Life's Got a Rhythm
Life's Got a Rhythm
welcome to Deke Kincade Rhythm!
Drum Circles
workshops
Performance
Deke Kincade is a world-class musician sharing creativity and passion for rhythm through drum circle facilitation, workshops, and performance on hand-drum and drum-kit. He builds community through the power of music and drumming in schools and universities, residential and health care settings, and for community and private groups. Joining other music-loving performers, Deke shares his experience on drum kit, hand drums, and vocals in the studio and in clubs, festivals, and house-concerts.
Drumming with new friends in Galway
NEWS
Penn Medicine Memory Café Features drum circle with deke kincade
The Penn Memory Center of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center is pleased to invite their patients and friends to participate in a drum circle with Deke Kincade at Christ Church Neighborhood House in Old City on Friday, July 28, 2017. This program is exclusively for people with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, and their partners/families/caregivers.
A great group at the Memory Cafe!
Clients and families had fun drumming with each other at the Memory Cafe of the Penn Memory Center.
Great time drumming with the New Jersey Activity Professionals Association at their Fall Forum. Activity Directors rock!
As an experienced drum circle facilitator across all levels of service in healthcare and residential settings, Deke works with people faced with a variety of cognitive and physical challenges. Collaborating with staff in appreciation of the diverse life experiences, expectations, and needs of older adults and others with special needs, Deke provides an opportunity for all to participate in the power of music and rhythm regardless of acuity level.
It's not about learning.
It's about connecting, thriving and living in the moment. It's about having fun!
Life's Got a Rhythm
“Deke . . . is impressive utilizing music as an expressive therapy for seniors . . . Deke has worked with particpants at Mercy LIFE West Philadelphia who have depression, decreased fine motor skills, and dementia . . . particpants had improvements in mood, cognitive stimulation, and overall, enjoy the experience . . . I confidently recommend Deke Kincade . . . ”
What is a Drum Circle?
Every culture on earth has a history of using drums and rhythm to communicate and connect while removing barriers. Today's drum circles continue that tradition.
All levels are welcome in a facilitated drum circle as musical and rhythmic threads connect the group - and a drum circle is always fun!
What is a Drum Circle?
Every culture on earth has a history of using drums and rhythm to communicate and connect while removing barriers. Today's drum circles continue that tradition.
All levels are welcome in a facilitated drum circle as musical and rhythmic threads connect the group - and a drum circle is always fun!
A drum circle harmonizes what is unique in all of us
Imagine an interactive and inclusive event where no experience is needed and everyone has fun!
Drum circles use the power of rhythm to connect people and enrich spirit. Participants in the circle play a variety of instruments creating parts that support and connect to each other. As the parts connect, so do the people.
The purpose is not to learn to play a drum.
The purpose is to use rhythm to create a dynamic connection between people.
CREATIVE
Drum circle participants play drums and percussion instruments communicating and connecting with each other while creating and sharing a dynamic experience. No musical experience is needed to enjoy the circle.
INCLUSIVE
A shared purpose grows along with all of the smiles, as individual rhythms come together and become a musical conversation. The power of music and rhythm is enriching for every level of ability and every age.
ENRICHING
In a drum circle the universal language of rhythm removes barriers, builds trust and creates a renewed sense of spirit and community. It feels good because it is good for you and fun at the same time!
“Deke Kincade is one of those rare individuals who is able to combine strong musicality as a performing musician with the ability to facilitate others to find their own power within the drum. His warmth and genuineness as a person set the bar high for all who gather around him.”
Celebrate Community
A drum circle is a musical and rhythmical conversation that celebrates the spirit of community. All ages and cultures speak the same language in this conversation.
Celebrate Community
A drum circle is a musical and rhythmical conversation that celebrates the spirit of community. All ages and cultures speak the same language in this conversation.
"THIS CIRCLE SPREADS JOY!"
Deke Kincade facilitates special musical and rhythmical programs called drum circles with groups who play drums and other percussion instruments while sitting or standing - you guessed it - in a circle!
The group develops a shared purpose as the song and rhythm of the circle demonstrate how much we can accomplish when we truly come together.
"Awesome!"
As the group creates together, a celebration of community evolves.
Because the rhythm and music celebrates commonalities as well as differences - there is no right or wrong in a drum circle.
