Details and Curriculum
Why this course?
Drumming is as fundamental a form of human expression as speaking, and likely emerged long before humans ever developed the capability of using vocal organs as instruments of communication. Drum is regarded as one of the oldest instruments in the history of humanity and its power and use for healing are universal, wide ranging and all embracing. Drum therapy and group drumming have been proven to help reduce stress, increase the body’s own healing and wellbeing responses, form and strengthen bonds beetween individuals and create a sense of oneness with one another and the universe – a feeling that so many people crave in a world of isolation and loneliness. It is said that the physical and spiritual health benefits of drumming are as old as time itself.
Our training course aims at providing practitioners with the understanding, skills and confidence to use drum and rattle for personal growth and transformation as well as helping others in regaining their balance and healing their relationships, home and environment. Information and wisdom from other cultures are imparted to reinforce studies on the beneficial use of the drum in healing.
At present the School of Sacred Drumming is the only teaching college offering the authentic Sacred Drumming Practitioner Course as developed by Steven & Renata Ash.
The course is taught by Steven Ash together with Renata Ash, Ally Gerrish and Debbie Sissman.
Our Sacred Drumming Practitioner Diploma Course is widely regarded as the gold standard of drum healing training. It offers a balanced mix of shamanic teachings together with modern science and proven sound healing techniques and leaves room for the students to go deeper with the help of their designated tutor.
Completion of this training will give students the information, knowledge, tools, practice and confidence required to become a qualified Drum Healing Practitioner.
The course is certified by the School of Sacred Drumming and ratified by the CMA (Complementary Medical Association).
Successfully qualified candidates are awarded a PRACTITIONER DIPLOMA IN SOUND HEALING WITH THE DRUM and can then apply for training to become a certified tutor with the School of Sacred Drumming.
THERE ARE NO QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO ATTEND THIS COURSE FOR PERSONAL HEALING, GROWTH AND LEARNING ONLY.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS ON COURSE CONTENT AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
A limited number of partial scholarships may be awarded at the discretion of the School of Sacred Drumming, find out more and apply here.
Course Dates and Info:
MODULE 1 – Drum Birthing Module – Friday 31 January 2024 6 pm to Sunday 2 February 5 pm (in-person, planned in Bishops Cannings village hall, Wiltshire (near Avebury))
(Mandatory attendance for qualification)
MODULE TWO: 8 and 9 March 2025 (online)
MODULE THREE: 5 and 6 April 2025 (online)
MODULE FOUR: 10 and 11 May 2025 (online)
MODULE FIVE: 21 and 22 June 2025 (in-person, planned in Bishops Cannings village hall)
Please note: if you wish to qualify for the PRACTITIONER DIPLOMA IN SOUND HEALING WITH THE DRUM, you have to attend the full in-person drum birthing module (31 January to 2 February 2025), and are required to attend least 80% of all other training sessions.
Recordings of online sessions are provided, and personal tutors can help to catch up on missed attendance if needed.
Cost:
£1495
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION (until 30 November 2024):
£1345
Course fee includes course manual, drum- and rattle making materials and dedicated tutor support.
Payment plans available on registration.
Depending on personal circumstances, a limited number of partial scholarships may be awarded at the discretion of the School of Sacred Drumming. If you would like to be considered, please do not book through the link below, instead please find further details and apply here.
Additional costs:
- Practitioner Certificate issue fee £30
- ca. £20-50 for student insurance & ca. £35 for online first aid certification (this also applies if you want to perform case studies outside of the course sessions, but not aiming for qualification).
Or click here to book our combined Self-Healing and Practitioner Training course for a special discounted price!
Curriculum:
Module 1 – Every journey begins with the first step
In-Person Drum Birthing
- The art of smudging – cleansing rituals
- First explorations into the Sacred Directions and the Medicine Wheel
- Creating Sacred Space
- Making and Birthing your own Inipi Medicine Drum
- Drum opening in sacred ceremony – connecting with the spirit of your drum
- Starting on your medicine rattle
Students start the course by making their own personal, double sided medicine drum and rattle. This step is compulsory even if the prospective drum healer already owns a drum, since it gives students deep insight into their own hidden patterns and memories that may block their healing, growth and successful completion of their training.
Module 2 – Thinking out of the box
Online
Part 1:
- Talking Circle, review of Module 1 and opportunity for Q&A
- Initiating and blessing your drum and rattle
- Meditative exploration of the dynamics of the Medicine Wheel and your place in it
- Finding your allies in the Sacred Directions for guidance and protection
Part 2:
- Introduction to Drum Medicine
- Distant Drum Healing
- Experiencing Drum Healing in a drumming circle
- Drumming and Medicine Songs
Module 3 – Learning to listen
Online
Part 1:
- Talking Circle, review of Module 2 and opportunity for Q &A
- Anatomy of drum and rattle
- Intuitive listening using different drum sound techniques
- Introduction to Drum Healing
- Standing Protocol & practice
Part 2:
- Introduction to Trance Journeys
- Middle World Journeys
- Accessing your ancestors, tree, stone, herb and animal helpers and allies
- Sitting Protocol & practice
Module 4 – Deepening into Trust
Online
Part 1:
- Talking Circle and review of previous weekends
- Lying Down Protocol exploration and practice
- Lower World Journeys
Part 2:
- Running a drumming circle
- Facilitating a drum bath
- Introduction to support tools: voice, crystals, vibrational essences etc.
- Upper World Journeys
Module 5 – Taking your place in the circle
In-Person
- Talking Circle and Q&A
- Review and practice of drum healing protocols
- Review of trance journeys with rattle and drum
- Creating Sacred Space within and in the world around us
- Healing ourselves – Healing the earth
- Everything is Wakan (sacred)
- Drumming for peace within and without
- Sacred Pipe Ceremony
- Closing and Blessing Ceremony