PODCAST [42] Drumming research with young people and world-famous rock musicians – Professor Marcus Smith, Clem Burke Drumming Project

In this episode, I talk with Professor Marcus Smith, who is co-founder of the Clem Burke Drumming project, based at Chichester University which is researching the physical, mental and health benefits of drumming. Marcus co-founded the project with Dr Clem Burke, who is the drummer with Blondie; and Professor Steve Draper of Hartpury University. We discuss the research, including the impact of drumming for young people with additional needs including those who are autistic.

You can listen now below, or on Spotify (search for the name) and iTunes or your favourite podcast app.

What’s in this episode?

We talk about:

• Marcus’s early hopes to become a footballer, and his passion for music
• His work as a sports scientist including with the Olympic boxing team, analysing elite performance
• How his two worlds collided when he met with Blondie drummer, Clem Burke
• The project’s research into what happens in the brain and body when elite drummers drum, and when young people with additional needs – including autism – take part in a drumming programme
• The findings so far
• The importance of disseminating research and using different communication channels to reach the public, and those who can apply your research findings

And Marcus ends with a challenge for listeners wanting to communicate more clearly.

Links for this episode

The Clem Burke Drumming Project

The science behind the sticks – video animation from Roland

The science behind the sticks – article from Roland

Drumming helps children diagnosed with autism – on Music Education Works

Drumming impacts behaviour and brain function in autistic adolescents – on Music Education Works

Transcript: [42] Professor Marcus Smith, co-founder of the Clem Burke Drumming Project

About the music for education & wellbeing podcast

Listen in each month to get ideas, inspiration and practical advice from people involved in music education, community music, music therapy and more. Learn how you might break down barriers to music, through communications, advocacy and inclusive practice.

The music for the podcast was created by Otis Hynds, a young person working with Noise Solution.

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