This fall, SWAN and Music for Everyone (MFE) joined forces to launch a new Therapeutic Drumming Program, a pilot initiative made possible through a generous grant from the Reese Foundation. The program brings together the expertise of Matt Woodson, MFE’s Director of Community Percussion, and Janet Rawleigh, SWAN’s Rising Stars Director, to educate School District of Lancaster (SDoL) staff on how to use drumming as a tool for healing, regulation, and connection.
Through a series of professional development seminars, Matt and Janet are equipping educators, school social workers, Home School Visitors, and Deans of Students with practical ways to use drumming to help children and families create healthy rhythms, both literally and emotionally. The sessions focus on building personal, social, and cognitive skills while helping participants experience first-hand the therapeutic power of rhythm.
Finding Joy in the Beat
During one of the SDoL development day seminars, Matt shared a personal story that captured the heart of the program. As a child, his father brought home a drum set for his brother, who quickly lost interest. Matt, however, was drawn to it. Without formal training, he began to play simply because “it felt good.”
That simple statement, because it feels good,” became a powerful illustration of music’s natural ability to comfort, energize, and heal. Matt and Janet built on that theme throughout the session, showing participants how drumming can help others “feel good” again, especially those coping with stress, trauma, or emotional dysregulation.
Learning Through Experience
Each seminar walks participants through the benefits of therapeutic drumming, demonstrates key techniques, and then invites everyone to join in a full interactive session. Educators break into small groups, practice facilitating activities, and even take turns leading rhythmic exercises.
It doesn’t take long before the room transforms, laughter rises, tension melts, and a contagious energy fills the space. During the “rumble” activity, you can visibly see participants relax within minutes, rediscovering the simple joy of making music together.
As the sessions progress, ideas begin to flow. One participant suggested connecting drumming with classroom “community time,” using rhythm alongside the RULER Mood Meter to help students express how they’re feeling. Others brainstormed ways to introduce drumming into daily routines, whether using body percussion, desks, or buckets.
Building Connections That Last
When the second seminar series launches, SWAN and MFE will provide each participant with a bucket drum setup featuring a Remo snap-on drumhead, giving them a practical way to bring rhythm into their student interactions.
Beyond the immediate training, the broader purpose of this collaboration is to help more children and families experience the therapeutic benefits of music while deepening relationships between SWAN, MFE, and SDoL staff. Together, we’re cultivating meaningful connections that can lead to student referrals, expanded programming, and a wider circle of hope and healing.
Through rhythm, we’re helping schools and families find a new way forward, one beat at a time.
