Reviews

ASimon Stokes’sbook,‘Lion, Octopus, Panda, Duck –ATraining Manual’ is exactly what it says in the title. Drawing on his knowledgeand experience as ateacher,musiceducatorand drum circle leader, Simon clearly sets outa method to engage, educate andoffer opportunities forsocialdevelopment using drumming. The book describes the principles behindSimon’s methodand why drums offer aholisticbenefit to those involved He drawsupon music therapy research to support thebenefitsoutlined anduses personalexamples to help thereader develop understanding of the concepts Clearinstruction is given on roomsetup,working in differentenvironments, different instruments,the useofvisuals to help understandingand being creative. Simon is keen to pointout the importance of beinginthe moment andreactingto individual responses withina session. Whether youare amusic specialist,class teacher or someone interestedindeveloping musicopportunities for young people,this book is an extremely useful tool.Itisclear andconcise in its explanationand givesthe practitioner thelicence to playand develop theirown skills andideas usingthis method as abasis.The appendices include activity

ISBN: 978-1-9196478-0-7 Price: £14.99 cards which giveactivity ideasthat can be used systematically or as standalone activities. The onethingthat comes through is Simon’sdesirefor youngpeopleto havefun and enjoy their musicmaking.

Reviewed by: Neil Thomas, head of music, Beverley School for Autism.