The Windsor-based company Inspire-works has been offering workshops in schools and workplaces across the UK since its founding by Mike and Jacqui Simpson in 2003. In those 22 years they've developed more than a dozen different workshops, broken two Guinness World Records, and thrice been finalists for Music Teacher Awards for Excellence. Workshops are currently led both in-person and online by a team of 18 facilitators (this author included) from 12 different countries.
Now they've developed ‘Drumbeatable’, a programme for educators working with 7- to 14-year-olds that is specifically designed to ‘[improve their] social and emotional resilience through group-drumming activities’. Drumbeatable allows teachers to lead their own fully customisable curriculum that Inspire-works recommends implementing over one term to a full school-year.
The course provides fresh ideas for any music teacher, but those with little to no percussion training will find it particularly helpful. With a little time and dedication, I would say even non-music teachers could lead the programme.
The practical activities are spread across six sections called the ‘Drumbeatable Stick Bag’. This comprises:
- Rhythmic Welcome – helps the participants focus and be present in the space
- Rhythmic Icebreakers – increases social interaction within the group
- Rhythmic Declarations – positive affirmations designed to build confidence
- Rhythmic Grooves – creates a sense of unity and stress-release
- Rhythmic Reflections – helps the participants express feelings and emotions
- Rhythmic Breathing – calming breathing exercises to finish each session.
Each section contains a series of carefully designed playing activities that align with the intended outcome of that module.
Drumbeatable is available at three levels (and price points):
Bronze level
The bronze package comes with an 80-page PDF containing a full breakdown of the programme, including the activities mentioned above as well as lesson plans, templates and evaluation materials. Also included is access to a two-hour live training session via Zoom on how to use the materials.
For an experienced music teacher looking for new classroom ideas, especially one with any type of percussion training, the bronze package is more than ample. These teachers will be able to quickly assimilate the content, put it into action, and develop their own variations.
Silver level
A teacher wanting more support or examples might consider the silver package. This comes with everything found at the Bronze level, but also includes unlimited email support from the Inspire-works team, and guidance videos in which Mike Simpson demonstrates how to employ the various activities.
Gold level
Teachers with little or no drumming experience can still lead Drumbeatable workshops by opting for the Gold package. This comes with everything found in the Silver package, but adds a once-per-term mentoring session with an Inspire-works trainer plus a large collection of play-along videos where Inspire-works facilitators demonstrate each of the activities.
While the musical activities can be performed on many instruments commonly found in the classroom, all three packages also entitle the purchaser to discounts on Drumbeatable Instrument Packs, a collection of portable and durable drums made by Remo, one of the most trusted names in percussion.
For this review, I was given full access to the Gold level.
There were no live facilitator training sessions scheduled before the deadline for this article, but I was able to watch a recording of the most recent session. Over two hours, Simpson gave a detailed breakdown of the entire programme, ran through the activities, and talked about best practices, common problems, and more.
Next was the Facilitator Guidance Videos, over an hour's worth of videos where Simpson explained each section of the Drumbeatable Stick Bag, and how to implement them step by step. These videos cover playing, as well as important logistical considerations like room setup and behaviour management.
I found the play-along videos that come with the Gold level to be particularly well produced. They are a helpful resource that could be shown in the classroom as an example or as a play-along track for the whole group.
I did not watch every Facilitator Guidance and play-along video in their entirety, which is a testament to the breadth of materials available, particularly at the Gold level. But, as with everything Inspire-works does, it is clear that the utmost attention has been paid to every detail.
Overall, the entire Drumbeatable programme is thoughtfully designed and clearly explained. An accessible and well-supported resource at a reasonable price point, it is perfect for teachers looking to incorporate drumming into their curriculum, regardless of musical background.
DRUMBEATABLE
from Inspire-works Bronze level: £75 one-off fee Silver level: £200 per annum Gold level: £400 per annum
inspire-works.com/drumbeatable-programme
