58: Christine Stevens: Drumming Her Way to Life Purpose
April 1, 2016
In this episode, internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and drumming expert Christine Stevens tells of reclaiming her life and traveling the world as a drummer and music therapist, gratitude as a way of life and her spiritual journey. “Drums circles are really on the rise. It is because we need it and we’re doing it now...
In this episode, internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and drumming expert Christine Stevens tells of reclaiming her life and traveling the world as a drummer and music therapist, gratitude as a way of life and her spiritual journey.
“Drums circles are really on the rise. It is because we need it and we’re doing it now for different reasons. We’re not performing. We’re not trying to become good drummers. We get it. It’s stress reduction. It’s bonding. It’s beyond words. It turns off our brains. All of that is the why.”– Christine Stevens
About Christine Stevens
Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC, MA holds masters degrees in both social work and music therapy. She is author of Music Medicine, The Healing Drum Kit and The Art and Heart of Drum Circles. The founder of UpBeat Drum Circles, she has appeared on NBC, PBS, KTLA, and is a featured speaker in the DVD Discover the Gift. She has trained facilitators from more than twenty-five countries in the evidence-based REMO group drumming HealthRHYTHMS program. Christine has worked with many Fortune 500 companies, survivors of Katrina, students at Ground Zero and most recently, led the first drum circle training in a war-zone in northern Iraq.
….In this show….
Christine Stevens’ Life Purpose
- To awaken the musical spirit in people and unify people through that tool. Her “service purpose” is to release her gifts and circulate it throughout the world.
Life Purpose Ah-Ha Moments
- As a junior in high school, Christine felt alone while performing her music onstage. After volunteering in a classroom of autistic students who joined her in playing music, Christine discovered music therapy as the right path for her use of instruments.
- At age 20, while touring with Up With Peoples, Christine experienced true generosity by the host families that she lived with, which continues to be present in her life today. Also during this time, Christine realized music as her “international passport”.
- Christine attended a conference as a piano and saxophone player and stumbled across a room where drums were being played in a circle. She felt energy immediately and joined the circle for three hours. She enjoyed this experience so much that it seemed like only ten minutes. Christine brought drumming music therapy into her job as a clinical music therapist and transferred the practice into yoga studios.
- After attending a drum circle training by Internationally Renowned Percussionist, Arthur Hull in Hawaii, Christine was inspired to quit her clinical job to become a drum circle leader. Although it seemed crazy at first to leave a stable job with benefits, Christine created her successful company, Upbeat Drum Circles.
- Remo Belli of Remo Drums, a drum manufacturer in America, called Christine and hired her as a drum therapist. Christine then became director of music therapy and wellness and has traveled the world to teach about the benefits of drumming therapy.
Spiritual Belief
- A self-described “smogasbordian”. Although exposed to many types of religions, Christine believes that spirituality comes from practice.
- Began at The Soul Saving Station for Every Nation
- Transitioned to practicing with Quakers
- Attended the Agape Spiritual Center
- Practiced mediation with Dr. Lorin Roche who taught The Radiance Sutras
- Found a residence with the LaKota Tribe in Los Angeles
- Initiated in Sufi Ruhaniat, prayers for universal peace dancing
Recommended Personal Growth Practice
Christine Stevens’ Wisdom on Life Purpose
“Open the door and follow the music. Even if you weren’t invited into the room. Joseph Campbell says, ‘When you follow your bliss, doors open for you that don’t open for anyone else.’“
Links Mentioned in this Episode
- Christine Stevens’s Website
- Christine’s Books
- Christine’s Playlist for Conscious Listening
- Contact at Christine@ubdrumcircles.com or (310)-770-3398
- UB Drum Circles is the Sponsor for this Episode and offers 50% off a special course. Listen in for more information about this course.
Subscribe to the Life Purpose Advisor Podcast
To subscribe and review the Life Purpose Advisor podcast on iTunes. Click here. (Your reviews keep us growing so you’ll hear more great stories from difference makers.)
Recent Comments