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THE PROGRAMME

The WORK.

Drum Role is an artist-led group programme supporting boys and young mens’ growth and wellbeing. Through drumming, rhythm and shared creative experiences, it helps boys develop the confidence, self-awareness and resilience to communicate, contribute, lead and embrace future opportunities.

Why it works

Four principles.

The principles behind Drum Role are supported by existing research in music, rhythm, wellbeing and group learning.

Rhythm & Regulation

Rhythm helps boys focus, regulate energy and stay present.

Challenge & Mastery

Progressive challenge builds resilience, confidence and new skills.

Connection & Belonging

Shared challenge and music activities build trust, teamwork and connection.

Expression & Confidence

Drumming, voice and movement create space for self-expression, confidence and leadership qualities.

Delivery options

Three ways in

Every school is different. All offers can be adapted to suit your students, structure and specific needs. Session lengths can flex around your timetable, with groups of up to 12.

EXPLORE

Experience
Day

A full day with a targeted group or several workshops across the day with different groups.

GROW

Foundation Programme

One session per week, over 3-4 weeks with a targeted group

MAKE

In-Depth

A deeper creative process where participants work together over a longer time frame to develop an original performance.

Not sure which fits? Let's talk.

Session structure

Five moves, every time.

Every session follows a familiar five-part structure, but the focus is not musical perfection. Drumming creates opportunities to explore how boys listen, express themselves, respond to challenge, contribute ideas and work together. The format flexes to fit your school’s lesson length.

01

Arrival & Agreements

We prepare the space, set up the instruments and agree how we will work together: everyone is welcome, there is no judgement and no experience is needed.

02

Check-In

Facilitators model openness and invite every boy to share how he is arriving. Sharing is encouraged but never forced, everyone has the opportunity to be heard.

03

Drumming & Expression

Through drumming, body percussion and voice, boys learn patterns, explore ideas and take on new challenges both individually and as a group.

04

Learning the Core Piece

Ideas and experiences from the check-in are brought into the music. Boys explore how feelings such as anger, calmness or joy can shape the way they play, before bringing their individual parts together as a group.

05

Reflection & Closing

The group reflects on what they learned and what they will take away. Questions are welcomed, instruments are packed away and the space is reset together.

A safe space

The traffic-light approach.

We guide participants beyond green and into amber, where they can grow safely, at their own pace, without entering red.

GREEN

Comfortable, but no growth

Amber

Challenged, encouraged and supported

RED

Overwhelmed or unsafe

What we ask from schools

A small commitment. A big return.

The evidence base

Grounded in research.

Drum Role was created as a response to the challenges raised in The Lost Boy Report, and draws on established research into music, rhythm, wellbeing and group learning.

Fancourt et al. (2016)

Group Drumming & Mental Health

WHO (2019)

Arts & Health Review

Gilham et al. (2025)

Boys' Group Work & School Belonging

Ready to bring Drum Role to your school?