Jody King

Jody's Spirit Works

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Drum Page Bio

Years ago, I was drawn to the frame drum for meditation purposes and studied Michael Harner' s shamanic drumming technique, taught to me by Susan and Chris Marshall in Montville, Maine. Shamanic drumming is a continuous and monotonous rhythm which naturally induces a trance state. I learned this technique with a few of my close women friends. We decided to meet on a weekly basis and practice shamanic drumming in our women' s circle. We prayed and chanted together with an intentional focus on healing ourselves, our friends and family as well as our global community.

Eventually I found my way into a local drum circle studying ancient African rhythms. I have been very fortunate to have taken lessons with Judy Nielson and Annagret Baier, both of "Inanna", a women' s percussion group here in Maine.

When I discovered  these big, beautiful 30" wide frame drums from Pakistan, I knew they would be the perfect canvas for archetypal images creating a visual yantra on or off the wall.  I wasn't prepared, however, for their deep base tones and how absolutely delicious they feel on the body, particularly around the third chakra. When used for shamanic journey or healing, I find them to be extremely effective. 

Drumming has become another form of creative expression, connecting me with all that is.

Jody’s Drum Workshops

I have  participated and facilitated the women’s drum circle at the Maine Healing Arts Festival. I have  been a member of local community drum circles and taken lessons with several Maine musicians learning African, Middle Eastern, and Native American rhythms. 

Drum circles tend to take on a spirit of their own. Based upon past experience a drum circle encompasses the following:

* Creating a sacred space and finding our drumming voice;

* Some of the rhythms we explore are Native American, African, Improvisation and Heart     Rhythms;

* Samba improvisation is an Invitation to get up and dance while drumming and escalate into ecstatic joyful dance.

* Heart rhythms are simple 4-count rhythms that relate to each chakra or Native American Direction; it is a very healing, very comforting piece and simple to learn.

*  Everyone comes away with a feeling of connection, empowerment and sense of community.