For the Body Mind & Spirit
Learn to Facilitate Therapeutic Drum Circles and In Depth Drum Healing Techniques
Levels I and II – 1-Day Gentle Drum Healing Program – Student Mentorship Program
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FALL: 2024 – November 1, 2, 3, 2024
SPRING: 2025 – TBD
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3-Day ICDC Facilitator Training – Level I
3-Day ICDC Facilitator Training – Level II
1-Day -Gentle Drumming- Program:
Register Here
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What to expect from the Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC)
Facilitator Training Program
Inspired by the world’s top community drum circle programs & teachers*, this comprehensive ICDC facilitator training is based on practical, easy-to-learn protocols, developed by the founder of Circles of Rhythm: Judy Atkinson, BA, MA, DCF, Founder Circles of Rhythm & Author of the Drum Code. This 3-Day intensive training will offer participants the necessary theoretical knowledge & application of the ICDC techniques capable of empowering future facilitators to confidently step into facilitating your own Integrated Community Drum Circle. You will learn introductory community building and therapeutic rhythms, tools, and strategies paired with in-depth gentle drumming healing techniques using a series of drums & percussion instruments.
Your instructors will guide you as you begin to develop your personal approach to facilitating the Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC). Your instructors have acheived a Masters-Level** Facilitation practice given their experience with applying the ICDC methodology in countless settings***. With the support of global research, evidence based practice, and mentorship – your lead instructor, Julien Lepage, MSW Leadership, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist will empower you to “step into the transformational journey of an ICDC Facilitator. This training will accelerate students own personal healing journeys: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, while learning how to build meaningful community with the ICDC. This integrative approach utilizes drums from cultures accross the globe. The pursuit of balance in the ICDC (Active and reflective; Mental, physical and spiritual; Powerful and Gentle; Giving and Receiving) will help you to grow exponentially BOTH as a facilitator and as a human being.
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What you will Learn
(core ICDC competencies):
- What it takes and how to build a meaningful Integrated Community Drum Circle event/workshop/program
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How to activate & support the process of deep emotional, physical and mental healing
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Basic drumming and rhythm-making skills you can apply IMMEDIATELY
- How to effectively weave in meaningful messages and metaphors
- Effective strategies to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety
- How to target unhelpful thinking patterns to facilitate the restructuring of negative neural pathways.
- Ancient vibrational healing techniques for modern times
What it Includes
Level I – (30 hours of Training)
- Three full days of Intensive Training (28 hrs)
- Includes the One-Day Gentle Drumming – Healing Program
- Free Admission to the Friday Night Community Drum Circle (attendance required to receive ICDC Level I certification)
- Two personal phone coaching sessions (2 hrs)
- Guest Speakers & Teachers to expand your ICDC facilitator network
- A printed copy of our comprehensive ICDC Training Manual
- Tea/Coffee & Light Snacks available – (you are responsible for your own lunch)
- A personalized Training Certificate – recognizing your 30 hours of training
- Access to the private Facebook Facilitator support group
- Customized ICDC “drum kit” package consultation for you and your program
- A reduced rental rate for those who do not have drums, until you purchase your own
- A preferred discounted rate to purchasing drums, percussion, mallets, and melodic soundscape instruments.
- 30% Discount to the special events scheduled following the FNDC and on Saturday night (more details to come).
Level II – (30 hours of Training)
- 50% OFF the ICDC Facilitator Training !
- Only available to those who have completed the ICDC Level I Facilitator Training – (Proof of Level I completion may be required)
- We recommend a minimum of 10 hours facilitating the ICDC to maximize the benefit of repeating the 3-Day training.
- Same as above, with:
- An additional 30 hours of training, including two hours of coaching
- Access to the optional Mentorship Program *additional fee
One-Day Gentle Drumming – Healing Program – (10 hours of Training)
- One full day of Gentle Drumming training with practical experience (8hrs)
- Two personal phone coaching sessions (2 hrs)
- A printed copy of our comprehensive Gentle Drumming Training Manual
- Tea/Coffee & Light Snacks available – (you are responsible for your own lunch)
- A personalized Training Certificate – recognizing your 10 hours of training
- Guest speakers, Elder, sound bath musicians and sound healers
- 30% Discount to the special events scheduled following the FNDC and on Saturday night (more details to come).
