Building Confidence, Connection and Wellbeing Through Rhythm
Sustaining Rhythms provides engaging drumming programs for schools, OSHC services and youth groups throughout Western Australia.
Using rhythm as a tool for participation, communication and self-expression, students discover the value of listening, teamwork, leadership and creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
No musical experience is required.
All instruments are supplied.
Whether working with a classroom, a small wellbeing group, an OSHC program or an entire school community, every session is designed to be inclusive, engaging and achievable for all participants.
Every Student Can Succeed
Many students approach music activities believing they are “not musical”.
One of the strengths of group drumming is that success can be experienced almost immediately.
Through simple rhythm games, call-and-response activities and cooperative music-making, students discover that participation is more important than performance.
The focus is not on getting it right.
The focus is on listening, contributing and being part of the group.
Students often experience:
- Increased confidence
- Positive peer interaction
- Improved listening skills
- Creative self-expression
- A sense of achievement
- Greater willingness to participate
- Improved cooperation and teamwork
The drum circle creates a learning environment where every contribution matters.
The DRUMBEAT® Approach
Glenn is a trained DRUMBEAT facilitator.
DRUMBEAT (Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes and Thoughts) was developed by Holyoake as a social and emotional learning program that uses hand drumming to explore relationships, identity, emotions, community and teamwork. The program is designed to build resilience, wellbeing and positive social connections through structured group experiences. [holyoake.org.au], [aifs.gov.au], [karrathaco…use.org.au]
Importantly, DRUMBEAT is not really about learning drums.
The drum becomes a tool for exploring communication, cooperation, resilience, participation and healthy relationships.
Through shared rhythm experiences and facilitated discussions, students are encouraged to reflect on how the lessons learned in the drumming circle can be applied to their everyday lives.
Research associated with the DRUMBEAT program has identified outcomes including improved self-esteem, emotional regulation, cooperation, social skills and a stronger sense of belonging. [holyoake.org.au], [aifs.gov.au], [karrathaco…use.org.au]
What Students Learn
Students have opportunities to develop:
- Active listening skills
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Respectful communication
- Leadership skills
- Emotional awareness
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Self-confidence
- Resilience
- Positive peer relationships
- Self-expression
- Community awareness
These skills support student wellbeing while contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
School Programs
Classroom Workshops
Interactive sessions that encourage participation, creativity and connection while reinforcing teamwork and communication skills.
Small Group Wellbeing Programs
Tailored programs for student wellbeing groups, leadership programs and alternative education settings.
DRUMBEAT-Informed Programs
Multi-session programs using rhythm, reflection and discussion to explore social and emotional learning themes.
Whole School Drum Circles
Large-scale participatory experiences where students and staff come together through rhythm, cooperation and celebration.
Teacher and Staff Wellbeing Sessions
Professional development and staff wellbeing experiences designed to build connection, reduce stress and strengthen team relationships.
Expressive Rhythm Stories
Interactive storytelling sessions for Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Years K-2, using drums, percussion, movement and imagination to bring stories to life.
OSHC & School Holiday Programs
Sustaining Rhythms offers engaging drumming programs for Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services, vacation care programs and school holiday activities.
These highly interactive sessions provide an alternative to screen-based activities while encouraging creativity, teamwork, confidence and active participation.
Children quickly discover that making music together is fun, rewarding and accessible for everyone.
Programs can be delivered as:
- Before school activities
- After school programs
- Vacation care sessions
- School holiday workshops
- Special event days
- End-of-term celebrations
All instruments are supplied, making organisation simple for coordinators and providers.
Activities include rhythm games, cooperative challenges, creative drumming activities and group music-making experiences designed specifically for children and young people.
Participants naturally develop:
- Listening skills
- Cooperation
- Confidence
- Creativity
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Respectful participation
Most importantly, they leave with a sense of achievement, connection and fun.
Expressive Rhythm Stories
Designed specifically for Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Years K-2, Expressive Rhythm Stories combine interactive storytelling, movement, drums and percussion to create engaging musical adventures for young children.
Rather than focusing on structured rhythm activities, children are invited to participate through imagination, sound-making, movement and creative play as stories unfold.
These sessions provide a developmentally appropriate introduction to rhythm, listening, creativity and group participation.
Special Events & Cultural Programs
Programs can be tailored to support:
- Harmony Week
- NAIDOC Week
- Wellbeing Weeks
- Mental Health Awareness activities
- Leadership programs
- Cultural celebrations
- Community engagement events
- School assemblies and special occasions
Why Rhythm Works
Rhythm creates an immediate experience of connection.
Students must listen to one another, work together and contribute to a shared goal.
Unlike many competitive activities, group drumming encourages cooperation rather than comparison.
Every participant has something valuable to contribute.
The result is often an atmosphere of enthusiasm, inclusion, creativity and mutual support.
Students frequently surprise themselves with what they can achieve when working together as part of a rhythm community.
What’s Included
- All drums and percussion instruments supplied
- Experienced facilitation
- Activities adapted to age and ability
- Small-group and large-group options
- Indoor or outdoor delivery where appropriate
- Working With Children Check
- Public Liability Insurance
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Registered ABN
Let’s Bring Rhythm to Your School
Whether you are looking for a one-off workshop, an OSHC activity, a school holiday program, a wellbeing initiative, a DRUMBEAT-inspired program or a whole-school event, Sustaining Rhythms can create an engaging experience that supports participation, connection and student wellbeing.
Contact Glenn to discuss a program tailored to your school, OSHC service or youth organisation.
