The workshops offered here represent a unique opportunity to work with a truly creative and accomplished professional performer of international calibre and experience.
In the wake of celebrating an exceptional 25 years of STOMP in New York, Carl is currently offering workshops for schools, colleges, corporate events and at masterclass level.
The energy, creativity and opportunity for learning, growth and expression in this environment are unique and without equal. Workshops also available across a wide variety of percussion instruments.
Teambuilding and leadership
According to an extensive study conducted by the School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University entitled “Drumming as a Teambuilding Intervention”, “People connect on a much deeper and more universal level through music in general and drumming in particular, thereby impacting lasting learning and individual change in ways that improve organisational effectiveness.”
“Teambuilding is a specific intervention to address issues relating to the development of the team, focusing on improving interpersonal relations or improved productivity and alignment with organisational goals. Examples include emphasis on fun and enjoyment, simulation of workplace dynamics and problem solving.” (Kriek and Venter, 2009)
The content of these workshops is diversely applicable and adaptable and as such, covers literally all aspects considered as seminal when seeking to make insightful improvements to any company and its constituent teams and leaders.
“A collaborative relationship is not merely the sum of its parts, but a synergistic alliance that maximises the contributions of each participant, resulting in action that is greater than the sum of individual works.”
Learning is activity-based, communication-based, skills-based, personality-based and problem solving-based, thereby addressing a host of key elements.
Creative thinking, employee bonding and connection, trust, commitment, coachability, confidence, role clarity, attitude, perseverance, accountability, alignment about process or common goals, supportive relationships, meeting deadlines and excellence in quality of work, all stand to benefit considerably and profoundly through participation here.
Well-being and health
Engagement with the scientifically attested, powerful medium of rhythmic music promotes outcomes for mental health and well-being that are striking and numerous, as confirmed by countless studies in neuroscience, psychology, sociology etc.
“Drumming is a great workout for your brain and can actually make you smarter because when you drum you access your entire brain. Research shows that the physical transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain actually synchronises the left and right hemispheres. So, when the logical left and intuitive right hemispheres pulsate together, your inner guidance system, or intuition, becomes stronger.
The sound of drumming generates new neuronal connections in all parts of the brain. The more connections that can be made, the more integrated our experiences become. This leads to a deeper sense of self- awareness.
Drumming also appears to synchronise the lower areas of the brain (non-verbal) with the frontal cortex (language and reasoning). This integration produces feelings of insight and certainty.
Drumming induces a natural ‘high’ by increasing Alpha brainwaves, enkephalins and endorphins. The same Alpha activity is associated with meditation and other integrative modes of consciousness.” (Christiane Northrup, MD)
Carl Smith’s STOMP workshops
Workshops are very much bespoke and are tailored to suit your requirements in terms of content, duration and emphasis on specific themes. You will be inspired by what can be achieved in the given time as barriers to musical expression are removed and myths about having talent and rhythm are dispelled. All have a part to play.
Participants are encouraged to focus on and grow in areas fundamental to the performing arts and beyond, such as imagination, creativity, communication, improvisation, presentation, teamwork, inclusivity, perseverance, presence, co-ordination, dedication and excellence.
A typical workshop begins with a demonstration, welcoming participants into a wonderful world of possibilities, followed by an introductory talk outlining the themes of the day.
After a brief warm up, we proceed to create a short performance piece, ideally to be presented to colleagues and filmed at the end of the day.
This provides a goal to strive for, lending context and meaning. With sufficient time, participants are invited to create and perform their own solos. Problems are solved, deadlines are met and fun is had!
A consolidation session is recommended to finish up, highlighting and pinpointing what has been learned, how it has been learned and the way in which it relates directly to your company and teams.