Run the whole arc
Open a circle, guide it through the middle, and close it cleanly β using a structure you can repeat with any group, in any room.
In person Β· One day Β· Pittsburgh area
Lead Drum Circles with Confidence
One focused, in-person day. A clear, step-by-step system for leading a circle from the first beat to the last β so you always know what comes next. No musical experience needed.
- Sat Β· Oct 24, 2026
- Youngwood, PA
- 5 contact hours
- CEU / CME eligible
$297
$497
Early registration
Reserve my spot β
Drums provided Β· Beginners welcome Β· Tickets transferable
Teaching drum circles since 1999
3,000+ live events led
Trained staff at the VA, NASW & PA DHS
Faculty, Saint Francis University
A recent training. No one in this photo had led a drum circle before that morning.
What you leave with
Four things you'll be able to do by 3:30 that afternoon
This is a working day, not a lecture. Every skill below is taught, demonstrated, and then practiced by you before you go home.
Start rhythm anywhere
The βrhythm seedβ method gets a room of strangers playing together inside the first two minutes, without teaching anyone to drum.
Stay steady under pressure
Handle resistance, mixed abilities, and things going sideways without freezing or forcing it. Mistakes become part of the process.
Lead in front of people
You'll facilitate a real segment with a small group of peers and get specific, useful feedback β before you do it for a client.
βI had a woman tell me outright she had no rhythm and would just be watching. I used the tools Jim gave me. By the end she was on a djembe, telling me how surprised she was to find she had musical ability after all.βDiana H. β after her first circle post-training
How the day runs
Doors at 8:30. Downbeat at 9:00.
Five contact hours, split into two working sessions with a real lunch break in between.
9:00 AM β 12:00 PM
Part one Β· Skill building
The core facilitation structure, rhythm seeds, and how to open a circle so people actually join in.
12:00 β 1:30 PM
Lunch
On your own. Bring something, or restaurants are five minutes away.
1:30 β 3:30 PM
Part two Β· Practice & mock circle
You lead. Small-group practice, feedback, then a full mock drum circle run start to finish.
Ends 3:30 PM Β· Free parking beside the building
Who this is for
Built for people who work with groups β not for musicians
If you can clap a steady beat and repeat it, you have everything you need to start.
Continuing education credit
Music therapists are eligible for 5 CMTE credits. Recreational therapists are eligible for 5 CEUs through NCTRC. Everyone receives a signed PDF Certificate of Completion documenting contact hours.
Your instructor
Jim Donovan, M.Ed.
Jim has been leading drum circles and trainings since 1999 β more than 3,000 live events and thousands of trainees worldwide. His teaching style is practical, inclusive, and built on what actually happens in a room full of real people.
- Co-founder of the multi-platinum band Rusted Root
- TEDx speaker
- Has trained professionals at the VA, NASW, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and Pyramid Healthcare
- Assistant Professor of music and wellness, Saint Francis University
Everything included
Your registration covers the day β and everything after it
- Five contact hours of hands-on, in-person instruction
- Drums and percussion provided β bring your own if you prefer
- Signed Certificate of Completion (PDF)
- Lifetime access to the on-demand Drum Circle Leadership video tutorials
- PDF copy of the Drum Circle Leadership manual
- Script cheat sheets β activity setups and exactly what to say
- A 14-point checklist to run before every session
- Starter Rhythms PDF you can use from day one
- Peer-reviewed research citations on rhythm and health, for proposals and reports
- Lifetime access to the private graduates group for ongoing support
- Bonus online modules covering material there isn't time for in person
- Discounts and early access to future in-person trainings
From past trainees
What people say after the day is over
Above and beyond what I expected on every level. It was seriously one of the best trainings I have ever attended. Jim gives you everything you need to facilitate your own drum circle.
Jim has distilled many facilitation functions to their core essence, with simple language that creates ease in understanding, learning, and delivering. Great for seasoned facilitators as well as those brand new to it.
One word: FABULOUS. I learned how to be an effective drum circle leader. A very energetic, fun, and nonjudgmental space to rock it out comfortably.
At first I was concerned about my lack of percussion experience. That went away rather quickly β Jim gave us the tools to smile and keep going. I gained so much confidence from this course.
Since the training I've run a circle with older adults and worked the skills into a bereavement music session for kids. They're seamlessly incorporating themselves into my work. Bright smiles, hugs, even tears from participants.
Jim has thoughtfully developed a model and a process that maximizes success for his students. Anyone who believes time spent learning should be joyous and fun will find this resonates.
There are no mistakes in the circle. If a person thinks they made one, just keep playing β louder, and smile bigger. My mind, heart, and spirit continue to smile because of this philosophy.
I ran a hugely successful circle with a group of women in recovery. I've never received so many hugs and handshakes in one evening. What a difference this course has made.
I was worried about remembering everything packed into the training. Jim made it so clear, with plenty of opportunities to practice, that I feel confident to lead a drum circle event next weekend.
Register
Join the training on October 24
$297
$497
Early registration ends October 1, 2026 Β· Space is limited to keep the group small
Yes β reserve my spot β Secure checkout Β· Instant confirmation by emailCan't make it after all? Tickets are fully transferable to any future training.
Questions
Before you register
Do I need musical or drumming experience?
No. This training is designed for people who work with groups, not for performers or trained musicians. Everything is taught step by step using simple rhythms and clear structure.
If you can clap along with a steady beat and repeat it, you already have what you need. If you do have musical experience, you'll find you can apply it in a new, group-focused way.
Do I need to bring a drum?
No β drums and percussion are provided. You're welcome to bring your own if you'd prefer. Jim also brings a collection of high-end drums, rattles, and percussion available to use and to purchase.
Can I earn continuing education credit?
Yes. Music therapists are eligible for 5 CMTE credits, and recreational therapists are eligible for 5 CEUs through NCTRC. All attendees receive a signed PDF Certificate of Completion documenting 5 contact hours.
What's the refund and transfer policy?
There are no refunds, but tickets are fully transferable β you can move your registration to any future training, or pass it to a colleague. If weather or an emergency forces a cancellation, the event is rescheduled and your ticket carries over.
Where is it, and where do I park?
The Event Center at Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, PA 15697 β about 40 minutes south of Pittsburgh. Parking is free and directly beside the building.
Flying in? Pittsburgh International is 40 minutes away; Arnold Palmer Regional in Latrobe is 21 minutes. Ground transportation isn't provided. There are good hotels in Greensburg and New Stanton, just down the road.
What should I bring?
- A sweatshirt or sweater β rooms run cool
- Journal and pen
- Water and snacks
- Lunch, if you'd rather not drive out (restaurants are 5 minutes away)
What happens after the training day?
You get lifetime access to the on-demand video modules covering material there isn't time for in person, the full Drum Circle Leadership manual and script cheat sheets, and a private graduates group where you can ask questions and trade ideas as you start running your own circles.
You already work with groups. Add rhythm to what you do.
One Saturday. Five hours. A skill you'll use for the rest of your career.
Reserve my spot β $297 β$297 $497
Sat Β· Oct 24 Β· Youngwood, PA
