Drum Circles
REMO Endorsed Certified Drum Circle Facilitator Laura Cerrano
About Drum Circle Facilitator Laura Cerrano
Laura Cerrano is the founder of Healing Drum Circles and Long Island Drum Circles, companies offering interactive, improvisational music-making experiences for diverse populations and occasions. She facilitates drum circle programs and events throughout Long Island, New York City, Brooklyn, and Queens, as well as nationally and internationally. Laura is a REMO-endorsed Certified Drum Circle Facilitator, Sound Healer, and Feng Shui Reiki Master. Her passion for drumming is rooted in helping people connect with their inner musician, foster meaningful connections, and support their social-emotional well-being through the power of rhythm and music.
Laura’s journey into the healing arts began at age 12, when she started learning alongside her mother, Feng Shui Master and mentor, Carole Provenzale. Together, they established Feng Shui Manhattan, Inc. in 1997. In 2008, Laura earned a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts and Art Education from SUNY New Paltz.
Laura experienced her first drum circle in 2011, an experience that inspired her to pursue West African drumming classes with Richie Guerrero at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center in New York. Soon afterward, she discovered sound healing, deepening her interest in the transformative potential of music, rhythm, and vibration.
In 2018, Laura became a Certified Sound Healer through the Center for Advancement of Therapeutic Arts. Following her certification, she began facilitating traditional sound healing sessions and interactive sound experiences at public and private venues throughout the New York tri-state area.
In 2020, Laura trained with Music for People® and completed Rhythm2Recovery training, which focuses on evidence-based approaches to supporting social and emotional well-being through rhythm and music.
She further developed her skills in group facilitation and musical improvisation, earning recognition as a Remo-endorsed drum circle facilitator.
Through her programs, Laura offers engaging, interactive musical experiences that encourage social-emotional development, creative expression, and meaningful connection. Using simple prompts and guided activities, participants are empowered to explore musical improvisation, discover their inner musician, and co-create music both individually and collectively. Instruments may include drums, melodic percussion, shakers, chimes, boomwhackers, body percussion, and vocal exploration, including circle songs. No prior musical experience is necessary.
Today, she continues to bring people together through rhythm, sound, and creative expression, cultivating opportunities for connection, self-discovery, and well-being.
Answer:
Drum Circles are an inclusive improvisational music-making experience open to all abilities, ages, and skill levels! People can join a drum circle through dance, drumming, or playing other percussion instruments.
We invite you to read a detailed overview that offers a historical look back at how Drum Circles evolved in America and around the world: What is a Drum Circle?
“The Heart Has a Rhythm and a Drum”
“Music is Medicine”
“We Are Aiming for Connection, Not Perfection”
Healing Drum Circle Intentions with Laura Cerrano
As a drum circle facilitator, Laura is dedicated to helping others discover the joy of making music in a supportive and fun environment. She customizes each drum circle to ensure that participants have a meaningful and uplifting experience. This enables individuals to express their true selves through their natural sense of rhythm, fostering a deeper sense of community and offering numerous health benefits for both the group and individual well-being.
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TEDxTalks/TEDxCUNY FAST TRACK - John Jay College, NY
Nespresso, NY
Lean on Me Breast Cancer Network, Serenity Wellness Retreat, Manhasset, NY
North Shore University Hospital - Northwell Health - Stroke Survivor Club, Manhasset, NY
Hope & Healing program | Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program | Parker Jewish Community Health Programs through The Parker Jewish Institute, NY - Drum Circles for Dementia and Alzheimer’s populations, as well as with their caretakers.
Lakeland AHRC /People’s Arc of Suffolk County, NY - Special Needs and Disabilities Day Program Center
Sandoz, NY
Sousa Elementary, Port Washington, NY - Creative Arts Program Drum Circle
Emerge Holistics Integrative Wellness, Massapequa, NY
The Bristal Assisted Living Communities: Drum Circles for Assisted Living and Memory Care population
Artis Senior Living of Commack, NY - Life enrichment Drum Circle Program for Memory Care population
The Friedberg JCC: Drum Circle for their Dementia Support Programs - Parkinson’s Support Programs
Strength for Life - NY: healing program for cancer patients and survivors
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (New York Chapter): Interactive sound healing circles and art therapy-inspired programming
Roslyn NY Salt Cave, Roslyn, NY
Stoke Support Club, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide - New Jersey and Nassau County, NY branches
Catholic Health Good Shepherd Hospice Bereavement Camp for Children - Bob Sweeney’s Camp H.O.P.E.
