Heartbeat Drumming

In this clip, Cory Woodrow, MT-BC, demonstrates a heartbeat drumming intervention that can be used in the hospital setting. This intervention uses an NMT (Neurologic Music Therapy) technique known as TIMP (Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance) to help increase socialization and self-expression, and develop coping skills.

Why Does This Work?

Many clients I encountered in the hospital setting were hesitant about drumming; stating that they "had no rhythm". This is a great intervention to remind clients that as humans, there are inherent rhythms in us that we use on a daily basis. Use this basic beat as a stepping stone into more rhythmic exploration.