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Why Circles of Rhythm?
We are the only organization who specializes in offering the Integrative Community Drum Circle (ICDC) methodology & certification process in Canada. Circles of Rhythm has the longest community drum circle event that has been consistently offered on Friday Nights in Calgary for 25 years (since September, 1997). This training program is the only one of its kind. It incorporates the DCF teachings from world-renown facilitators such as Babatunde Olatunji’s & Arthur Hull’s Village Music Circle’s, DCFacilitator’s Training Program, Barry Bittman and Christine Stevens’ – HealthRHYTHM Training Program, and the Holyoake DRUMBEAT program that have been synthesized by Judy Atkinson, founder of Circles of Rhythm & author of “The Drum Code, Living Well Between the Beats” to develop this unique, evidence-based wholistic approach to drumming. Circles of Rhythm’s ICDC maximizes the transformational benefits of community drumming by incorporating simple, yet powerful teachings (the Drum Codes), combined with a balanced approach of High Energy Drumming with Gentle Drumming Healing techniques.
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5 benefits of choosing the ICDC Facilitator Training program:
1. You will become a part of our established TEAM of Masters-Level ICDC Facilitators and trusted Sound Healers, across Canada and the US.
- This network will help you to enhance your skills as an ICDC facilitator, deepen your learning, and facilitate your growth!
2. You will have access to our established Friday Night Community Drum Circles (FNDC) with over 100 in attendance on a weekly basis.
- FNDCs offer ongoing learning, mentorship, and personal healing.
- Accelerating your growth as a seasoned facilitator and healthier human
3. Gain access to the Circles of Rhythm – Student ICDC Facilitator Mentorship Program.
- A volunteer program aimed at helping you to refine your skills and experience as an ICDC Facilitator.
- Sign up to as a student co-facilitator to upcoming events where you will be paired up with one of our ICDC facilitators.
4. Join us for some of our regular workshops where you will learn to facilitate ICDCs in various settings/application
- Gain access to our Events Calendar where you can plan ahead and observe/assist in delivering the ICDC within various settings
- Examples of workshops available include: Day Retreats, Team Building Events, Wellness Workshops, School-based Programs, Conferences Seniors Programs, Mental Wellness & Health Care Programs, and more!
5. Test your skills at the FNDC when you sign up to our weekly 5-Minute-Mentorship spot
- Feel what it’s like to lead a drum circle with over 100 participants!
Note that those interested in signing up for the Student ICDC Facilitator Mentorship Program will be subject to an application process that includes an interview, a criminal record check, and an audition. Students must be willing to participate in supervision/mentorship debrief conversations following each event. This Student program has the potential of generating part-time employment as a ICDC facilitator with the Circles of Rhythm Team. We will be focusing on our team in Calgary. We have the intention of expanding this team to Edmonton, AB – Columbia Valley, BC – Winnipeg, MB – and Saskatoon, SK.
Send us your letter of intent at info@circlesofrhythm.com to start the process.
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Who is this For?
- Health Care Professionals
- Music therapists/Music teachers
- Teachers/Professors
- Drum Circle Facilitators/Professional Drummers
- Addiction and Recovery Counsellors
- Camp/Youth Counsellors
- Grief Counsellors
- Senior/Geriatric Services
- Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence Counsellors
- Complimentary Health Practitioners
- Social Workers/Psychologists/Health Care practitioners
- Crisis Support/Disaster Relief/Emergency services Staff
- Spiritual Seekers/Chaplin/Church Leaders
Who can benefit:
Adults, Children, Seniors, and Others who are currently/or have experienced:
- Social/Emotional/Mental/Spiritual/Physical challenges
- Behavioural/Cognitive/Learning challenges
- Personality Disorders/Eating Disorders/Self Harm Tendencies
- At Risk Youth
- Symptoms of Depression & Anxiety
- Decreased Cognitive Functioning such as Alzheimers/Dementia
- Substance-Abuse Disorders/Addictive Tendencies
- Traumatic Brain Injuries or Strokes
- Mental Illness/Chronic or Acute
- Chronic or Acute Panic/Stress Related Disorders
- Living with Chronic Pain
- Post Concussion Syndrome
- PTSD/Complex PTSD
Whether you’re looking to incorporate drumming as a therapeutic tool to your current practice, or your goal is to start your own community program, this training is exactly what you need! – ICDC Facilitator 2019
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Your Instructors:
You won’t want to miss this one, truly! You will have the benefit of learning from and being supported by two Masters-Level Integrated Community Drum Circle Facilitators! The grounded wisdom, knowledge, and experience of Judy Atkinson, Founder of Circles of Rhythm and Author the Drum Code, and the passionate visionary, Julien Lepage, are sure to keep you engaged throughout the 3-Day weekend. They will be joined by a number of guest speakers, teachers, indigenous elders, and sound healing facilitators. This dynamic team will leave you with your head spinning (in all the right ways) and your heart on-FIRE! Surely, some of you will be rushing to get into facilitating your first-ever ICDC in hopes of getting your hours in in preparation for your Level-II training!
