Unlock the Power of Rhythm to Connect, Inspire, and Lead Your Group!
Immerse yourself in a transformative VMC 3-day drum circle facilitation training—trusted worldwide for over 40 years!
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Discover timeless ways rhythm has always uplifted and brought people together.
Gain tools to inspire connection, spark creativity, and energise any group.
Join us for a weekend of joyful music, learning, and community this October.
No musical experience needed—just curiosity and an openness to explore rhythm’s potential.
Experience the Transformative Power of Rhythm
Are you looking for a dynamic way to connect, inspire, and lead your group, team, classroom, or community? Rhythm offers a universal language that dissolves barriers, uplifts spirits, and sparks meaningful connection—regardless of musical background.
Whether you’re a teacher, facilitator, therapist, leader, or anyone eager to make a positive impact, learning to use rhythm empowers you to:
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Unite people across backgrounds and ages
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Foster creativity and joyful participation
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Energise and motivate your group
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Enhance communication, collaboration, and wellbeing
On This Page
Why Rhythm Works
Rhythm is accessible to everyone. It taps into something fundamental within us—helping individuals feel present, grounded, and connected. Group rhythm experiences are proven to:
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Build community and create a sense of belonging
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Support emotional expression and stress relief
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Encourage collaboration and highlight the power of teamwork
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Inspire leadership, trust, and positive group dynamics
No Prior Musical Experience Required
You don’t have to be a musician to embrace the power of rhythm. If you are curious about leading your group with fresh, creative energy, this is for you.
Practical Applications
The skills and tools you learn through rhythm-based facilitation can be used in a wide variety of group settings:
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Education: Liven up classrooms, improve concentration, and boost morale
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Corporate & Teams: Enhance communication, teambuilding, and creativity
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Therapy & Wellbeing: Support healing, emotional health, and stress release
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Community & Youth: Build bridges between diverse groups, foster inclusion and cultural understanding
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Events & Gatherings: Create engaging, meaningful and memorable experiences
This Course is for
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School teachers & music educators
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Therapists, social workers & healers
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Corporate trainers, HR practitioners
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Trainers, HR professonals & team leaders
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Musicians, dancers & performers—professional or recreational
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Playgroup coordinators, youth workers & families
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Community organisers & volunteers
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Students & lifelong learners
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Spiritual practitioners & medical professionals
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Music lovers
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Anyone seeking inspiration and new skills
What You'll Gain
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20+ hours of immersive, hands-on learning
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A smaller group size and a highly personalised, supportive learning environment
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Simple, accessible methods to play drums and percussion
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A full-colour printed 50-page training manual from Village Music Circles (VMC)
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Core facilitation tools: leading, listening, body language, rhythm techniques, and many more!
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Understanding of group dynamics and universal rhythm principles
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Tools to create meaningful connection, collaboration, and creativity
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Greater confidence to design and lead your own rhythm-based programmes
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Research-backed wellbeing benefits
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Certificate of completion from Village Music Circles (VMC)
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Lifetime access to our private graduates Facebook group—your ongoing support hub—and connection to a wider global facilitator community
"Drums and percussion are the most accessible and enjoyable instruments—your gateway to tapping into the universal wisdom of music."
Words We Have Received
Cristina Rodenbeck
Mindful Leadership Coach, Corporate Wellness Speaker
"If you’ve ever met Kumi, you won’t forget her. Her positivity, passion, and drive are truly inspiring and contagious. Her Drum Jam events make Hong Kong’s heart beat with love, fun, and community. Anyone working with her experiences her astounding musical gift."
Esther Choi
Podcaster | Music Tutor
"Joining Kumi’s Training was truly life-changing! It enhanced my rhythm and leadership skills and awakened me to the power of community and connection. If you seek personal growth, meaningful connections, and confidence to make a difference, Kumi’s training is the perfect place to start."
Michelle Tsang
Music Therapist
"Teaching without teaching’ was the most inspiring lesson from the 3-day training. The practical demonstrations and deep content went beyond drumming, offering powerful ways to build community. Arthur and Kumi’s style deeply influenced me professionally and personally."
Over 40 years of Inspiring the world through rhythm
Developed by Arthur Hull, founder of Village Music Circles™ (VMC) and pioneer of the modern facilitated drum circle movement, this practical, proven method has empowered more than 15,000 people worldwide over 40 years to use rhythm as a tool for creativity, communication, and personal growth. Its impact continues to grow across communities, schools, wellness programmes, and workplaces around the globe.
Your journey, expertly guided
With over 40 years of combined facilitation experience, VMC-certified Global Trainers, Kumi Masunaga (founder of Drum Jam Hong Kong) and Harshil Filipo Chiostril (flying in from Italy) will guide you personally.
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About Your Trainers
Kumi Masunaga (Japan/HK)
Kumi, a native of Japan, has called Hong Kong home for 30 years. She is an internationally renowned percussionist, REMO artist, and founder of Drum Jam. With over 25 years’ experience, she’s inspired thousands worldwide through drum circles, team-building, and wellness programs. Trained in HealthRHYTHMS, Music Medicine, and a certified Village Music Circles trainer, Kumi leads with vibrant energy and community spirit.
