For International customers

For customers outside of the continental US. You will receive a Drums Alive 20th Anniversary playlist download in place of drumsticks.

Testimonials

“The Drums Alive course was a great way to learn about the background of drumming to incorporate as an instructor. It provided a great foundation for growing.”

Madison B.

“This course really is wonderful. I was able to open my mind to connect movement with music. You instantly feel better mentally and physically.”

Aron P.

“I enjoyed this course so much. The instructors were amazing and influential! The information was very clear and easy to adapt to the classroom setting.”

Taylor C.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the course! It was thorough and helpful. I was nervous about teaching this course prior but I feel prepared to teach and can't wait to apply what I have learned!”

Danielle A.

  • What to expect

    The Drums Alive Basic course will teach you the history and fundamentals of Drums while getting you prepared to teach your own classes. You will have access to over four hours of video lessons and text lessons that will break down the Drums Alive principles.

  • How long will it take?

    We advise students to allow 8-12 hours to complete the online course. You can break it up however you like and start and stop at your own pace. Please note: you will have 6 months from the time of enrollment to complete the course. If you have concerns regarding your completion of the course in the time given, please contact us. We will consider extensions on a case-by-case basis.

  • Will I be Graded?

    Each lesson will have a short quiz after the materials and there is a final exam. There is also an optional practical exam where you will need to video yourself performing Basic Drums Alive skills. The practical exam is a great opportunity to receive personal coaching from a Drums Alive Master Trainer. After all the lessons are passed you will instantly receive a certificate of completion.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome

  • 2

    Introduction

  • 3

    Disclaimer and Agreement

  • 4

    Lesson 1: The Drums Alive Story

  • 5

    Lesson 2: Drums Alive® Mission, Vision, and Goals

    • Lesson 2: Drums Alive® Mission, Vision, and Goals

    • Improvements will come through:

    • Lesson 2 Quiz
  • 6

    Lesson 3: Drums Alive® and its use of Music and Sound to Enhance Wellness

    • Lesson 3: Drums Alive® and its use of Music and Sound to Enhance Wellness

    • Using Sound as a Tool to Enhance our Human Experience

    • Lesson 3 Quiz
  • 7

    Lesson 4: Music, Rhythm, and Movement

    • Lesson 4: Music, Rhythm, and Movement

    • At least 3 Neurological Processes are Influenced by Music:

    • Rhythm and Movement

    • Anticipatory pleasure

    • Lesson 4 Quiz
  • 8

    Lesson 5: Movement Therapy

    • Lesson 5: Movement Therapy

    • Benefits of Dance/Movement Therapy include:

    • Application and use of Music, Sound, Dance/Movement Therapy in Drums Alive Programs:

    • Practical Experience:

    • Lesson 5 Quiz
  • 9

    Lesson 6: Music - Influence and Benefits

    • Lesson 6: Music- Influence and Benefits

    • The Physiological Effects of Sound and Music

    • Benefits of Music

    • Influence of Music

    • Why Music is Important

    • Lesson 6 Quiz
  • 10

    Lesson 7: Properties of Music

    • Lesson 7: Properties of Music

    • Properties of Music

    • Tone

    • Time Elements

    • Melody

    • Harmony and Tonality

    • Texture

    • Dynamics

    • Practical Assignment - Learning Music Basics – Drums Alive® Rhythm Cards

    • Teaching Basic Rhythms

    • All Rhythm Cards

    • Whole Note

    • Half Note

    • Quarter Note

    • Eighth Note

    • Sixteenth Note

    • Lesson 7 Quiz
  • 11

    Lesson 8: Drumming

    • Drumming

    • What happens while drumming?

    • Lesson 8 Quiz
  • 12

    Lesson 9: Effects and Benefits of Drumming

    • Effects and Benefits of Drumming

    • 1. Brain and the Central Nervous System

    • The Miracle of The Human Brain

    • 2. Physiological Effects

    • 3. Immune System

    • 4. Therapy

    • 5. Stress

    • 6. Energy Expenditure

    • 7. Means for Expression and Healing

    • Benefits of Drumming:

    • Practical Experience

    • Lesson 9 Quiz
  • 13

    Lesson 10: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 1 of 7)

    • Physiology Video

    • Lesson 10: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 1 of 7)

    • Lesson 10 Quiz
  • 14

    Lesson 11: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 2 of 7)

    • Lesson 11: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 2 of 7)

    • Aerobic and Anaerobic energy supplies

    • Lesson 11 Quiz
  • 15

    Lesson 12: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 3 of 7)

    • Lesson 12: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 3 of 7)

    • Effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic functions

    • Lesson 12 Quiz
  • 16

    Lesson 13: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 4 of 7)

    • Lesson 13: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 4 of 7)

    • stretching techniques

    • Lesson 13 Quiz
  • 17

    Lesson 14: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 5 of 7)

    • Lesson 14: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 5 of 7)

    • Lesson 14 Quiz
  • 18

    Lesson 15: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 6 of 7)

    • Lesson 15: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 6 of 7)

    • Coordination

    • Lesson 15 Quiz
  • 19

    Lesson 16: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 7 of 7)