Julien Lepage, MSW Leadership, RSW, Masters in Social Worker Leadership, Mental Health Professional, and Masters-level ICDC facilitator – is a full-time psychotherapist at the Newly Institute, the Founder of AHS’s Rhythm Project, and the expedient of the Newly Institute’s Trauma-Sensitive Drumming program****. Lepage leads his life seeking to be of service to others with the intent to inspire others to “find their authentic rhythm”. Julien has been supporting adults who experience life with severe and persistent mental illness and/or addiction since 2009, consistently innovating trauma-informed initiatives inside and outside of the clinical setting. He is the proud owner of Circles of Rhythm, father of 3 incredible souls, and an authentic leader who inspires others in their own transformational process through the conscious evolution of the human spirit.
Patrick Carrick is a professional percussion musician and certified drum circle facilitator with a passion for sharing music & positivity. In 2017 he founded the organization Columbia Valley Drumming, under the mentorship of ‘Circles of Rhythm‘ and has been sending good vibrations up and down the mountains of British Columbia with regular drum circle events, for all occasions. Patrick offers an energetic yet grounding experience and always brings his inspiring energy, in the pursuit of making his participants feel empowered and rejuvenated.
“Group drumming is not about how to play the drum… It’s about how you feel when you drum”
Judy Atkinson, MEd, Master ICDC Facilitator, Founder Circles of Rhythm & Author of the Drum Code. Judy, otherwise knows as the “Messenger of JOY”, was named the “Woman of Vision” by Global TV and the Calgary Herald and the recipient of the “Inspiring Calgarian Award” on CTV. Over the years, Atkinson has been recognized for her work using the ICDC to inspire others in expressing their unique gifts and passion within their chosen work. Now retired, Judy Atkinson is enjoying a peaceful life of quiet service, reaping the rewards of many years of hard and Joyful work while also sitting on the Board of Directors as the President of the Circles of Rhythm Foundation. “Shifting from Role to Soul is my new work at this stage of life. Gratitude and compassion are the focus, peace of mind is the result.” Judy Atkinson.
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3-Day Itinerary:
FRIDAY: DAY-1 ICDC FACILITATOR TRAINING
DAYTIME LOCATION: Bowcliff Seniors Lawn Bowling Club – Friday
Level I & II ICDC Training Registration begins Friday @ 8:40 am
- Address: 3375 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary
- Training starts promptly at 9:00 am
- Lunch/Free Time – 12noon – 1pm – You are encouraged to bring your own lunch, a small kitchen and refrigerator are available to use.
- End of Day-1 @ 4:30pm
**EVENING LOCATION: Inglewood Community Hall – Friday Night Drum Circle (FNDC)
*It is recommended for all ICDC Level I & II to arrive as early as 6pm to observe “the making of” a community drum circle.
- Address: 1740 24 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
- Ample Parking on site
- FNDC starts promptly at 7:00 pm
- End of FNDC @ 8:30pm
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SATURDAY: DAY-2 ICDC FACILITATOR TRAINING
DAYTIME LOCATION: Bowcliff Seniors Lawn Bowling Club – Saturday
Doors open on Saturday at 8:50 am
- Address: 3375 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary
- Training starts promptly at 9:00 am
- Lunch/Free Time – 12noon – 1pm – You are encouraged to bring your own lunch, a small kitchen and refrigerator are available to use.