The Music Heals the Heart Fundraiser in Westbury, NY: Long Island American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Cope Foundation & the Eric C. Doll Calhoun High School Memorial Scholarship
Town Of Hempstead’s Recreational Adult Programming
Town of Huntington, NY - Tri Community and Youth Agency (Tri-CYA)
Youth Directions & Alternatives (YDA) - Northport, NY - Special Needs Population
Nassau and Suffolk County - Long Island, NY Library System
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Toddlers/Babies
Children
Teenagers
Adults
Special Needs and Disabilities
Dementia Support Groups
Alzheimer's Support Groups
Parkinson’s Support Groups
Care-giver Support Groups
Women Empowerment Groups
Veterans
Hospitals and Healthcare Workers (i.e doctors/surgeons)
School Teachers/Guidance Counselors
Public/Private Schools/Colleges/Universities
Psychologists
Conferences
Networking/Icebreaker Events
Social Workers
Hospice and Bereavement Camps
Summer Camps
Library Programs
HR Corporate Team-building events
Birthday Parties
Holiday Celebrations
Wellness and Cancer Retreats
Stroke Survivor Support Groups
Reiki Circles
Grand Openings
Religious Events (i.e. weddings, celebration of life ceremonies)
We had the honor of being invited by the New York Botanical Garden to facilitate a 4-month-long Community Drum Circle program throughout May, June, September, and October in 2026 to complement their Flower Power and Día de los Muertos exhibits. We look forward to future collaborations with Botanical Gardens, Auditoriums, and State Parks throughout Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island, NY!
Working with Younger Drummers for Social Emotional Well-being
Laura provides customized inclusive social-emotional drumming programs for child daycare facilities, pre-schools, elementary/middle/high schools, universities, colleges, camps, and youth community centers.
Locations supporting special needs populations can inquire about our Drum Beat Connections program, founded by Laura Cerrano and Michelle Livingston. This program specializes in working with children who have physical and behavioral challenges, including autism.
All drumming programs are customized to meet the specific goals and objectives as requested by the venue program director and/or parents.
Private drumming groups and individual home visits are available by request. All drums and smaller percussion instruments are provided for each participant. No previous drumming experience is needed. For pricing, please contact Laura directly.
Benefits of Drum Circles
Improves Immunity
Feeling Accomplished
Creative Self-expression
Sense of Support
Building community
Increases Mindfulness
Feeling Accomplished
Reduces Stress/Anxiety
Improves cognitive functions
Natural medicine for pain relief
Improves Interpersonal Connections
What’s Included With A Drum Circle Event?
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Drum Circle Kit includes a variety of drums and smaller percussions.
Sample list of drums include:
djembes
congas
bongos
tubanos
cajóns
frame drums
ocean drum
handpan
rattles/shakers
various smaller assorted percussions
Boomwhackers
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Laura is a Certified Rhythm2Recovery and REMO-endorsed Drum Circle Facilitator. All drum circle experiences are tailored to meet your specific needs, population, and goals.
Laura works with all ages and provides drum circle experiences for various populations and occasions. This also includes corporate wellness events, team-building conferences, and holiday celebrations.
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Laura provides instructions on how to prepare the room and outdoor space for your drum circle event.
Upon arrival, she’ll set up all the drums prior to the start of the event and disassemble the drum circle at the conclusion of the event.
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Laura transports all drums and small percussion instruments to the designated location.
Price Of A Drum Circle Depends On
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Small-sized drum circle: 3- 6 drummers
Medium-sized drum circle: 10-25 drummers
Large-sized drum circle: 30 - 60 drummers
Super-sized drum circle: 65 - 300 drummers or more
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Length of Time:
30-minutes
45-minutes
60-minutes (1-hour)
90-minutes (1.5 hours)
120-minutes (2-hours)
Frequency (How Often):
Single Day Drum Circle
Multiple Drum Circles on the same day
Weekly/Bi-weekly Drum Circles
Monthly Drum Circles
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Typical setup and breakdown time of a drum circle takes between 15-25 minutes. More time could be required depending on the size of the group and accessibility of the location hosting the drum circle.
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Fees are dependent upon travel time to the location, tolls, gas and accommodations, as needed.
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When large or super-sized drum circle events are requested, Laura will require extra support. The fee for additional drum circle facilitators is calculated into the final cost.
Questions? Ready to Schedule?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Answer: Everyone!
No drumming experience is necessary
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Answer: No prior drumming or music-making experience is necessary :)
Laura will provide guidance with light facilitation and simple prompts to inspire a greater connection to your own musical expression individually and as a group
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Answer: Yes!