    • Lesson 16: Basic Principles of Sports Physiology (Part 7 of 7)

    • Practical Assignments

    • Lesson 16 Quiz
  • 20

    Lesson 17: Drums Alive Programming

    • Lesson 17: Drums Alive - A Brain and Body Program

    • Exercise Boosts Brain Power

    • The Drums Alive Chant

    • Practical Experience for the Brain and Body

    • Lesson 17 Quiz
  • 21

    Lesson 18: Wellness and Creativity

    • Lesson 18: Wellness

    • Wellness Beats

    • Practical Experience - Practice "Wellness Beats"

    • Creativity

    • Creativity and Drums Alive

    • Practical Experience for Creativity

    • Standing Wipeout

    • Lesson 18 Quiz
  • 22

    Lesson 19: Benefits and Components of Drums Alive®

    • Lesson 19: Benefits and Components of Drums Alive®

    • Components of a Successful Drums Alive® Program

    • Lesson 19 Quiz
  • 23

    Lesson 20: Equipment Required and Safety Tips

    • Equipment

    • Lesson 20: Equipment Required and Safety Tips

    • EQUIPMENT.docx

    • Drumsticks

    • Parts of a Drumstick

    • Parts of a Drumstick (Video)

    • How to Put a Scarf on a Drumstick

    • Safety

    • Target Heart Rate and Training Zone

    • PERCEIVED EXERTION CHART

    • KARVONEN FORMULA CHART

    • Lesson 20 Quiz
  • 24

    Lesson 21: Drums Alive Basic Practical Techniques

    • Lesson 21: Drums Alive Basic Practical Techniques

    • Drumstick Skills

    • Fine Motor Skills

    • Lesson 21 Quiz
  • 25

    Lesson 22: Drums Alive® Basic Drumming Skills and Movements

    • Lesson 22: Drums Alive® Basic Drumming Skills and Movement Videos

    • Basic-Drumming-and-Locomotor-Skills (Print this PDF for easy reference)

    • Basic Drumming and Locomotor Skills

    • Basic Drumming and Locomotor Skills videos

    • Basic Locomotor Movements

    • Locomotor Skills Videos

    • Combined Drumming and Locomotor Movements

    • Formations

    • Class Formations and Set Up

    • Practical Experience - Class Formations

    • Lesson 22 Quiz
  • 26

    Lesson 23: Drums Alive® Class Design

    • Lesson 23: Drums Alive® Class Design

    • Class Design Video

    • Warm Up

    • Cultural Drumming

    • Power Beats - Cardiovascular Training

    • Drumming Strong

    • Wellness Beats

    • Relax and Stretch

    • Relax and Stretch

    • KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER!!!

    • Lesson 23 Quiz
  • 27

    Lesson 24: Drums Alive® Choreography

    • Creating and Building Choreography

    • How to Create a 32 Count Choreography

    • How to Create a Verse Chorus Choreography

    • Drums Alive® Simple Choreography- Example

    • Celtic Sonja (High Intensity)

    • Practical Experience - Creating & Building Choreography

    • Drums Alive with Carrie Ekins DVD

    • Drums Alive With Carrie Ekins DVD Part 1

    • Drums Alive With Carrie Ekins DVD Part 2

    • Drums Alive With Carrie Ekins DVD Part 3

    • DRUMBATA (High Intensity)

    • Lesson 24 Quiz
  • 28

    Lesson 25: Additional Drumming Activities

    • Additional FUN Drumming, Rhythm, Clapping, and Movement Activities

    • Syllables and Drumming

    • Speech and Drumming Patterns

    • Creating Rhythms and Speech Patterns with Master Trainer Hachya Franklin

    • Echo / Four Corners

    • Call and Response-Do you remember

    • Drum Your Name

    • Alphabet Game

    • Making Eyes

    • Let The Sunshine In Choreography/Lesson/Activity

    • Lesson 25 Quiz
  • 29

    Lesson 26: Summary and Additional Trainings

    • Lesson 26: Summary and Additional Trainings

    • Drums Alive Education and Workshops:

    • References

    • Lesson 26 Quiz
  • 30

    REVIEW-DRUMS ALIVE BASIC DRUMMING AND DRUMMING WITH LOCOMOTOR SKILLS VIDEOS

    • Drums Alive® Introduction and Welcome from Carrie Ekins, Founder, Creator, and CEO

    • Your Building Blocks to Creating Drums Alive Choreographies and Routines

    • Drums Alive® Skills Illustrations

    • Drums Alive® Basic Drumming and Rhythmical Skills

    • Drums Alive® Basic Drumming with Locomotor Skills

    • Drums Alive® Basic Drumming Skills with Locomotor Movements and Music

    • Drums Alive Class Formations
  • 31

    Final Exam

    • Practical Exam Instructions

    • Final Exam

    • Final Exam
  • 32

    What's Next?

    • You're a Licensed Drums Alive Instructor...What Now?
  • 33

    Final Survey

    • Final Survey

    • Final Survey

    • Would you like to be listed on the Drums Alive Find an Instructor page?

With Full Materials

Registration includes a pair of Drums Alive Drumsticks, digital MP3 download and DVD located in the course.