Rhythmic Developmental Programs

Critical Thinking (CT) skills facilitate decision-making, research, and problem-solving, simultaneously fostering curiosity and creativity. These skills are imperative not only for personal growth but also for navigating a world inundated with an ever-expanding trove of information and sources. They prove especially invaluable in navigating under-resourced institutions and identifying pathways to success.

CT recognizes the necessity of considering divergent worldviews and cultural norms at times, without imposing judgment, in order to foster true understanding. This awareness serves to heighten empathy and compassion. Critical thinkers also excel in communication, as they can eloquently present pertinent evidence in support of their arguments and respond adeptly to the evaluation of contradictory claims. CT skills bolster self-esteem, confidence, and self-efficacy.

Critical thinking also encompasses a metacognitive process, wherein the individual is attuned to their own thinking process and analysis.  A critical thinker eagerly challenges their own belief systems in pursuit of reliable evidence. Rhythmic Roots Revolution programs actively identify and cultivate CT skills, providing students with a valuable reference point for applying these skills in both educational settings and their personal lives.

As social beings, humans rely on relationships for various aspects of their existence.  Throughout life, relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and broader communities provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. These connections fulfill fundamental needs such as love, acceptance, and understanding, contributing to mental and emotional well-being. 

Additionally, relationships serve practical purposes, facilitating cooperation, collaboration, and the exchange of resources and knowledge. Beyond mere survival, thriving in society often hinges on the quality of one's relationships, as they shape opportunities for personal growth, success, and fulfillment. Therefore, the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships is deeply ingrained in human nature and plays a vital role in both individual prosperity and collective flourishing.

Sessions consist of drum instruction and practice, musical games, and discussions of lesson themes.  Drum circle dynamics are explored and discussed and linked to the dynamics that take place in all groups in life, i.e. school, work, church, team sports, ad infinitum.  Each session focuses on relationship themes like communication, identity, teamwork, and managing emotions.  The groups work together to set and enforce boundaries, explore social issues through rhythm analogies, and prepare for their final performance.

Rhythmic Roots Revolution provides all drums and instruments.  Facilities need only provide chairs and a space where we won’t disrupt other residents or operations.  One or more facility staff are welcome and encouraged to participate with groups.  Wherever possible, Rhythmic Roots Revolution makes the final performance an open-mic talent show with guest performers and MCs.

Mentors introduce relevant topics with various supporting data for the group to collectively and critically unpack.  A word bank is developed on a marker board during the discussion.  Two or three literary devices are introduced and practiced before students work on their original pieces, drawing from the discussion and word bank.  Students are encouraged to write with clarity and authenticity without worrying about sophistication or grammar.  As students’ ability to articulate arguments and express themselves grow, so does their self-confidence and motivation to improve other aspects of their lives.  

Through writing, participants are able to tell their stories, reflect on the past, and decide how they will write the next chapter of their lives.   Before each session ends, students are encouraged to read their work aloud in a supportive environment. Wherever possible, Rhythmic Writing students are offered the opportunity to read and perform their work at a Rhythmic Roots Revolution open-mic event.

Most lessons are 1-1.5 hrs and self-contained though some span several weeks for larger, more sophisticated projects..  Workshops can be delivered weekly or biweekly for as long as desired.  Artwork can be taken home or displayed inside host facilities.  Wherever possible Rhythmic Art students are offered the opportunity to display and discuss their work at a Rhythmic Roots Revolution open-mic performance.

Students who participate in arts learning experiences often improve their achievement in other realms of learning and life. In a well-documented national study using a federal database of over 25,000 middle and high school students, researchers from the University of California at Los Angeles found students with high arts involvement performed better on standardized achievement tests than students with low arts involvement.