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The MISSION of Community Rhythm Jams is to engage people in learning and applying the power of rhythm toward individual well-being, group unity, and spirited community.

General Background of Edward Mulhern and Community Rhythm Jams

An interactive rhythm jam goes the next step beyond audience participation – in a rhythm jam, the audience is the event.  Participants discover the joys of successful performance in a musical happening that doesn’t take years of practice – indeed, they find they can enjoy making music with no prior training.

Community Rhythm Jams sprang from my love of facilitating drum circles and my involvement with the Seattle rhythm community.

For over five years, I hosted a weekly drum jam for the benefit of SWPS, the Seattle World Percussion Society (where I served on the board of directors 2004 - 2007).

I have been a key organizer of SWPS’ annual World Rhythm Festival and the Rhythm Equator at Seattle’s Bumbershoot music festival, where I have also presented workshops and facilitated rhythm circles respectively.

It has been a delight for me to have also brought the spirit and fun of interactive rhythm to Seattle area schools, camps, churches, senior centers, fund raisers, as well as a variety of public events including Seattle Library Dedication Ceremony,
Bumbershoot (Seattle, WA), Northwest Folklife, Fremont Fair and Parade,
City of Woodinville July 4th Celebration, University Street Fair, and Sun and Surf Harley Motorcycle Rally.

During the past 16 years I have trained in both traditional world rhythms and drum circle facilitation.  I acknowledge and deeply appreciate those who have taught and influenced me with their love for and knowledge of rhythm disciplines.  These include Arthur Hull,  Ibrahima Camara, Gordy Ryan, Bill Matthews, Carolyn Brandy, Michael Beach, Arturo Rodriguez, and Janelle Keane Campoverde.

Teaching Philosophy

Interacting through rhythm brings forth learning on several planes – the ability to listen to one’s inner rhythm and express it musically; the ability to hear the rhythm of a group and find the place to contribute; the ability to meld different rhythms together.

I believe that these abilities are innate in each individual, and that they naturally emerge when invited.  My role is to create the space and time which brings them forth: a fun atmosphere, enticing sounds complex enough to engage the brain, and an easy-going facilitation to encourage the willingness to risk attempting new skills.  I start with activities that ensure quick success with group rhythm-making, so that participants are inspired to go deeper.  I keep the pace quick-moving, and let the learning arise from experience of the rhythm.