Harshil Filippo Chiostri (Italy)
Harshil is a VMC-Certified Global Trainer and a dynamic force for community building in Italy. He has led the VMC 3-day Basic Facilitation Training 22 times and the 6-day advanced training 4 times across Italy. Recently, he co-trained with fellow VMC Global Trainer John Fitzgerald in Costa Rica. This is his first time teaching in Asia.
Modules
Module 1: Anatomy of Drum Circle and Basic Skills Module 2: Facilitation Tools and Techniques Module 3: Rhythmical Alchemy for Musicality and Presence Module 4: Understanding Concepts and Flow Module 5: Conclusion, Ceremony and Celebration! A full-colour printed 50-page training manual from Village Music Circles is included.
Schedule
3-Day Training Schedule Friday: 17:00 > 18:30 Intro & Training - Coffee Break - 18:50 > 21:00 Training Saturday: 09:00 > 10:15 Training - Coffee Break - 10:35 > 12:00 Training - Lunch Break - 13:15 > 15:00 Training - Coffee Break - 15:20 > 17:00 Training - Coffee Break - 17:30 > 18:30 Special Drum Jam Sunday: 09:00 > 10:40 Training - Coffee Break - 11:00 > 13:00 Training - Lunch Break - 14:30 > 16:00 Training - Coffee Break - 16:20 > 17:00 Graduation Ceremony - Break & Reset - 17:30 > 18:30 Community Drum Circle (Open to public – FREE entry) The schedule is subject to change. Accommodation Option: The venue is in Causeway Bay, central Hong Kong, with easy commuting options. For those who prefer to stay nearby, a few Airbnb places have been tentatively reserved. Please contact us for details.
Important Note for Overseas Participants
Please do not book non-refundable or non-changeable flights or hotel before 24 September. The Drum Circle Facilitation Training is scheduled for 24–26 October; however, the final decision will be made around 23 September based on registrations. Thank you for your understanding.
Networking & Community Building
There will be many opportunities to network with other facilitators and like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, professions, and experience levels. Join our optional communal lunch each day to network and connect!
(HK$100/day; simply select as an add-on during registration.)
A True Village Experience — Diversity is Our Power!
At Drum Jam and Village Music Circles (VMC), we believe in the power of a village: learning and growing together with people from all walks of life. We warmly welcome full-time students, seniors, VMC training graduates, and more — because we know diversity is our greatest strength. This gathering is enriched by a diverse mix of new faces, returnees, and groups — just like a village, there’s a place here for you.
We offer special discounts and attractive offers for:
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Full-time students
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Seniors
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People with disabilities
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Group discount*
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VMC training graduates ("returnees")*
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Scholarship*
Training Fees
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Early Bird — HK$2,980
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Standard — HK$3,500
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Group of 4 — Use code GROUP4 to register together at HK$2,750 each.
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Concession — HK$2,500
For full-time students, seniors (65+), and persons with disabilities. -
Scholarship — HK$1,750
A few applicants will be selected and notified. -
VMC Returnee - Past Training Graduate — HK$2,780
For those who previously completed any VMC training, in Hong Kong or elsewhere. -
VMC Returnee attends FREE by bringing 3 new students who register at the early bird price. Use this code VMCFREE to claim your spot now — limited time offer!
Village Music Circles™
Ready to Lead with Rhythm?
Harness the power of rhythm to transform the way your group connects and thrives! Discover practical tools, inclusive methods, and research-backed benefits that will enable you to facilitate vibrant, meaningful group experiences—anytime, anywhere.
Step into the beat, and see what your group can achieve together!
What is a Drum Circle?
A drum circle is a hands-on, improvisational music-making experience where participants play drums and percussion together. Music is created spontaneously as everyone listens and responds. Drum circles foster connection, celebration, and shared purpose, and are accessible for all.
What is a Drum Circle Facilitator?
A drum circle facilitator skilfully guides the group to discover their individual rhythms while weaving everyone’s beats into a shared musical experience. They foster an inclusive and engaging space where participants feel free to express themselves, connect, and enjoy the music and each other.
What are the Benefits?
Group drumming offers numerous benefits, including improving mental and cognitive wellbeing, reducing stress, enhancing focus and coordination, fostering social connection, and encouraging emotional expression. It’s a powerful way to feel relaxed, energized, and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the information you need is on our registration and ticketing page. Click the button below to visit the Eventbrite site where you can find answers and register.
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On desktop, look for the "About This Event" section and scroll down to "Frequently Asked Questions."
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On mobile, find "Good to Know" under the "Overview" tab and scroll sideways.
You will be redirected to the Eventbrite site to view the FAQs.
"Now, more than ever, we find ourselves seeking ways to build community with an intention to serve, to inspire and to reach beyond what separates us. Playing music together puts us in touch with the creative force that directly connects us with humanity."
An Introduction to the Art of
Drum Circle Facilitation
Arthur Hull, the founder of Village Music Circles (VMC), narrates an overview of the 4-step VMC Drum Circle Facilitation protocol in this video.
