BeatsTHINKING – BeatsLINKING

Here are some links to sites which we have found useful, amusing or interesting. You will find an emphasis on drumming and rhythm, but there are also sites touching on our interests in workplace development and mental and physical wellbeing.

If you would like to nominate a site for inclusion (perhaps your own) or have a comment to make on an entry already here, please email us.

If your link is already here and you would prefer it not to be, please let us know.

DRUMMING AND RHYTHM

Rhythmweb Go here first, but be on notice that you may find it hard to leave this treasure house of rhythmic information, video and audio content and links. The site is created with a lot of love and with a heart for community – it is also a giant playground! Drumming without borders – treat yourself, please…!

Drummerworld There is a wealth of free video and audio on this site, devoted mainly to drum kit players. Just spend time enjoying where the rhythmic journey has taken these people.

Pete Lockett The website of one of the most accomplished multi-percussionists in the world. You will find a wealth of information on this site, where Pete has very generously made available audio and video clips as well as teaching articles on a great variety of world percussion instruments. All the material is free – you owe it to yourself to spend some time exploring this very rich site.

Chuck Silverman Chuck, based in California, has made detailed study of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and other Latin rhythms and devised some fantastic teaching materials on applying these to the drum kit. There are details of these on the site, together with some neat little video clips and information about the study/holiday trips that Chuck organises to Cuba and Brazil.

Colin Woolway’s Drumsense This is the site for Colin’s drum teaching method and teacher network. You will find plenty of free materials on drum kit playing here, and you can also look for a Drumsense tutor working near you and shop for Drumsense books. Potential tutors can find information on joining Colin’s team.

Psalm Drummers A network of Christian drummers committed to worship, healing and reconciliation.

Terl Bryant The founder of Psalm Drummers. A strong and inspiring drummer and percussionist with a fine CV. – his timing is solid as a rock. He also teaches on the place of drumming in Christian life.

Remo This American company has for many years led the way not only in drumhead manufacture, but also, more recently, in the production of numerous ethnic styles of drums and other percussion instruments. They are leaders in promoting drumming as a tool for health and wellbeing. Their site gives full details of their products and, for those so inclined, it also has a section called “Health Rhythms” devoted to current research on the health benefits of recreational music making. This is important stuff – see what you think.

UpBeat Drum Circles The website of Christine Stevens, an American music therapist and one of Remo’s key facilitators. Christine is a persuasive advocate of drumming for health and her site contains much useful information on the subject.

Meinl Another innovative percussion manufacturer, with extremely well-made products.

Footes London store dealing in all things percussive. Online shop is available on the website.

Starland Supplier of all sorts of musical instruments and equipment, not just drums, with online ordering facility. They deal in a wide range of percussion suitable for use in schools – worth a look.

THE WIDER WORLD OF MUSIC, SOUND AND HEALTH

BBC Reith Lectures 2006 The place to find the broadcast lectures by the conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim on the theme “In The Beginning Was Sound”. Major themes of the lectures are that music is a key, but rather neglected, resource for us in making sense of our lives and relationships and that music can be a force for reconciliation and conflict resolution. You do not have to be a classical musician to appreciate the force of his message, which is a timely one.

The Sound Agency An innovative agency helping companies address issues of sound in their business activities and working environments. Julian Treasure, its founder, is keenly aware of the positive and adverse effects of sound in public spaces and in our everyday lives. Our culture so often ignores the issue of sound and noise pollution and generally prioritises the visual over the acoustic. The site will give you plenty of insights into this neglected area (it also looks good).

Swansongs a research project on the relationship between musical structure and the neurophysiology of Alzheimer's. The project highlights the vital role that music plays in memory and giving structure to our thoughts. The project also rests on the fundamental truth of the innate musicality of human beings.

Arts for Health An international centre offering advice and consultancy for creative planning, funding and commissioning of arts and cultural projects in the healthcare services.

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital This link will take you to the area of the hospital’s site summarising the way the arts are deployed there to promote health.

Dave Cooke The man who brought you the PC World jingle and the music to “Chucklevision” as well as other treats. Check out his showreel.

COACHING, FACILITATION AND ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE

Phil Lowe Phil is a coach, facilitator and writer gifted with high professional standards, clarity of communication and a keen mind. His sharp wit and writing style also enable him to take a sideways look at management issues in his regular e-column “The Friday Alternative” (also available as a podcast). Insight and laughter – a dream combination.

Claremont Management Consultants Claremont’s work covers “the areas of strategy, people development and change”, in particular working with complexity, as this “provides the interconnectedness and diversity which are essential to innovation, agility and success in a fast-changing and dynamic world”. Holistic thinking for business and organisations.

Practive Consultancy working particularly in the area of interpersonal and communication skills as a means to promote the healthy performance of organisations. They have a friendly, creative and positive approach that has secured them a strong client list.

Centre for Change Consultancy with special expertise in serving the legal profession and in helping lawyers get the best out of their relationships with clients and colleagues. As the website states: “the strength of an organisation lies in encouraging individual creativity, responsibility and power in each of its members.”

brains2go Site of a management consultancy with an abundance of witty insights into the world of consulting. Not known to us personally, but intriguing.