Listening to music boosts a child's development, but now research suggests making music is even more beneficial. Drumming is a natural, easy way for a youngster to begin playing - after all, what child doesn't like bashing on pots and pans? But as educators and scientists strengthen the case for early drumming, more and more programs are being created to help kids reap drumming's social, physical, and psychological benefits.

In November, the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) will join in the celebration of International Drum Month 2005, spreading the word about developmental drumming programs for toddlers, kindergarten, and grade school kids. For parents of toddlers there are programs such as Toddlers' Tango, developed by dance and music therapist Tamar Friedan, of Syracuse, New York. "Toddlers' Tango is an example of a well crafted, developmentally appropriate movement curriculum," writes Dr. Susan Quinn, of the Department of Child and Family Studies at Syracuse University. For pre-K and kindergarten students, there's the PMC's highly adaptable Developmental Drumming program. "This program supports the shift in early childhood education from passive listening to active music making," explains Percussion Marketing Council spokesman Karl Dustman.

Many professionals get bitten by the drum bug early in life. Blink 182's Travis Barker began lessons at age 4, while percussionist Sheila E. started grooving on her father's congas at age 3. The PMC has a program to encourage budding drummers of grade school age - the hands-on Play Drums program. "Music education is essential for growth and development," observes instructor Billy Ward. "It encourages abstract thought, which is not taught readily in school."

Not all youngsters will become serious drummers, but thanks to recreational and developmental drumming programs, the physical, emotional, social, and cultural benefits of drumming are open to everyone. In the end, though, kids may pick up a drum for the sheer fun of it. "Toddlers' Tango is the highlight of our week," explains parent Kathryn O'Hara Matthews. "The class is filled with music, movement, and laughter." The PMC's Dustman says of Play Drums, "To see the smile on the faces of youngsters who had their first experience on drums is very rewarding."