Drum Circles with Laura Cerrano
Laura Cerrano is the founder of Healing Drum Circles, an improvisational drum circle and rhythm events company that provides interactive music-making experiences for all occasions and populations. Laura facilitates drum circle programs and events throughout Long Island, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, nationally, and internationally. She is a REMO-endorsed Certified Drum Circle Facilitator, Sound Healer, and Feng Shui Reiki Master. Her enthusiasm for drumming stems from her work helping others connect with their inner musician and improve their social-emotional well-being.
Laura trained with Rhythm2Recovery and the Music for People® organization, where she is also serving as a board member. These two methodologies fuse fun, movement, creativity, and therapeutic rhythms and melodies that empower participants to co-create collective sounds through improvisational drumming. Laura facilitates drum circles for various educational and professional occasions in public and private venues, including schools, universities, community centers, special-needs centers, libraries, summer camps, corporate team-building events, hospice, bereavement camps, and senior care facilities for those living with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and their caretakers.
For those in search of a unique, fun, meaningful, and uplifting way to celebrate life’s special moments, Laura facilitates interactive, lively celebratory drum circle events for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, festivals, cultural & holiday gatherings. Every drum circle is customized to your needs. Public and private drum circle events are available by request.
Laura has been featured in Oprah Magazine, BBC Radio, TEDxTalks, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. To view upcoming public drum circle events, visit our monthly calendar.
To schedule your event, please contact us directly.
Meet Certified Drum Circle facilitator Laura Cerrano
Founder of Healing Drum Circles - Feng Shui Manhattan Inc Healing Arts Wellness Programs
Laura Cerrano, REMO Inc endorsed Certified Drum Circle Facilitator hosting a Drum Circle at Sunken Meadow State Park, Long Island, NY
Laura’s introduction to the healing arts began at the age of 12, alongside her mother, Feng Shui master and mentor, Carole Provenzale, with whom she established Feng Shui Manhattan, Inc. in 1997. In 2008, Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts and Art Education from SUNY New Paltz. Laura experienced her first Drum Circle in 2011, which inspired her to attend West African Drum Classes for a few years with Richie Guerrero at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center in NY. Not too long after that, Laura was introduced to the practice of Sound Healing, and in 2018, she became a Certified Sound Healing Therapist through The Center for Advancement of Therapeutic Arts. After graduating, Laura began facilitating sound healing events for public and private venues throughout the New York Tri-state area.
In 2020, Laura trained with Music for People® and Rhythm2Recovery leadership programs to become a certified drum circle and improv music facilitator and has been endorsed by REMO, Inc. From that point, she officially established “Healing Drum Circles” and “Long Island Drum Circles”. Laura provides engaging group rhythmic musical activities to support social and emotional development. Participants are empowered through simple prompts on how to explore musical improvisation while co-creating music as a group or independently. Commonly utilized instruments include drums, melodic instruments, shakers, chimes, body percussion, and vocal exploration (i.e, circle songs).
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TEDxTalks/TEDxCUNY FAST TRACK - John Jay College, New York City - 8th Annual Conference
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx (Flower Power Exhibit), NY
North Shore University Hospital - Northwell Health - Stroke Survivor Club, Manhasset, NY
Suffolk Community College (Suicide Prevention Event), NY
Balanced Mind Curriculum Conference - Partnerships with Nassau NYSCAME - Music Improv teacher workshop - W.T. Clarke MS/HS in East Meadow, 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.
Sousa Elementary, Port Washington, NY - Creative Arts Program Drum Circle
Guggenheim Elementary School (cultural drum circle program), Port Washington, NY
Lakeland AHRC /People’s Arc of Suffolk County, NY - Special Needs and Disabilities Day Program Center
The Sanctuary Institute Network Days Conference, Armonk, NY
Town of Huntington, NY - 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration - Tri-CYA FangaDrum Performance and 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: 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. Over the years Laura has introduced a diversity of healing modalities that range from Feng Shui, Reiki, Art Therapy healing techniques, and drum circles.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (New York Chapter): Interactive sound healing circles and art therapy-inspired programming
Roslyn Salt Cave, Roslyn, 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: live music with audience participation - all proceeds are donated to the Long Island American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Cope Foundation & the Eric C. Doll Calhoun High School Memorial Scholarship
Town of Hempstead’s Recreational Programming: teaches Feng Shui, Sound Healing, Reiki, and facilitates improvisational drum circle sessions
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 - facilitates Drum Circles, traditional Sound Healing (Sound Bath), and Interactive Sound Healing Circles
We provide drum circle Events for all occasions & populations
No prior musical experience is needed—our events are inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all ages & abilities. All drums and smaller percussion instruments are provided.