- End of Day-2 @ 4:30pm
**EVENING EVENT: RESTORATIVE SOUND BATH – Bowcliff Seniors
*This is a gifted event for you +1 (Value of $50/ticket) It will also be offered to those who are registered for our 1-day Gentle drumming.
- Facilitated by Eily, Trevor, and Sala Sky.
- Doors open on 7:00 pm – Event Start at 7:15 PM – Ends 9PM
- Address: 3375 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary
- This will be a time for you all to rest and experience what it is like to receive the benefits of a Vibrational/Sound Healing experience. *Optional, highly recommended
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SUNDAY: Gentle Drumming – Healing Program
LOCATION: Bowcliff Seniors Lawn Bowling Club – Sunday
1-Day Gentle Drumming Program Registration begins Sunday @ 8:40 am
- Address: 3375 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary
- Training starts promptly at 9:00 am
- Lunch/Free Time – 12noon – 1pm – You are encouraged to bring your own lunch, a small kitchen and refrigerator are available to use.
- End of Training Day @ 4:30pm
- 4:30 – 5pm Certificates & Goodbyes
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Pricing
3-Day -Level I- ICDC Training –
3-Day -Level II- ICDC Training – *Optional
1-Day -Gentle Drumming- Program:
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Private ICDC Facilitator Trainings Are Available ! We offer customized private trainings for organization across Canada! Contact-us by email at info@circlesofrhythm.com, or
by phone at 403-479-6968 to discuss this option.
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Online Registration: Register Here
Fees are processed upon registration.
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Legend – referenced above by *
* “world’s top community drum circle programs & teachers” refers to Babatunde Olatunji’s & Arthur Hull’s Village Music Circle’s, DCFacilitator’s Training Program, Barry Bittman and Christine Stevens’ – HealthRHYTHM Training Program, the Holyoake DRUMBEAT program and many more that have inspired Judy Atkinson, founder of Circles of Rhythm & author of “The Drum Code, Living Well Between the Beats” to develop this unique, in-depth, comprehensive approach aimed at maximizing the transformational benefits of community drumming.
** “Masters-Level”, refers to a ICDC facilitator that has taken Levels II and II, and has facilitated a minimum of 1111hrs of drum circles using the ICDC methodology, and has received a minimum of 222hrs of support, supervision, and mentorship from a Masters-Level ICDC facilitator. If you’d like to join our growing team of ICDC facilitators working towards their Masters-Level, begin recording your hours of facilitation and please contact us at info@circlesofrhythm.com.
*** “applying the ICDC methodology in countless settings” refers to offering the ICDC for: Acute Care Hospital Programs, Mental Health & Addiction Treatment (inpatient, outpatient, community levels), Complex Trauma Treatment services, other Health Care Programs (Cancer Centres, Palliative Care, Chronic Pain, Eating Disorders, Longterm Care, Assisted Living Care Facilities, Adapted Cognitive & Physical Abilities programming, Day Hospitals, Burns Victims, Survivors of Suicide, and more), Professional Team Building, Corporate Workplace Programs, Keynote & Conference Events, School Programs, Seniors Living Facilitates, Festivals, Pub Crawls, Coffee-Shop Jam Nights, Community Events, Wellness Retreats/Workshops, Parades, Funerals, Baby Showers, Birthdays, and Retirement Parties, Wedding & Divorce Ceremonies, by the beach, on a bus, on a roof top, and in a basement… We’ve done it all! If your event is not yet on this list, we’re up for a challenge!
**** the “trauma-sensitive drumming program” is a new 4-week intensive mental health treatment program inspired by the teachings of the ICDC methodology & evidence-based approaches to treating complex post-traumatic stress disorders, treatment resistant depressive disorders, and generalized anxiety / panic disorders. It is currently offered exclusively within the Newly Institute’s Intensive Outpatient Program in Calgary, AB – with the intention of producing evidence-based research data in the coming year. If you would like to help fund this research initiative, contact-us by email at info@circlesofrhythm.com