DCM Leadership Training
Developmental Community Music (DCM) is a comprehensive approach to facilitating an inclusive group process. DCM makes it fun and easy to present enriching and dynamic experiences for groups of all kinds.
Using the DCM approach helps people:
- get to know and appreciate each other.
- feel comfortable expressing themselves in a group.
- feel confident using their musical abilities.
- learn to listen and respond to others in appropriate ways.
- use the principles of effective teamwork to reach a common goal.
- reconnect with and share their playful and creative spirit.
DCM is much more than group music making. It’s a holistic approach to self-improvement that is rooted in Music Therapy, Orff-Schulwerk (music for children), Recreational Music Making, and unique practices developed by Kalani.
The books, DVD, web-site and training courses offer multiple levels of support that make learning and applying the DCM approach both accessible and effective. Participants may elect to work towards certification as a way to raise their personal skill set and support their work, no matter the field.
- Drumming with Children
What does a DCM Leader do?
A DCM leader uses music-based experiences as a platform for reaching developmental goals.
DCM leaders are skilled in several areas including:
- providing a musical foundation for group experiences such as drumming, playing the ukulele and singing.
- designing sessions to meet developmental goals and objectives in a variety of areas (physical, cognitive, social, etc.)
- helping participants find ways to contribute to the experience, regardless of musical knowledge or training.
- using a variety of modalities (music, movement, singing, laughter, etc.) to meet the group’s goals.
- designing a variety of session plans to meet various goal areas including; recreation, wellness, education, and spirituality.
What will learn at a DCM course?
DCM students learn how to create different types of experiences, including:
- drum circles (group drumming improvisation)
- guided interactive drumming (conducted group drumming)
- group sing-a-longs (folk and popular songs)
- toning and chanting (vocal improvisation healing)
- movement and dance (individual, partner and group)
- laughter exercises and experiences
What kinds of services will DCM help me provide?
Depending on your existing skills and qualifications, DCM will allow you to:
- design and lead recreational experiences.
- design and lead educational experiences.
- design and lead health and wellness experiences.
- design and lead therapeutic experiences.
- design and lead corporate learning experiences.
- Jamming on Ukuleles and flutes
Who comes to a DCM course?
Most people who attend DCM courses are in music-based fields already, but some are looking for accessible ways to enter into music-based fields, such as recreational music making for wellness. DCM students come from a variety of professions and with diverse interests that include:
- music education
- music therapy
- recreational music making
- corporate training and development
- coaching and training
- counseling and personal development
What skills are required to take a DCM course?
DCM welcomes entry-level students; however, it helps to have a basic foundation in music and movement. Reading notation and knowing music theory is not required, but a sense and love of music helps a great deal. A few qualities that will help potential DCM leaders include:
- being comfortable playing music with and for others.
- being comfortable when addressing a group.
- enjoying community settings and connecting with people.
- being willing to help people when needed.
- being comfortable with improvisation and alternative approaches.
- being open-minded and accepting of all types of people.
- having a deep desire to help others.
