The Healing Power of Rhythm: A Global Journey Through Therapeutic Drumming

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robert Lawrence Friedman, Ph.D., a pioneer in rhythm-based therapeutic drumming, as we explore how the universal language of rhythm brings comfort to children with cancer in the Dominican Republic, supports healing in detention and rehabilitation centers, and empowers lives across Malaysia, Spain, and beyond. Discover the philosophy behind this life-changing work, the story behind the first book on drumming and health, and a preview of what’s coming in book three.

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Dr. Robert Lawrence Friedman has dedicated four decades to exploring the healing power of rhythm. As a Remo Health Rhythms artist since 2001 and former Subchairman of the Percussive Arts Society Health and Wellness Committee (12 years), he has helped integrate drumming into health and wellness settings for diverse populations worldwide.

He is the author of The Healing Power of the Drum—the first book dedicated entirely to the health benefits of drumming—which has been cited in more than 250 research studies in music therapy, psychology, and integrative health. He also authored The Healing Power of the Drum: Book II and created the innovative Scat Cards, a rhythm vocalization deck used by facilitators to foster creativity and engagement through rhythm.

Dr. Friedman has facilitated rhythm-based programs across the U.S. and internationally, including in Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Spain, Malaysia, and Singapore. His work has reached a wide range of communities—healthcare institutions, corporations, schools, rehabilitation centers, detention centers, and trauma-affected populations. He has led healing drum circles for families, educators, and children following the Sandy Hook tragedy, supported 9/11 burn survivors through the International Burn Congress, and brought drumming-based support to children with terminal cancer in the Dominican Republic. His programs focus on team building, trauma recovery, and therapeutic recreation.

His work has been featured in media including The Today Show (NBC), CNBC’s Alive and Wellness, NBC News, and Japan’s Fuji and Sankei networks. He was profiled in the Discovery Health Channel’s year-long documentary Class of ’75 and featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Times, Newsday, Self Magazine, and The Daily Beast. In recognition of his pioneering contributions, Dr. Friedman received the Hearst Scholar Award from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild and continues to design and facilitate programs that promote connection, resilience, and healing through the universal language of rhythm.