With permission granted to share, please click on the provided links to sample short video clips of drum circle events with Laura Cerrano. Please keep in mind that some drum circles are public vs private, and some are free-form vs facilitated. It’s also important to remember that the drum circle sounds and rhythms vary depending on the occasion and population. Click on the provided links to view Drum Circle events with Laura Cerrano.
Sunken Meadow State Park, NY - Community Drum Circle (public/free from drum circle)
The Sanctuary Institute, Armonk, NY - Social Worker Retreat (private/facilitated drum circle)
Strength for Life NY, Hauppauge, NY - Cancer Retreat (private/ facilitated drum circle)
Tri-Community Youth Agency, Huntington, NY - Drum Circle (both facilitated & free-form drum circle)
"Hippie Hill" Drum Circle, San Fransico, CA - community drumming and dancing (public/free-from drum circle)
Sunken Meadow State Park, NY Community Drum Circle (public/free-from drum circle)
Robert Moses State Park Full Moon Drum Circle (public/free-form drum circle)
New York Botanical Garden Flower Power Drum Circle (public/faciliated drum circle)
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Answer: Yes! and Yes!
We have a wide variety of drums and smaller percussions participants can use…and the collection is growing!
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Answer: We work with variety of populations
Sample List of Who We Work With:
Toddlers/Babies
Children
Teenagers
Adults
Special Needs and Disabilities
Seniors (well-bodied, assisted living/memory care)
Dementia Support Groups (those living with Dementia and their caregivers)
Alzheimer's Support Groups (those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers)
Parkinson’s Support Groups (those living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers)
Caregiver Support Groups
Women Empowerment Groups
Veterans
Hospitals and Healthcare Workers (i.e doctors/surgeons)
School Teachers/Guidance Counselors
Public/Private Schools/Colleges/Universities
Psychologists
Teen Suicide Prevention conferences
Social Workers
Conferences
Hospice and Bereavement Camps
Summer Camps
Library Programs
HR Corporate Team-building events
Birthday Parties
Holiday Celebrations
Wellness and Cancer Retreats
Stroke Survivor Support Groups
Reiki Circles
Grand Openings
Religious Events (i.e., weddings, celebration of life ceremonies)
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Answer: Absolutely!
Laura is a Certified Sound Healer and has all the equipment needed to facilitate a sound healing and drum circle event.
Contact us directly to learn more!
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We provide drum circles throughout Long Island - NY, New York City, Brooklyn, Long Island City, Queens, the Bronx, New Jersey, Upstate and Downstate New York, Connecticut, Staten Island, Nationally and Internationally
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Answer: Yes!
If you would like to donate an instrument to Healing Drum Circles, please contact Laura directly
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Answer:
Yes!
We have up to 100 Boomwhackers ready for use to compliment your drum circle or be the main event.
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Answer: Yes and no
Drum Circles can be loud if the group is unaware.
This is where the benefit of having a certified drum circle facilitator guiding the group comes in, so the volume of drumming can be adjusted as needed.
In our drum circles, we use a variety of instruments and can tailor volume levels to suit your space, goals, and participant comfort!
Attendees are also welcome to wear earplugs or other sound-muffling devices that work for them.
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Answer:
Yes!
According to Johns Hopkins University, music reduces stress, eases physical pain, and supports recovery in neurological conditions.
To elaborate on this answer a bit more, some will say Musical Medicine is passive listening, and Music Therapy is active engagement in creating music.
Referring to Drum Circles, a person can listen to a Drum Circle, or participate in a Drum Circle, and this means they are receiving Musical Medicine and Music Therapy.
How so? Not everyone may want to participate in a drum circle, but many will enjoy watching and listening, and you’ll find them swaying along to the rhythm. Others will be eager to drum, jump right in, and begin playing with the group. With either scenario, the person is receiving benefits emotionally, mentally, and physically.
So yes, Music is Medicine when intended for that purpose. This is an important distinction because there are situations when music, words, and certain sound frequencies produce the opposite effects.
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Answer:
We provide both indoor and outdoor!
The decision on what can be accommodated will depend on the weather.
For outdoor drum circles, if the weather forecast predicts strong sunlight or light rain, the drum circle will need a large tent to protect the drummers. All these types of details can be discussed with Laura ahead of time.
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First Answer: Yes. We have an office in Farmingdale, NY. This space can accommodate an intimate gathering of 10 drummers upon request. You can view an image of our drum circle studio space below.
If you’d like to reserve the space for a private drum circle gathering, please contact us for more details.
Second Answer: Most clients request that Laura travel to them, whether to a public or private venue, or a private residence.
Laura travels throughout Long Island, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester County, Bronx, NY, the United States, and abroad to provide drum circle events for a variety of occasions and populations.
Let’s Connect
Questions? Ready to Schedule?