All that matters is that every voice is heard and everyone has fun!
Deke uses fun and easy to follow games to introduce everyone to their instrument and to all of the sounds that are possible.
For more information connect with Deke here.
Focus is on -
- Learning to listen
- Collaborative creativity
- Having fun!
For all of Deke's drum circles -
- All ages and abilities are welcome
- Instruments are provided
- No experience is needed
“When we create music together we use our minds and our hearts . . . I believe this is why the music we make affects how the group feels. Our circle provides a special way to connect and understand each other. As we become more connected and aware as a group, we also find a center of quiet inside the sounds and rhythms we make together. We make a lot of good music and feel quiet inside at the same time.”
“His enthusiasm, knowledge and skill were overshadowed only by the joy he brought to the Mesa.”
“. . . it is not a competition. . . but an exercise in cooperation. . . ”
“Deke’s rhythm games pulled us together more than I ever expected!”
“You are definitely one of my all-time favorites to work with. You provided an amazing program.”
“We are so grateful we get to see Deke each month . . . he brings joy into the lives of residents and staff. We are now involved in a full-fledged symphony.”
Healthcare & Special Needs
No matter what challenge we face, we retain a basic human need to belong and feel capable and useful. We all deserve the opportunity to experience meaningful engagement.
We all want to feel good.
Healthcare & Special Needs
No matter what challenge we face, we retain a basic human need to belong and feel capable and useful. We all deserve the opportunity to experience meaningful engagement.
We all want to feel good.
WELLness is MORe than THE ABSENCE OF illness
Deke has facilitated drum circles in residential and healthcare settings for more than 20 years. He engages staff and clients through music and rhythm at more than 300 communities and organizations every year.
With extensive experience at every level of care, Deke provides an opportunity for all to experience the power of music and rhythm regardless of acuity level.
As Deke facilitates a drum circle, all participants engage in an experience which respects and honors the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Rhythm is the most fundamental part of music and provides a thread to not only connect with each other but to also connect with other times..
It's not about learning.
It's about living.
“The intellect has little to do on the road to discovery . . . The only real valuable thing is intuition.”
Examples of applications include -
School & University Programs - Healthcare Settings - Caregiver Support Groups - Children's Camps - Veterans Programs - Retreats - Family Celebrations
The needs and purpose of the group are considered at the time a drum circle is scheduled. All drum circles are multi-sensory and use a combination of experiential physical and cognitive strategies including -
- Rhythmic Breathing
- Mirroring & Modeling
- Integrative Imagery & Storytelling
- Creating Music with Rhythm & Song
- Guided Relaxation
Custom designed programs consider -
- Functional & Cognitive Abilities
- Past Experience
- Current Skill Levels
Everyone Can Play!
- Instruments are provided
- No musical experience is needed
- A drum circle is accessible to all
- Everyone is encouraged to participate at their own comfort level
For more information connect with Deke here.
Focus is on Quality of Life -
Social & emotional involvement
Raised energy levels
Improved coordination & motor skills
Immediate gratification
Positive feedback
Reduced stress
Increased self-esteem & confidence
Improved concentration
Creating a safe & inclusive space
Stimulation of peer relationships
Mindfulness
Positive interactions with friends & families
- . . . and increased fun & laughter!
“With a degree in Music Therapy, I always understood the power of music. Seeing Deke during a drum circle only reinforces this. I witnessed him facilitate a drum circle with our Alzheimer’s residents and it was truly amazing to see the response he received from our residents. ”
“I have observed Deke in many situations and have been impressed with his ability to communicate. He is very sensitive to changing acuity and cognitive ability and adjusts his approach to best suit our residents’ needs. The residents talk about Deke and his presentations for days. I highly recommend Deke and his programs. ”
“Deke Kincade is the embodiment of energy! His smile and easy going style fill the room with sunshine and prepares the group for all the benefits of the drum circle . . . the circle creates trust, friendship and so much more . . . I have brought Deke to my community on many occasions and no one ever wants him to leave or end the circle . . . ”
When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What's going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians' brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout.
Practice really does make perfect! Check out the terrific video above from Anita Collins and TED Ed.
Examples of Research and Scholarly Articles on the Effects of Music and Drumming
The Role of Rhythm in Speech and Language Rehabilitation: The SEP Hypothesis (Shinya Fujii, Catherine Y Wan.. Front Human Neuroscience, US national Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health).