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Birthdays
Weddings
Holidays
Festivals
Reunions
Cultural Events
Family Events
Graduations
Anniversaries
Grand Openings
Art Exhibits, Gallery Openings & Art Receptions
Museum Cultural Programs
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Student Emotional-Social Development Programs
School assemblies
Guidance counselor Student/Staff Support groups
Classroom cultural programs
Special needs and all abilities social-emotional development programs
Summer camps
Library Programs for toddlers, children, and teens
Student birthday parties
Teacher birthday parties
Art Exhibits, Gallery Openings & Art Receptions
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Children, Adult & Senior Birthday Parties
Weddings
Engagement Parties
Family Reunions
Graduations
Anniverserires
Mother’s Day Celebration
Father’s Day Celebration
Celebration of Life Events
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Workplace wellness programs
Wellness fairs
Cancer Retreats
Personal growth retreats & workshops
Domestic Violence Support Groups
Wellness for Caretakers
Mental health and addiction rehabilitation
Firewalk Ceremonies
Special needs and all abilities programs & all abilities expos
Suicide Prevention events
Bereavement Camps
Seniors programs (well-bodied)
Dementia drum programs & caregiver support groups
Alzheimer’s drum programs & caregiver support groups
Parkinson’s drum programs & caregiver support groups
Stroke Survivor & caregiver groups
Senior Community Centers/Social Organizations
Youth Community Centers/Social Organizations
Reiki Circles
Celebration of Life Events
Women's Empowerment Groups
Veteran Support Groups
Hospitals and Healthcare Workers (i.e., doctors/surgeons)
Art Exhibits, Gallery Openings & Art Receptions
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On-site or off-site team building & team bonding
Corporate team retreats
Leadership development & trainings
Happy hour/after-hour events
Corporate entertainment & celebrations
Conference keynotes & breakout sessions
Networking/Icebreaker events
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Student/Staff Wellness Retreats
Student Leadership Development & Trainings
Icebreaker Events
Cultural Programs
Building Student Community
Student and Staff Mental Health Programs
Suicide Prevention Events
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New York State Park Art & Cultural Enrichment Programs
National Park Art & Cultural Enrichment Programs
Botanical Gardens Events
Library Programs (all ages, populations, and abilities)
Community Centers (adult, youth, and senior)
Museum Cultural Programs
Art Exhibits, Gallery Openings & Art Receptions
Beach Events
Festivlas
Special Needs & All Abilities Fairs & Events
Cultural Programs
Holiday Events
Celebration of Life Events
Storefront Grand Openings
TEDxTalk Workshop on Drum Circles, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York City
Reiki Healing Drum Circle at Anima Mundi Apothecary, Brooklyn, NY
Upon request, Laura provides drum circle programs for public and private events throughout Westchester County, New Jersey, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island City, and the overall Tri-state area. On occasion, you’ll find Laura co-facilitating public musical improv jam sessions at the Village Zendo in SoHo, NY, and Reiki Healing Drum Circles at Anima Mundi Apothecary in Brooklyn, NY. Please visit our monthly calendar for public event announcements.
For residents living on Long Island, NY who are seeking ongoing drum circles, you can catch Laura and her drum buddies hosting bi-weekly drum circles at the Sunken Meadow State Park during the warmer seasons (late Spring, Summer, and early Fall). During the cooler months (late Fall, Winter, and early spring), you’ll find Laura facilitating public indoor drum circles throughout Long Island, NY, at local libraries, yoga studios, and holistic wellness boutique shops. Please visit our monthly calendar for public drum circle announcements.
Please know that some public drum circles require a fee to attend, while others are sponsored and free. Most public drum circle events are open for everyone to join, while some drum circles are reserved for specific populations: children, teens, adults/seniors, and special needs, to allow customized experiences. To view upcoming public drum circle events, visit our monthly calendar.
