Art and Music Combine in wonderful ways.
We are so fortunate to have some wonderful arts for wellbeing programs running in our Twilight homes. Our professionally accredited Art and Music Therapists have recently collaborated to offer residents an innovative experience, “Paint Drumming”. Here’s a look at how it works.
‘Paint Drumming’ is a perfect unity of both music and art promoting engagement, connection, and self-expression.
It involves residents using drumsticks in a traditional drumming style with the aim of moving paint across the paper to create a unique abstract artwork. Residents across our Twilight homes listened to two pre-selected contrasting musical pieces during the sessions. The music selected for this type of session is rhythmically very strong, providing a solid foundation to prompt drumming and movement during the sessions. Based on the music they have listened to, residents are invited to select paint colours for their works that reflect the music they have engaged with. Individual paint colour choices are unique and diverse within each group despite listening to the same piece of music, this is often discussed and reflected upon during the session.
During the art making process, residents listen to the same music piece to support drumming and consistent movement, and in turn their art making. The tapping of the drumsticks on the paper allows the paint to disperse, as well as creating audio feedback. Residents often fall into sync during drumming which often leads to residents drumming louder. This increase in confidence can be visually apparent due to an increase in impact when tapping the paint with the sticks. Although all group members remained focused on their own processes, there is an intrinsic connect between group members once a rhythm is established and they can match on another. This process is highly regulating and can led to an increase in dopamine levels. This process is also designed to support motor skills, coordination, and grip strength.
The process of art making is the key focus here, not necessarily the end product of what has been created. Residents are encouraged to be expressive and experimental as they explore an unconventional approach to creating. This can feel unusual to some at first and the conversations that spark from this are always enlightening and interesting to explore. At the end of the session residents are invited to share their artwork with the group and reflect on the process of art making and what has been created.
Feedback on this unique way of approaching art and music therapy has been overwhelmingly positive. We can’t wait to see what our wonderful Art and Music Therapy team come up with next!
