1. Beat The Drum Once
Words and music by James Robertson
Rationale
‘Beat The Drum Once’ was written especially for a group of pre-school age children with
moderate learning difficulties. The song provides an opportunity for working with each child
individually whilst promoting a sense of awareness of others. A group comprising three or
four children is ideal.
Clinical Applications
A central aim of this song is to promote turn-taking. As only one child is directly involved at
any one time, the song will seek to foster tolerance and respect for others. In a very simple
way the song may assist with aspects of numeracy through counting, singing and beating
simultaneously. The development of rhythmic skills and motor coordination can be
encouraged through subsequent participation in this musical activity.
Musical Structure
The therapist will hold the hand drum and work closely with one child while also noticing and
acknowledging the group as a whole. The general responsibility of the therapist is to sing
and beat the hand drum in accordance with a specific number of beats. Immediately
following this the therapist will offer the hand drum to the respective child so that he or she
might then do likewise. The use of rests and pauses are important in helping to create a
mood of anticipation and surprise. Only on the final beat do the child and therapist beat at
exactly the same moment.
Practical Requirements
A small hand drum such as a tambour is the only instrument required. The therapist should
be on a level with the children (most likely kneeling on the floor) and sensitively offer it to the
respective child at appropriate moments.
Other Possible Uses
Although the song has been notated, it is important that an improvisatory element is brought
to the activity. The therapist, therefore, should be perceptive in gauging the individuality of
each child and adapting the timing of the offering/withdrawing of the hand drum as felt
necessary. Likewise, the therapist can be flexible with the tempo and dynamics of the song,

2. as well as the number of beats that are featured at any one time (why stop at four, for
example!). After the final child in the group has taken part the therapist may then offer the
hand drum in a more random and playful manner to any child in the group. The ‘not knowing
who’s next’ can be an important concept to use in facilitating a patient response. Children
who are perhaps older than pre-school age may also find meaningful enjoyment in this song.