Working with Younger Drummers for social-emotional developement
Laura Cerrano facilitating a children’s drum circle at Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angels, CA
Laura Cerrano facilitating a children/family Winterfest Drum Circle at the Oyster Bay - East Norwich Public Library, Oyster Bay, NY
Tri-CYA Town of Huntington NY drum circle performance at Jack Abrams Stem Magnet School, Huntington, NY
Laura provides customized inclusive social-emotional learning and drumming programs for all abilities at 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 work 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 or individual home visits are available by request. All drums and smaller percussions are provided for each participant. No previous drumming experience is needed. For pricing please contact Laura directly.
Laura Cerrano facilitated a 300 person drum circle at the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide conference at Molloy College, NY
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, fun, 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.
What’s Included When Hiring Laura Cerrano for a Drum Circle?
Drum Circle Kit includes a variety of drums and smaller percussions. Sample list of drums includes a mixture of djembes, congas, bongos, tubanos, cajóns, ocean drum, and frame drums
Facilitated Drum Circle. 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
Set up/Breakdown of the Drum Circle. Laura provides instructions on how to prepare the room for the drum circle event. Upon arrival, she’ll set up all the drums before the start of the event and disassemble the drum circle at the conclusion of the event
Transportation of Drums. Laura transports all drums and smaller percussions to the designated location.
Pricing of Drum Circle depends on:
Number of participants
Length and Frequency of the Drum Circle
Set-up and Breakdown Time
Travel time/expenses
Space rental fee (if required)
Support of extra facilitators (if required)
Accommodations (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Answer:
It’s important to know that the concept of drum circles is an American cultural creation. However, West Africa is a major influence on modern-day drum circles. The countries of Mali, Guinea, and Senegal developed highly sophisticated drumming traditions used for celebrations (e.g., weddings, harvests), communication between villages, storytelling, and the preservation of history. Gatherings of the past and today often involve drummers, dancers, and community members, making them a direct ancestor of modern drum circles.
Modern-day Drum Circles in America were influenced by the counterculture movement of the 1960s–70s in places like San Francisco, where people gathered for free-form music, community, and self-expression.
The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 sparked renewed interest in drum circles. These gatherings emerged as a unique activity that allowed people to maintain social distance while fostering social and emotional connections. The National Library of Medicine recognizes drum circles as a form of music therapy. Research indicates that drumming in a community setting promotes emotional release, stress reduction, and social bonding through fun, interactive experiences for all occasions and abilities.
You can read more about this topic by visiting: What is a Drum Circle?
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Answer: No. All ages and experience levels are welcome; Laura provides guidance and prompts for what's needed to help cultivate a fun, inviting musical experience!
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Answer. They can be if the group is unaware. However, 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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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.
Image of our Healing Drum Circles Studio Space located in Farmingdale, NY. We can accommodate 10 drummers upon request. Drum Circles are by appointment only.
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Answer: everyone!
Drum Circle events with Laura are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Over the years, Laura’s provided hundreds of drum circles for various occasions and populations. Every drum circle event is customized and tailored to your needs.
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)
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Answer: Yes. Laura travels throughout Long Island, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, NY, the United States, and abroad to provide drum circle events for a variety of occasions and populations.
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Answer: Each event is unique, and pricing varies based on a number of factors.
Number of participants
Amount of drums and percussion instruments being provided
Length ( (30-minute, 1-hour, 1.5-hour, 2-hour session) and Frequency of the Drum Circle (i.e, single session, multiple sessions)
Set-up and Breakdown Time
Travel time/expenses
Accommodations (if required)
Space rental fee (if required)
Support of extra facilitators (if required)
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If you decide to add more guests to the originally agreed number for your event, please note that a new fee will be issued. This fee is necessary to cover the additional drum circle equipment required to accommodate the larger group. We want to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, so it's important to adjust our resources to meet your needs.
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It’s best to contact us for a personalized quote—we’re happy to help!
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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!
what are the BENEFITS of attending a drum circle?
Improves Immunity
Feeling accomplished
Creative and self expression
Sense of support & control
Provides a memorable and enjoyable bonding experience with fellow drummers
Building community
Increases Mindfulness
Improves cognitive functions
Natural medicine for pain relief
Develop Deep Listening Skills
Encourages creativity and innovative thinking
Improves problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves Interpersonal Connections
Improves motor functions and help to regulate the nervous system
Improve behavior & self-esteem
Having fun!!
