Above: Sonotubanos from Diana's Drum

Many long-term care residences, community living programs, group homes, hospitals and other facilities are beginning to incorporate therapeutic drumming into their programming.

In doing so, it's important to choose the best percussion instruments for the sessions. To date, only conventional or "floor-model" drums have been available. Now, there's a better choice. Compare wood-shelled, goat-skin head drums with Sonotubanos, and the choice is clear: for safe, stimulating and easy-to-play drums, Sonotubanos are the best choice for many participants, including Elderdrummers, physically and developmentally challenged individuals - anyone!

Here's Why:

Traditional Drums VS Sonotubanos

Traditional Drums

Drum Heads:

Sonotubanos

Drum Heads:

• goat skin (or other natural skin)
• can break during use
• not washable
• one colour: Goat.

• Pack cloth - man-made fabric
• practically indestructible (used for back packs, tents, outdoor gear, etc.)
• washable - can sanitize after use; safer
• available in many colours; can divide group into colour-groups for facilitation (eg., "Ok, just the red drums!") - engages visual acuity, concentration, observation and memory
• coloured heads provide high contrast with mallets (eg. - red drum head / black mallet - easier for visually impaired to hit drum

• not stackable; heavy to move and awkward to store
• wood - heavy to lift
• can crack if tipped over
• usually stand-alone (ie. drummer does not have to support it)
• very small range of colours available (natural wood shades)

• stackable: 8" drum fits inside 10" drum - makes for easy moving and storage
• sonotube - lightweight yet durable
• practically indestructible
• stands of floor; or can easily be supported by being held between legs/feet, providing physical exercise and work on coordination
• visually stimulating (colourful patterns and designs; virtually unlimited colour and design choices)
• physically stimulating - flannel can be used for an extra tactile sensation - "cuddly" drums are comforting to drummers; they can feel and enjoy the softness of the drum shell
• cheerful colours and patterns plus softness of drums help overcome initial intimidation about a new activity

• usually played with hands - can injure or irritate those with arthritis, etc.
• player may tire more quickly when using both hands
• can't be easily tipped for a louder sound
• less range of volume when played with a mallet (i.e. - makes NO sound when played with a mallet softly, therefore those w/o much muscle strength will get little from playing the drum and not as much range available for others; limits drumming experience)
• have to remove rings, etc. to play safely (otherwise could damage the ring, the drum and your hands); could lose items if removed; may not be able to remove rings, etc. due to arthritis, swelling, etc.; may be traumatic for seniors to remove wedding bands and other items of sentimental value

Right: mallets from Diana's Drum

• played with a mallet; easier on seniors' hands
• makes playing simpler
• can switch hands to exercise non-dominant hand and brain; using one hand at a time allows senior to concentrate on non-dominant hand/arm - provides mental and physical challenge plus a rest for the dominant hand
• can easily be tipped forward to produce a louder sound because they're lightweight; won't break if dropped
• large range in volume; when played softly with a mallet, can still hear the drum very well…e.g. "little raindrop" sounds - very pleasing to hear, makes a gentle and relaxing way to finish a session (thanks to Carolyn, Music Therapist, for this observation!)
• mallets can be made in high contrast with drum head for visually impaired (eg. - bright red drum head / black mallet)
• no need to remove rings, watches, bracelets, etc.; these are sometimes difficult for seniors and others to remove; may cause anxiety due to risk of loss; may contribute to emotional discomfort if removed

• extremely pricey; eg. - a Canadian-made "Seniors" floor-model drum costs $375 (plus taxes)- EACH
• Djembes average $300 (plus taxes)- EACH
• Seniors and others CANNOT MAKE THESE DRUMS, therefore there is no opportunity for a craft workshop or for the seniors to take pride of "ownership" of the drums

• extremely affordable; Sonotubanos from Diana's Drum range from $115 - $135 ea. (plus taxes) and $5.00 (plus taxes)for a mallet
• Participants can MAKE THESE DRUMS THEMSELVES!! Drum-making workshops provide a fun craft activity for seniors, and provide drums which residents can continue to use in their therapeutic drum program
• Drum-making workshops give drummers a sense of pride and "ownership" associated with the drums