The ability to more effectively retrain the brain following a stroke or other neurological impairment (Michael Thaurt, Director, Colorado State University’s Center of Biomedical Research in Music).
Performance of music elevates pain threshold and positive affect: implications for the evolutionary function of music. Evolutionary Psychology (R.I.M. Dunbar, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford).
Joint drumming: social context facilitates synchronization in preschool children (Sebastian Kirschner, Michael Tomasello. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology).
Recreational music-making alters gene expression pathways in patients with coronary heart disease (Barry Bittman, MD, Daniel T. Croft Jr., Jeannie Brinker, Ryan van Laar, Marina N. Vernalis, Darrell L. Ellsworth; Medical Science Monitor).
Improved Executive Function and Callosal White Matter Microstructure after Rhythm Exercise in Huntington’s Disease.(Metzler-Baddeley C, Cantera J, Coulthard E, Rosser A, Jones DK1, Baddeley RJ. Journal of Huntington's Disease, NIH).
The Impact of Group Drumming on Social-Emotional Behavior in Low-Income Children (Ping Ho, Jennie C. Tsao,, Lian Bloch, and Lonnie K. Zeltzer1, Pediatric Pain Program, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA, Clinical Science Program, Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA).
Four principles of bio-musicology, (W Tecumseh Fitch..Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; The Royal Society Publishing, Philosophical Transactions B),
“Deke introduced his drum circle to our facility nearly 4 years ago and we have been excited about it from day one. His patience, kindness, gentleness, and most of all, respect were most evident. Deke’s drumming gave our residents needed time for socialization, stimulation, expression, release of emotions, and yes, just good old fun. In closing, let me say I have no reservations in recommending Deke Kincade and his drum circle program to anyone.”
“. . . My mother-in-law looks forward to “the day the drummer comes to visit”. . .It is an amazing experience to see Deke share his gift for music to bring joy . . .”
“When Deke comes to visit with us, our kids and their parents connect in a way we thought was impossible. His contribution during our Retreat for Moms was exceptional.”
“Deke was with us every month for our drum circle but recently moved away. Now we wait for the call to say he is back in town. ”
“Everyone takes part and it stimulates my mind while I have a good time. I join in every time Deke visits”
“It is truly amazing to walk into one of Deke’s drum circles and see the level of participation especially from those with limited abilities. Deke’s circle has been very beneficial.”
A Facilitator is a Guide
Deke encourages the group to reach beyond expectations as they play drums and percussion instruments.
During these fully experiential events his role is to be a guide helping people feel welcome and able to participate in the creation of improvisational music and a sense of connection with each other.
A Facilitator is a Guide
Deke encourages the group to reach beyond expectations as they play drums and percussion instruments.
During these fully experiential events his role is to be a guide helping people feel welcome and able to participate in the creation of improvisational music and a sense of connection with each other.
at once gentle & spirited
Deke brings an infectious energy to every drum circle. He shares the connection between rhythm, song and spirit calling upon personal musical roots that embrace a rich variety of cultures and traditions. As facilitator, his role is to serve as guide, making everyone feel welcome and able to participate. Deke supports the group's experience with both gentleness and spirited energy as sounds and rhythms connect and music and a sense of community emerge.
“Deke Kincade begins a drum circle and before you know it, everyone in the circle is entranced by the beat. It all comes together in a wonderful melody of spirit . . .”
As a drum circle facilitator, Deke celebrates the intrinsic worth of all participants. With patience, skill and insight he ensures the fun and pleasure of drumming is accessible to everyone.
Playing drums since grade school and facilitating drum circles for nearly 20 years, he has the passion, creativity and intuition to help participants connect with each other and enjoy the power of rhythm and music.
Deke facilitates drumming events for people of all ages and abilities.
Following is an introduction to some of Deke's personal, collaborative, and community work -
Teachers and Mentors -
Deke is grateful for the influence, instruction, and generosity of all of the people he has met in the circle -
- Jim Donovan - Saint Francis University & Rusted Root
- Arthur Hull - Village Music Circles
- Mamady Keita - Guinea
- Elie Kihonia - Democratic Republic of Congo & Africa Yetu
- Tina Blaine - Carnegie Mellon Univ. Entertainment Technology Ctr.
