At Risk Youth « Drumatic Innovation Drum Circles

Children and adolescents at risk

Creative musical expression improves quality of life for at risk children and adolescents.

The purpose of this project is to improve quality of life in at risk children, adolescents and teens facing extraordinary life challenges in secure clinical/educational residential settings by utilizing a RMM protocol focused on eliciting creative musical expression as a catalyst for verbal disclosure.

Hypothesis

A multi-dimensional recreational music making program fostering creative musical expression and verbal disclosure improves quality of life for at risk children, adolescents and teens.

Background

The project represents a direct extension of a comprehensive pilot program conducted in 2006 by Barry Bittman, MD and his research team. Preliminary data derived from formal ratings by counselors and teachers were analyzed in a pre- post- crossover design study to determine potential psycho-social benefits of utilizing RMM as an expressive therapy. Preliminary data has already revealed statistically significant outcomes in a variety of measures. This project extends the original research to a larger subject sample. Our overall goal is to document the efficacy of a strategy that has substantial potential for replication in multiple settings serving children, adolescents and teens throughout the world.

A newly designed protocol utilizing elements of Yamaha’s Clavinova-assisted HealthRHYTHMS (Remo, Inc.) drum circles is being utilized for this study.

Despite the widespread use of traditional strategies, at risk children are often unable to express themselves effectively in order to begin the process of positively restructuring their lives. RMM affords a viable, effective and sustainable opportunity for enabling children to realize and share key insights fostered upon honesty, nurturing, trust and support.

Subjects

Children will participate from two highly-respected staff secure residential treatment facility centers.

Location

Bethesda Children’s Home in Meadville, PA.