Me on my first kit...
At the age of six, I was already sitting behind a drum kit. Back then, no one called it ADHD; they said I had "ants in my pants." But it was clear that I had a surplus of energy that needed direction. Drumming gave me that. For 25 years I played, first as a prodigy, then as a professional. I didn’t stop until the day I traded the stage for the backstage and began managing productions in music, performing arts, and events. In hindsight, the connection is obvious: drumming shaped how I think, lead, and solve problems.
But what actually happens in the brain when you drum? And can other activities have the same effect? This article explores how drumming – and several other physical activities – strengthen the connection between the brain's hemispheres, improve cognitive function, and can even support people with ADHD.
Drumming and the Brain: A Neurological Symphony
Drumming is much more than a motor skill. It’s a complex interplay between brain hemispheres. When you coordinate your hands and feet in different rhythms, the left and right hemispheres are forced to collaborate via the corpus callosum – the nerve structure that connects both sides of the brain. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that drummers have more efficient inter-hemispheric connectivity than non-musicians. Their brains exhibited improved structure and function, particularly in areas related to coordination and planning (ibcces.org).
The ability to maintain tempo, switch rhythms, and improvise means that the brain is constantly training executive functions like working memory, focus, and impulse control – areas that are often challenging for people with ADHD. Research also shows that drumming promotes interhemispheric synchronization – that is, both brain hemispheres working more effectively together (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
ADHD and Drumming: Natural Therapy
Although I have never been formally diagnosed with ADHD, I am convinced that I live with some form of neurodiversity – likely one of the many variations often grouped under ADHD or other related conditions. Growing up, these traits were not categorized or named; they were simply labeled as "restless energy." Drumming was my outlet – and perhaps my early self-regulation strategy.
Interestingly, I’m not alone in this experience. Several famous drummers have either openly discussed their ADHD or shown signs that suggest a strong connection. Take Keith Moon of The Who, for instance – a whirlwind of energy both on and off stage, known for impulsivity and chaotic brilliance. Or Travis Barker of Blink-182, who has spoken about his intense focus and restlessness. Even Neil Peart of Rush, meticulous and cerebral, often displayed traits aligned with hyperfocus and perfectionism. These personalities, each unique, share that same deep connection between rhythm, energy, and mind.
For individuals with ADHD – especially children – drumming can serve as a therapeutic tool. Instead of being forced to sit still and concentrate, they get to use their entire body in a context where energy and concentration are assets. According to a review article in Frontiers in Psychology, active music training, particularly rhythm-based, can improve both behavior and cognitive control in people with ADHD.
Drumming also improves social skills. Group exercises in drum circles or ensemble playing require cooperation, listening, and timing. Drumming thus offers not just neurological benefits, but emotional and social ones as well. It’s no wonder that drums are commonly used in music therapy.
From Stage to Leadership: A Drum for Every Situation
When I stepped off the stage and into leadership roles, I realized that the skills I had developed as a drummer – split vision, sense of rhythm, timing, and multitasking – were now being applied in an entirely different setting. Project management is about keeping time in a chaos of voices, wills, and unforeseen events. It’s about knowing when to hit hard, when to pull back, and how to get the whole team to play in sync. It’s drumming with people instead of percussion.
Many people with ADHD possess what’s called "hyperfocus" – the ability to enter a state of complete concentration when they’re truly engaged. I recognize that from both drum solos and late nights spent refining production schedules. It’s the same flow, the same deep presence.
Other Activities That Train the Brain Like Drumming
Drumming is powerful – but it’s not the only activity that strengthens inter-hemispheric connections in the brain. Here’s a summary of other physical and mental exercises that influence the brain in similar ways:
1. Dance
Choreographed dance, especially styles involving complex movement patterns (like tango, breakdance, or ballet), forces the body to cross the midline – meaning one side of the body acts in coordination with the other. This strengthens the corpus callosum and trains balance, coordination, and rhythm. A study showed that dance improves cognition and memory in older adults and promotes neuroplasticity.
2. Playing Musical Instruments
Piano, violin, guitar – all require independent hand movements and sometimes foot use (think piano pedal). These train multitasking, fine motor skills, and auditory integration. Piano playing is particularly effective because both hands often play different melodies – a cognitive challenge that strengthens the brain’s network.
3. Cross-Lateral Movements
Simple exercises like touching your right elbow to your left knee (and vice versa) boost the brain’s coordination abilities. These movements are often used in schools and therapy for children with attention difficulties. They are also a cornerstone of the Brain Gym method.
4. Juggling
Juggling improves hand-eye coordination, spatial thinking, and timing. Research shows it can increase gray matter in the brain, especially in areas related to visual and motor processing. It’s a fantastic brain-body workout – and fun, too.
5. Tai Chi and Yoga
Slow, mindful movements combined with breath control activate both body and mind. Tai Chi has been shown to enhance balance, coordination, and mental sharpness in older adults. Yoga also activates the prefrontal cortex – the brain’s decision-making center – which improves focus and emotional regulation.
6. Climbing
Climbing demands planning, problem-solving, and body control in real time. The brain constantly analyzes grip, body weight, and the next move. It also trains spatial awareness and working memory – similar to the skills needed in rhythm instruments like drums.
7. Chess and Strategy Games
Although not physical, these activities require high cognitive engagement: planning, analysis, consequence evaluation. Regular chess playing has been shown to increase the density of the corpus callosum in young players, especially those who start early.
8. Rhythmic Cardio Training
Zumba, trampoline training, and spinning to music – these workouts include rhythmic elements that link movement to sound. They engage hearing, motor skills, and feeling simultaneously, offering deep sensory training.
Conclusion: The Brain as Orchestra
Drumming isn’t just about hitting drums – it’s about creating structure, balance, and rhythm in both body and brain. For people with ADHD, it’s a way to channel energy and focus. For everyone else, it’s an effective method of brain training and strengthening executive function. And it’s only the beginning.
Dance, juggling, instruments, yoga – any activity that crosses the body’s midline and requires rhythm and coordination becomes a neurological workout. The brain isn’t static. It’s plastic, adaptable, and every activity you do can strengthen or weaken its networks.
Looking back on my life, I now see that drumming wasn’t just a hobby or a job – it was a school for life. It taught me how to solve problems in chaos, see patterns, keep time, and most importantly: to listen.
So maybe it’s time to dust off those drumsticks – or try one of the other activities you now know about. Your brain will thank you.
References
By Chris...
Scientists Finally Discovered the Truth About Drummers
Drummers have been the brunt of musician jokes for YEARS. But is that really the case? Or, could our instrument actually IMPROVE our memory, pain tolerance, focus, and more. In the past few years there have been some pretty interesting studies done on drummers, rhythm, and what it does on the brain level.
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