- Don Davidson - Village Music Circles
- Heather MacTavish - Village Music Circles
- Timothy K. Adams, Jr. - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
For more information connect with Deke here.
Examples of groups & settings -
- Healthcare and Rehabilitation Settings
- Alzheimer's Residential Settings
- Community Organizations
- Social Service Agencies
- Students at all Levels
- Kids with Autism
- Medical Practices
- Yoga Retreats
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Clients include -
- Slippery Rock University
- Pittsburgh Technical Institute
- New Jersey Activity Professionals Association
- Penn Medicine - Penn Memory Center Memory Cafe, Philadelphia
- Every Child Human Services, Pittsburgh
- Community College of Beaver County, PA
- The Howland Cultural Center, NY
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- River Beat Festival, PA
- Bethany College, WV
- Allegheny County PA Activity Director's Association
- Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh
- . . . and more than 300 healthcare communities every year in PA, NJ, DE, and NY
“More than a composition, yet not a competition, a drum circle is a musical conversation between experienced percussionists, beginning drummers and even those who have never laid a finger on a drum. Deke Kincade encourages the sharing of rhythm . . . creating a shared spirit and sense of place, even among strangers.”
“Deke helped us understand everyone in the circle mattered. We learned to really listen to each other. We made a great sound together!”
Workshops & Instruction
Learning to drum is about learning what makes everything jive - whether learning for personal enjoyment or to play professionally.
Photo: Allison Lhaikainen, Platform One Photographer: Frank Sinisi
Workshops & Instruction
Learning to drum is about learning what makes everything jive - whether learning for personal enjoyment or to play professionally.
Photo: Allison Lhaikainen, Platform One Photographer: Frank Sinisi
everyone has rhythm!
All students are encouraged to enjoy the process of learning about rhythm and drumming. Everyone has rhythm and everyone can learn! Private lessons and group workshops in hand drumming are available. Private instruction is available on drum kit and practice pad.
DRUM KIT
Deke is available for private instruction on drum kit. Using a drum pad and drum kit to teach the important rudiments of kit drumming, he shares experience, understanding, and excitement with all of his students.
Specifics of style, creative applications of rhythm and sound and the importance of playing to the song are all covered. Students are able to transfer skills from the pad to the kit with confidence.
Rare vintage kits as well as Drum Workshop kits and digital instruments including the Roland HandSonic are used in class. Students will need a practice pad or personal instruments for practice between classes.
Class focus includes -
- Application of Rudiments to Kit
- Timing
- Posture
- Derivation of Specific Rhythms
- Rock & Roll, Blues, Jazz, ,Funk & more
All ages and levels are welcome.
HAND DRUMS & PERCUSSION
Get started on your hand-drum! Teaching the basics of hand-drumming and rhythm, Deke's encouragement and support make the learning experience satisfying as well as fun.
- Private classes can be scheduled individually or on an ongoing basis.
- Introductory group workshops are available. Groups can also schedule recurring circles. Call for more information.
Private students will need their own hand drum for instruction and practice between classes. Contact Deke if you have questions about how to choose your hand drum.
All classes focus on drumming and percussion technique including -
- Listening
- Learning Fixed Parts
- Quality of Sound
- Jamming
- Leading
All ages and levels are welcome.
All instruction begins with an assessment of current skills and overall goals. For more information connect with Deke here.
“Deke’s musical ability is as awesome as his pep talks. He really made me feel at ease and brought my confidence level above what it was when I began drumming.”
“He has incredible patience with his students and treats each of them as an individual.”
“Deke proves that learning is directly proportional to the amount of fun we’re having!”
“We knew Deke would be a great teacher for our son. ”
Performance
Playing drums all of his life, like all great drummers, Deke started out on pots and pans in his Mom's kitchen.
Performance
Playing drums all of his life, like all great drummers, Deke started out on pots and pans in his Mom's kitchen.
without music, life would be a mistake
Deke Kincade is an experienced musician performing professionally on drum kit, hand drum and vocals on stage and in studio settings. Connect with Deke here to talk about stage and studio availability .
Deke joined his first band in the 1960's and continues to perform professionally with a wide variety of talented musicians. Performing with bands in western Pennsylvania and all along the east coast, Deke's skills and musical interests developed out of diverse cultural influences. The best way to learn music is to play music - and Deke has played non-stop and full-time with many incredible musicians. Listen to or download music here.
