“I am a Helmtone Certified Drum Therapist, practicing Helmtone drum protocols through weekly small group meetings in Long Island, New York. I was not always a hand drummer. That is, I began drumming after I retired from a 30 year career as a Licensed Master Social Worker in New York City. I began by taking West African and Latin drum classes and playing in circles across Long Island. But when I found Buddy Helms’ books, “Way of the Drum” and “Let the Goddess Dance,” I began to really learn to play. These books have become a foundation for me to be set free from the pressure of keeping up with the rigorous, yet beautiful, Latin and African beats. In circles where these beats are played, it is often that people play fast and want to be heard without truly listening to one another. I love world beat music- don’t get me wrong- but now, I have a firm foundation of where and how to put my own flavor into the mix without having to be repetitive and rigid in my playing.
Buddy’s technique for hand drumming is amazing, as he sets his music to a combination of world beat and American styles. As a new drummer, it was very easy for me to follow along with the included CD’s. I found myself engaged and playing the entire CDs. The more you play along, the more you hear the intricacies he has built into the songs- it’s genius. I became a much stronger player and therefore had much more confidence. I began to play in more groups, and I was invited to play at local events with other musicians. It was then that I reached out to Buddy for lessons online. The lessons have proven to be invaluable in my growth as a musician, and in my personal growth as well. I learned the Helmtone protocols directly from Buddy and the lessons have also been my own therapy. This is the therapy I had been seeking out as a Social Worker all those years. Helmtone Drum Therapy is powerful because it uses a combination of verbal expression and healing drum rhythms. It is fun and easy to do, and my group members tell me it is a valuable tool for them as well. I am honored to call myself a student of Russell Buddy Helm, and grateful to have learned his Helmtone Protocols.”
Louise Isgro-Ibrahim, LMSW Helmtone Certified Drum Therapist
One of the greatest gifts I’ve discovered through experiencing a life-threatening disease is working with Buddy Helm. The more I relax, release, and find my essential self with the help of Buddy’s awareness, guidance, and gentle teaching, the happier and healthier I am becoming. Call it “finding my groove.” For me, this work is transforming my relationship with Life and with myself. Thank you Buddy.
R.T.
When I walked into Seasons on Montana Ave. a little over a month ago – I felt the magic and sanctity of being in a holy place – it was a little incongruous to see the whimsical interspersed with the spiritual. African drums, wind chimes, colorful beaded curtains, jewelry; unique pieces of hand painted, sculpted and carved art works and beatific Buddhas.
Intrigued by the sound Buddy was getting from his drum – that seemed to come about so effortlessly – the familiar fear and racing heart rose up in me as I realized I was about to speak my dreaded secret – “Yeah, but I have no rhythm.”Within 5 minutes Buddy had me drumming and proved to me not only did I have rhythm but I have “my own rhythm” and it’s always been there inside me waiting to be awakened in a safe, non judgmental place where I can explore my own groove.
Since joining Buddy’s drum circle twice a week I have experienced a real change, after years of instilled negative beliefs, pessimism, pervasive, self defeating, thoughts – I feel like they have melted away. I sleep better and have more peaceful moments, hours, and days. I react to other people and situations with a calm assurance that was not part of my previous way of being. Road rage –gone. Irritability – almost gone. Happier and with more self confidence and a brighter outlook. I can be grateful now when I’m alone with my thoughts.