Biography
Mike Deaton is a drummer in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He
is a performer, a recording artist, an experienced djembe and hand-drum
teacher, and a facilitator of music for all ages and experience
levels. In his 15 years of making music, he has amassed a large
collection of drums and percussion instruments from around the world,
and learned to use them to bring people together in harmony.
Drum The Ecstatic -- Great Blue Heron
Festival, NY
Performances
He has spent many years performing West African
music around Virginia with the Charlottesville Community Drum Choir,
and as a part of the touring group Drum the Ecstatic International,
Mike has performed for crowds as large as 5,000 people.
Drum the Ecstatic is a group founded by Jim Donovan,
best known as the drummer for the multi-platinum band Rusted Root. The
group recently released their first CD, a high-energy recording
captured live in concert.
Studies
Mike has spent years studying music with many African masters,
including world renowned performer and teacher Mamady Keita. He has
studied with Middle-Eastern master Daveed Korup, noted music therapist
Barry Bernstein, and attended workshops around the country with
musicians and teachers as diverse as Mickey Hart, Ubaka Hill, and
Rainbow Eagle, as well as Robert Lawrence Friedman, psychotherapist and
author of the groundbreaking book The Healing Power of the Drum.
In addition, Mike has studied extensively with Arthur Hull, the
respected father of the modern drum circle movement and author of two
books on the subject.
Teaching
From these experiences, Mike has developed a dynamic, hands-on teaching
style that emphasizes joy and creativity. In the past six years, he has
brought drumming into classrooms ranging from elementary to university
students. He has also designed interactive, uplifting musical events
for groups of corporate executives, teachers, massage therapists,
seniors, and Katrina survivors, to name a few. Mike has brought his
Rhythm Playground to family gatherings, churches, festivals, and office
retreats, as well as various state and national conferences.
Working through the Virginia Department of Social Services, Mike has also designed curriculum and provided training sessions to musically empower hundreds of teachers, childcare providers, and others who work with children.
Non-profit work
In addition to his musical experience, Mike is also an Early Learning
Specialist. He has extensive experience working with children of
all ages. Currently he teaches children and parents about the
importance of reading, as part of James Madison University’s Institute
for Innovation in Health and Human Services. Using a mobile classroom
called The Gus Bus, Mike fosters learning in thousands of children each
year through read-alouds, interactive storytelling, and art and music
activities.
Mike has a strong background in community service. He was a coordinator of a soup kitchen for many years, helped found a non-profit community center in Harrisonburg, and served on its Board of Directors for several years.
Today Mike uses rhythm and music to bring joy, understanding, and a strong awareness of community to every group he serves.