Healing Drum Circles with Laura Cerrano
Laura Cerrano is a Drum Circle Facilitator, Sound Healer, and Reiki Master based out of New York City and Long Island. Her enthusiasm for drumming stems from helping others connect with their inner musician! Laura has trained with the Music for People® organization and Rhythm2Recovery which provides wonderful rhythms and melodies for improvisational drum circle gatherings. She facilitates drum circles for various populations within public and private venues, including schools, corporations, seniors navigating Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and their caretakers.
Laura’s introduction to the healing arts began at age 12 alongside her mother and Feng Shui master/mentor, Carole Provenzale where they established Feng Shui Manhattan, Inc. in 1997. In 2011, Laura experienced her first Drum Circle which inspired her to attend West African Drum Classes for a few years with Richie Guerriero in NY. Laura became a certified sound healer in 2018 through CATA NYC and after graduating she began facilitating interactive sound healing workshops for public and private events.
In 2020, Laura was introduced to the Rhythm2Recovery training program which helped establish engaging group rhythmic musical activities to support social and emotional development. Not too long after, Laura studied with the international non-profit Music for People® facilitator training program, which provided eye-opening techniques for social musical improvisation. This was a pivotal point in Laura’s exploration of healing music-making that launched her into the profession of drum circle facilitation for public and private events for various populations.
Laura facilitates weekly healing drum circles for members of the Hope & Healing program at The Parker Jewish Insitute in NY - working with Dementia and Alzheimer’s populations, as well as with their caretakers. Laura hosts monthly drum circles at The Bristal in Lynbrook, NY for the assisted Living and Memory Care populations. The Friedberg JCC has also requested Laura’s Healing Drum Circle sessions for support of their Dementia Programs. The nonprofit organization Strength for Life - NY enlisted Laura’s healing services back in 2011 to provide a healing program for cancer patients and survivors during their weekend wellness retreat (which happens 4x a year). Ever since, Laura has provided healing programs for each retreat, adjusting the topic and experience in accordance with those attending. Due to this, it has provided amazing opportunities over the years with each retreat for Laura to introduce a diversity of healing tools that range from Feng Shui, Reiki, Art Therapy healing techniques, and drum circles. Laura has also teamed up with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (New York Chapter), to provide interactive sound healing circles and art therapy-inspired programming.
Alongside her drum circle facilitating partner, Todd Rodgers, they established The Connected Drum Circle and host monthly drum circles throughout New York City and Brooklyn. For indoor drum circles and musical improv jam sessions, you’ll find them at the Village Zendo in Tribeca, NY or Anima Mundi Apothecary in Brooklyn, NY. For outdoor gatherings (when the weather allows) Todd and Laura can be spotted near Cherry Hill in Central Park, NY and in Washington Square Park.
If you happen to be on Long Island during the warmer seasons (Spring, Summer, and Fall), you can catch Laura and her drum buddies hosting bi-weekly drum circles at the Sunken Meadow State Park. All are welcome to any of these public drum circles. Some drum circles do require a fee, while others are free. To view upcoming events you can look out our monthly calendar. Instruments are provided, however, depending on how many people show up that will determine what instruments are available.
Laura facilitates Music for People® inspired improvisational jam sessions through the Town Of Hempstead’s Recreational Programing for adults during each semester. Drum Circles and “Interactive Sound Healing Circles” are also provided by Laura through the Nassau and Suffolk L.I. County library system for both teens and adults.
To accommodate younger audiences, Michelle Livingston, Master in Special Education, and Laura Cerrano have established, “Drum Beat Connections” which is a drumming program that is geared toward elementary school-aged children of all abilities. Programs are held at local libraries and public venues throughout New York, and can be scheduled as private group events or for individual.home visits.
Laura Cerrano on Percussion preforming with Dan Strauss and Zigline at Shrine World Music Venue in Harlem, NY
When Laura is not facilitating drum circles, you’ll find her playing percussions for a variety of Long Island, NY, and Brooklyn and New York City-based bands. Bands include “The Dee Harris Project” (Jazz improv), “Raga 2” (India-inspired rhythms), “Jack Licitra's band, The Waterfall” (pop cover band), “Island Samba” (Brazilian Samba), “Throughline“ (Blues fused with Bohemian Grooves), Dan Strauss and Zigline - soothing eclectic experimental sounds, and improv jam sessions with Fantuzzi.
Questions about hosting a drum circle or sound healing event…
Benefits of Improv Music-making and Drumming
Creative and self expression
Develop Deep Listening Skills
Increases Mindfulness
Improves physical health
Improves Immunity
Feeling accomplished
Having fun!
Building community
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves Interpersonal Connections
Natural medicine for pain relief
Community Drum Circle Events…..plus more!
Drum circles have been proven to enhance happiness and relaxation, provide a platform for community building, and inspire personal transformation. To view upcoming public drum circle events, please visit the Calendar of Events. If curious to explore, you’ll also find upcoming events for Feng Shui, Reiki, and Dowsing!
