WHAT IS DOPA BEATS?
DopaBeats is all about finding your RHYTHM!
We all have an inner rhythm, we just need to find a way to bring it out! DopaBeats has taken many of the elements of a standard drum circle and given them a PD twist. In a typical class, you will use the drum to express your feelings, improve motor skills, connect with others, improve your mind-body connection, improve mood and cognition, practice vocalization to increase vocal strength and power, and improve dual-task ability. And have a blast while doing all this! Drumming is a vital complementary therapy for PWP's. It puts you directly "in the moment" and allows you lose yourself in the power of the drum.
No musical experience necessary
We all have an inner rhythm, we just need to find a way to bring it out! DopaBeats has taken many of the elements of a standard drum circle and given them a PD twist. In a typical class, you will use the drum to express your feelings, improve motor skills, connect with others, improve your mind-body connection, improve mood and cognition, practice vocalization to increase vocal strength and power, and improve dual-task ability. And have a blast while doing all this! Drumming is a vital complementary therapy for PWP's. It puts you directly "in the moment" and allows you lose yourself in the power of the drum.
No musical experience necessary
Join in with a class!
SUMMER SESSION
starting WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th
1pm PST
Scenes from my DopaBeats presentation at the Davis Phinney Foundation conference in Minneapolis (July 2023)
TESTIMONIALS
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Although I am drummer already I learned some good things from your classes. I enjoyed your light hearted approach to teaching and being part of a fun group with a common goal. I would love to take part in a drum circle with you sometime in the future. I will certainly get involved again should you run more classes - Mike S.
You are an amazing teacher, and thank you for introducing me to the world of music in general and drumming specifically. I use it now every time I feel anxious, and I lose myself in it - PJ B |
I have Parkinson's Disease, and I feel like the disease has taken away so much from me. Playing the drums in Doug's class is something new that I have added, something I can do now and in the future and I am so happy I joined this class! - Ada W
I enjoyed the total ACCEPTANCE we all were shown , I always felt welcome. You made everyone a part of the show - Brenda J |
DOPA BEATS FOUNDER
Doug Pickard has been a drummer for over 40 years. He has worked with people with Parkinson's Disease for over 13 years as an exercise specialist, introducing programs in his area such as PWR!Moves and Rock Steady Boxing. More recently, Doug travelled to Portland, Oregon to become certified as a REMO HealthRhythms instructor, a program that builds bridges while fostering nurturing, support, camaraderie, self-respect and respect for others. Doug decided to combine his passion for music and working with people with Parkinson's, and DOPA BEATS was born! DOPA BEATS fits nicely into the category of "Complementary Therapies" Doug has a big goal - to help people with Parkinson's learn the power of the drum - all over the world.
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Doug is also a PSBC Support Group Facilitator and a Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador
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