A while back I had a request for lessons from someone who had physical disabilities. It was on recommendation from their doctor that they try drum lessons.

I wasn’t sure how I could help, but we started the lessons. I taught this person like any other student and a few things enlightened me on our journey of teaching and learning to play the drums.

Because of the physical nature drumming, the mind and body connection with counting notes and bars of music, and then lining up your limbs to play what you count or hear, I discovered that drumming might be a great physiotherapy tool.

With the challenge of this person’s disability, the nature of which was unknown to me,  this student had trouble using their left hand and left foot. It was as though the left limbs weren’t accepting the brain signals 100%, resulting in an impaired movement.

We started the ride cymbal first, then the hi hat with the left foot, we added the bass drum with the right foot, then the snare drum with the left hand. Slowly over a few lessons I could see these connections being made. It was amazing! We got as far as being able to play basic quarter note and 8th note drum patterns.

In two short months I witnessed some incredible improvement, and this person was learning to play despite the challenge presented by the disability.

I’m not a doctor, physiotherapist or health care provider/professional but if anyone needs physiotherapy or has disabilities, they may want to discuss drumming with their health care provider. The mind and body connection with learning to play the drums may be of some benefit.

Cheers.