stressing ways. John is a master teacher who creates a safe, non-competitive environment where no prior musical experience is necessary. John customizes each workshop to ideally meet the needs and desires of the corporation and participants. All drums and other instruments will be provided. Workshops vary in length and can be tailored to meet specific requests.
What people say about DrumPlay:
“The result of the drumming circle class led by John de Kadt for our executive team was incredible! The group bonding that occurred was spontaneous, and team building.” Michael Tompkins, Asst. Managing Director, Canyon Ranch
“Very therapeutic, great for bringing the group together and listening to each other. It was fantastic!” Marion Gough, Executive Manager, Whole Foods Corporation
“John has been working with my extremely challenged students for over four years. His patient, sensitive, methodical approach has opened the door for them into an exciting new world of life changing rhythms. He is an extraordinary teacher.” Senta Reis, M.Ed., Arts Program Coordinator, Vallyhead Residential Treatment Center
“John is a talented teacher who offers great encouragement to take risks, have fun and make mistakes.” Laura Ward, Massage Therapist
“John is kind, supportive and fabulously talented; he made us feel really comfortable so we could all learn easily.” Sara Posner, Attorney
“It was a great time and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for corporate activities. Everyone here had something positive to say about the experience and people didn’t want it to end! John de Kadt was a great teacher and an amazing musician; everyone was in awe! He taught us a lot and he was a great leader for our group. I certainly think it is something that should be on everyone’s list of things to do! “ Tricia Sylvester, Administrative Coordinator, Icosystem Corporation
“We had a group of 29 and all drummed with smiles! John was a enjoyable facilitator and was able to assist all 29 of us to make music together! I would strongly suggest with confidence that others take advantage of this activity!” Linda Schertzer, Director, Corporate Accounts, Philips Healthcare, Philips Lifeline
for yoga centers:
DrumSong
The Yoga of Drumming
One of the powers of the drum lies in it’s unifying principle. In its capacity to entrain the body, mind and spirit to something greater then the sum of any individual. This alone is a healing experience to become part of the whole, internally and externally to belong to the momentum of rhythm. Come join percussionist, poet, and storyteller John de Kadt for a fun filled rhythmic exploration into the joy of group drumming. Cultures throughout history have used the drum for celebration, invocations, initiations, weddings, hunting, harvesting, healing, Shamanic journeys, and just plain fun. In this workshop we will learn hand drumming techniques, specific rhythms, group drumming skills and vocal percussion. The pulse of the drum is a primal thread which we can follow, which can carry us back into or bodies, into the rhythms of the earth and the vastness of being. Please Bring a drum if you have one, and a tape recorder if you’d like. Children and adults and families of all ages are welcome.
Host John to teach a DrumSong workshop at your yoga center. Group drumming relaxes the nervous system, strengthens the immune system, builds community and a sense of belonging and is just plain fun. John also accompanies yoga classes with live music, does a spoken word concerts with different drums from around the globe and also leads Kirtan with friends. John plays at yoga centers throughout the US.
What people say about DrumSong:
“John was totally present and very supportive with all of us. He is truly a great teacher…. the class was an inspiration” Cheryl Aittan
“John is a super talented player and teacher… the class and the concert were excellent” Chuck Baldwin
“The energy in our bodies and of the group was awesome because John facilitated the group so skillfully that we all felt included. I had a blast.” David Ginsberg
for performance:
DrumPoetry
Join world percussionist, poet and storyteller John de Kadt for an enchanting evening of rhythm and story that will stir the heart and ignite the imagination.
John plays many instruments from around the globe and shares mythical tales from many cultures. He performs unique drum poetry of his own work as well as those of the great mystics. Come, relax and be carried on the ancient wings of story while rooted in the rhythm of the drum….Enjoy! All ages welcome.
John de Kadt is a percussionist, poet, and storyteller. He has studied and played ethnic hand percussive instruments for 30 years and plays drums from India, Ireland, Brazil, Egypt, Switzerland, Africa, Cuba and more. He’s studied with percussion masters around the world, taught drumming on PBS and live nationally on NBC. He’s performed with David Darling, Subash Chandran, Ganesh Kumar, Jai Uttal, Robert Bly, Baba Olatunji, Colman Barks and many others. John has played on many recordings and has released three CD’s “This Rhythm Is Not Mine” and “Rhythms of the Infinite” and “One River” co created with Benjy Wertheimer. John travels internationaly performing his unique and powerful blend of poetry, story and percussion. John also loves to teach both privately and in groups and creates a safe space where learning is fun and easy.
