Communicating through joyful music and connecting:
Hearts, Community & Culture
Living Rhythm is an ongoing project of Tangled Tones Music Studio. Its goal is to bring music and rhythm to the community of Missoula and surrounding areas through “spontaneous” drum circles, drum classes and rhythm workshops.
In December of 2009 Tangled Tones Music Studio received a grant to assist with bringing music and freedom to the Missoula community. Matthew chose to put the majority of the funding into building fifteen West-African drums. These drums along with other Tangled Tones’ drums and various rhythm instruments are the foundation for the Living Rhythm Project. Living Rhythm aims to bring music and culture to organizations and communities in the Missoula area. Matthew offers the program to any interested organization. In the past year he has connected with the Missoula Flagship Program, Camp-Mak-a-Dream, and Turning the Wheel Dance.
Part of Matthew’s vision is to work with preexisting programs offering extra curricular activities to youth. Matthew donated his time to direct a pilot project for the Flagship Program in the of Missoula Public Schools. In 2010-2011 Matthew visited Hellgate High School, Big Sky High School, Washington Middle School, Willard High School, C.S. Porter and Franklin Grade School providing lunch visits and monthly drum classes. Matthew is currently offering drumming to Hawthorne Grade School – 4th and 5th graders.
Living Rhythm offers an enjoyable way for people to connect and relax while broadening their appreciation for other cultures through communal rhythm as well as exploring individual musical expression regardless of musical experience or talent. Living Rhythm provides an opportunity to create art within a circle of safety. It also provides a way for students to connect and communicate.
Experience Living Rhythm through video, check out these links:
Living Rhythm Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sIYIVbItMs
Day of the Dead Parade http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dLl5Xm33UY
What the program offers:
Matthew offers rhythm instruction to group settings for 10-30 individuals on West-African hand drums. Ages 9 & up. Workshops are energetic and engaging. Matthew strives to include all participating in a relaxing and gradual process towards becoming aware of our rhythmic capabilites. Groups will be introduced to:
- Instruction to basic hand drumming techniques
- Beginning West-African Rhythms
- Group exercises in rhythm concepts, games to encourage creativity, and fun
- Group awareness and communication exercises
Various Opportunities:
- Workshops & Demonstrations – one time visits to schools, events or organizations.
- One time lunch visits – offered to schools, work places (offer your staff a relaxing break to rejuvenate, stretch out and have some rhythmic fun!
- Monthly Classes (once per week) – Offered to schools and other academic organizations.
- Staff Training Clinics – team building and communication skills using the drum and rhythm as a tool to teach these skills
Rates for a Living Rhythm Drum Workshop vary from $200-$300/hour depending on the number of drummers, location and type of event (price does not include travel expenses for locations outside of the Missoula area).
Please contact Matthew 396-3352 or email: mattnord@tangledtones.com to schedule a visit to your organization, event, retreat or workshop!!