1. Brain and the Central Nervous System

Medical Investigations by Neher (1990). 

A Physiological Explanation of Unusual Behavior in Ceremonies Involving Drums showed that drumming affects changes in the central nervous system. Rhythmic stimulation influences electric activity in many sensory-motor regions of the brain. This appears to be due in part to the fact that the single beat of a drum contains many sound frequencies, and accordingly, it simultaneously transmits impulses along a variety of nerve pathways in the brain. Furthermore, drum beats are mainly of low frequency, which means that more energy can be transmitted to the brain by a drum beat than from a sound stimulus of higher frequency. This is possible, Neher states because the “low-frequency receptors of the ear are more resistant to damage than the delicate high-frequency receptors and can withstand higher amplitudes of sound before pain is felt.”

Right Brain and Left Brain Coordination 

Right and left brain coordination can be increased by engaging in Drums Alive® programming. Generally speaking, most individuals process information using their dominant side of the brain; consequently the bilateral nature of drumming makes it ideal for strengthening the less dominant hemisphere of the brain.   Drumming engages both the rational left and the creative intuitive right sides of the brain and causes the brain to “stretch” in areas that are often ignored. Another right/left brain coordination exercise is gained through polyrhythmic lesson activities (in which two or more conflicting rhythms are performed simultaneously)–many of which are integrated in various Drums Alive modules. Drumming also provides opportunities for synchronization of the right and left brain hemispheres.

Brain Wave Activity

The understanding of brain wave activity is vital when trying to determine how the human mind functions. Oscillation (frequency) of brainwaves is measured by an instrument called an electroencephalograph, or EEG, and has been grouped into four categories:

  • Beta. 15 – 40 cycles per second. Beta waves are relatively low amplitude. The brain is actively engaged in mental activities.
  • Alpha. 9 – 13 cycles per second. Alpha waves are slower and have a higher amplitude. A person is relaxed and calm.
  • Theta. 5 – 8 cycles per second. High amplitude and a slow frequency. This is a time for daydreaming or deep meditation, a feeling of floating before you fall asleep. This is generally an automatic state where one can be mentally disengaged.
  • Delta.   1.5 – 4 cycles per second. Brain waves are at their greatest amplitude and slowest frequency. Sleep is represented in this state.

The two brain waves that are most applicable to the Drums Alive® programs are beta and alpha waves.

Beta brain waves are seen during high levels of concentration. Beta waves have a low amplitude, yet are the fastest of all four brain waves. Students who are problem-solving and actively engaged in Drums Alive® cognition exercises would be using beta. Likewise, students participating in difficult drumming combinations may engage in beta brain functioning.

Alpha brain waves are slower and higher in amplitude, created by a more relaxed state of consciousness when students are enjoying activities where they are not concerned about complex choreography or cognition exercises. Many individuals enjoy the feeling of alpha brain waves after they finish exercising and begin stretching in the cool-down phase. Alpha brain functioning can also occur during drumming activities where students know the choreography instinctively. In fact, students may enter the zone of a trance-like state during drumming when the drumming patterns are memorized. Creative activities where students are free to express themselves through movement may also support alpha brain activity.

 

The importance of providing both beta and alpha brain wave activities cannot be stressed enough. Almost every participant is able to experience beta brain waves. However, for the most part, alpha brain wave activities are limited. The alpha state is vital for creative thinking processes. Perhaps that is why some of the world’s most creative geniuses were thought to be odd or “tuned out” because they could daydream and slip into a state of alpha in order to unleash the creative thought processes. Activities, where students are exposed to both beta and alpha brain wave activities, will support learning and optimize creativity.

http://www.brainstorming.co.uk/tutorials/creativethinkingcontents.html

http://www.brainstorming.co.uk/documents/computer-aided-brainstorming.html