Innovative Award Winning Drum Program Begins Soon!

Is your teen itching to drum? Or maybe it’s you who have always wanted to learn some basic rhythms and let loose. Kevin Makarewicz MA, LPC, LMT, long time Old Greenwich, CT based psychotherapist, Certified Drumbeat Facilitator and teacher Georgia Monahan are excited to offer The Drumbeat Program, an evidence-based, award-winning program that makes the empowerment and joy of group drumming available to all regardless of past musical experience.

“There is considerable mounting scientific research about the social, emotional and neurobiological benefits of a well-led group drumming program,” says Makarewicz. “Not to mention hundreds of thousand of years of evidence regarding the cultural benefits of group drumming.”

Whether for adults or teens The Drumbeat Program is not your typical drum class. Kevin strongly believes drumming is an activity that allows people to experience group success while still being an individual.  “This program is different from a traditional music class, which is just about playing the written notes. Here people not only learn set rhythms but also how to find their own rhythm and how to improvise and collaborate and synergize with others so that they feel more fully alive and connected.”

Participants in The Drumbeat Program join in music based games and improvisation, learn specific basic rhythmic patterns and participate in discussions linking principals learned and experienced through drumming activities to other aspects of their life.  

The benefits of a program like this are many, according to Makarewicz. “Because of the physical nature of drumming and rhythm activities, our program reduces stress, anxiety and allows participants to express themselves in alternative ways,” he says.  Further benefits include

an improved capacity to collaborate and cooperate with others, an improved ability to self-regulate their emotions and behaviors, increasing levels of concentration, persistence and commitment and more awareness of the social factors that sustain healthy relationships. Classes also help participants’ self-confidence and self-esteem. Last, but certainly not least, the class is about having fun and making music with others.

Teen Classes run 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm and Adult classes run 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm every Monday beginning 10/15 through 11/26 at Harmony Yoga Studio, 1100 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. Classes are $20 and signing up for the series is recommended. For more information and to register call Kevin at 203.698.2465 or visit www.kevinmakarewicz.com

ABOUT KEVIN MAKAREWICZ

Kevin Makarewicz MA, LPC, LMT is an Old Greenwich, CT based psychotherapist and creative arts facilitator with a background in using the expressive arts modalities for social, emotional development and personal growth. Kevin has a Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University and 30 years experience supporting emotional and artistic growth in youth and adults. Kevin has also worked through the Stamford Youth Services Bureau offering classes and professional development.

ABOUT GEORGIA MONAHAN

Georgia Monahan holds a Masters in Special Education from Dowling College as well as a BS in Business from UCONN.   She has been a teacher, para, and taught life skills.  Georgia has had a passion for all types of music, especially classical, her whole life.