Western Pennsylvania friends may recognize early bands including -
- The Bojaks
- National Stew
- Wind River Band
- Elkin Hayfield
- Hurricane
- Gary Glenn & Bluebird
- Dave Mack Band
- Hot Grits
- Donnie Clark Band
- The Showmen
- Fat Sal
- Frankie and the Contenders
Deke formed blues band Black Cat Otis in 1994. The band recorded live and in the studio producing Who's Otis? with David Granati and Jerry Reed in 1997. Friends and Influence, recorded in 2005, included the talents of friends Joe Negri, Dave Hanner, Brooks Whipple, Mark Chowleski, Frankie Young, Gary Dowds and Bruce Foley and was recorded by Dave Hanner and Al Snyder.
Paul Turnbull and Jack Sanso. Black Cat Otis CD release at Hard Rock Cafe, Pgh. PA
Black Cat Otis contributed to Blues From the 'Burg recorded by Jeff Ingersoll and NPR in 1999.
Examples of organizations which benefited from Black Cat Otis performances include the Make a Wish Foundation, the National Association for Retarded Citizens, the Neurofibromatosis Association, the Humane Society and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.
The Beaver County, PA County Commissioners chose Deke Kincade and Dave Hanner to write and record This Place Where I Come From in support of the Beaver County Bicentennial Celebration. The year-long celebration was honored by the White House Millennium Council.
Performing country-rock with Corbin/Hanner and working in the studio with both Dave Hanner and Bob Corbin, Deke recorded tracks for individual artists and national commercial accounts.
With Pure Gold, Deke performed classic rhythm and blues on stage and on the band's 1991 release, Collage. Performances include Paul Simon's Doo Wop shows and the annual Roots of Rock & Roll shows in theaters and festivals throughout the east. Deke performed with Pure Gold while also backing on drums all of the Motown greats featured during shows.
Performing traditional music with Guaranteed Irish since 1996, Deke contributed on drum kit and djembe on the 2008 release, We Won't Come Home 'till Morning. He also contributed with Guaranteed Irish to the tribute album It's All in the Song in honor of Andy M. Stewart, Scottish songwriter and member of Silly Wizard. He participated on tours with Guaranteed Irish in Ireland and on the Joanie Madden Folk and Irish Caribbean Cruises.
As session drummer for more than 15 years at Jerree's Studio in New Brighton, PA , Deke backed the majority of Jerree's clients. He recorded regularly with songwriter Joe Rock who penned Since I Don't Have You and This I Swear (The Skyliners) and I've Got Dreams to Remember (Otis Redding).
Examples of venues -
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- The Benedum Center
- First Niagara Pavilion
- Point State Park
- Three Rivers Stadium
- Nemacolin Woodlands
- Heinz Field
- The Warner Theater
- Pennsylvania State University
- . . . and the best blues clubs in the east and midwest.
Performing from New York to Atlanta, Deke is honored to have opened for and performed with artists as diverse as -
- Buddy Guy
- Commander Cody
- The Rascals
- The Beach Boys
- Loretta Lynn
- Joanie Madden & Cherish the Ladies
- Tommy Sands
- Dr. John
- Andy M. Stewart
- The Drifters
- Gabriel Donahue
- Electric Light Orchestra
- Smokey Robinson
- Jerry Lee Lewis
- Earl Scruggs
- Don & Juan
- The Shirelles
- Conway Twitty
- Little Anthony & the Imperials
- The Coasters
- Asleep at the Wheel
- Charles Brown
Deke in Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland with Guaranteed Irish
“Blues fans will find something to enjoy at a Black Cat Otis show, particularly those who prefer a more authentic sound than the modern blues outfits provide.”
“The eclectic sound of Black Cat Otis is hotter than an LA afternoon in August.”
“The spectators who packed the tavern that night evidently caught a whale of a show with Black Cat Otis.”
“Deke Kincade plays with polish and sophistication and is master of the groove.. He is musically articulate, creative and plays perfectly to the song.. His vocals are the icing on the cake. ”
Let's Make Music Together!
Let's Make Music Together!
“Finding ways to harmonize our uniqueness with the uniqueness of others can be the most fun - and the most rewarding - of all.”