& Founder of the Sacred Drumming Academy
Krista Holland
Deepen your embodied frame drumming journey with Krista by expanding your upright playing skills and harnessing the rhythms of the past to ground and nurture your inner authenticity — and the rhythms of the future to inspire and catalyze your true potential.
How can we stay in sync with our inner rhythms through the constant chaos, discordance, and uncertainty of the outside world?
Frame drummer Krista Holland says we can look to the rhythms of the past — their mythos, mysticism, and sacred organizing principles — to guide our steps and inspire a future cadence that nurtures our wellbeing and dreams.
As a graduate of Krista’s recent course, Embodied Drumming, you’re invited to embark on this 12-module advanced course on upright frame drum playing where you’ll harness the wisdom of traditional, global, and trance rhythms to ground and maintain resonance with your true self... and your potential.
At a time when the collective rhythm of humanity continues to be grossly out-of-step with our individually held shared goals of peace, fulfillment, and prosperity...
... learning how to maintain your inner rhythm — the most sacred and expansive version of who you are — is crucial to your ability to co-create the kind of world you want to live in.
Attuning to your inner rhythm is therefore key to helping all of humanitytune in to the highest version of ourselves.
During your previous course with Krista, you explored how the restorative power of sacred drumming is amplified when combined with specific rhythms, posture alignments, breathwork, and movements...
... eliciting creative flow and creating a matrix of sound healing that can deepen your intuition, enhance creativity, and open new dimensions of consciousness.
You’ll deepen and expand your embodied drumming skills during this course while also learning new drumming techniques that will keep you in step with yourself... instilling a sense of wellbeing, inner belonging, and greater connection to all of life.
You’ll learn the rhythms that open neural pathways to higher consciousness and your full potential — and how to meaningfully bring your inherent gifts and talents into our world by embodying your own inner rhythm in a loving and accepting way.
During this course on embodied drumming, you’ll:
- Go deeper into the cultural roots, mythos, and mysticism of frame drumming — from ancient origins to traditional and modern interpretations
- Explore how inner and outer rhythms work together to create your unique cadence
- Learn new techniques such as snapping for upright frame drumming; drumming grooves in odd- and even-time signatures; world trance rhythms; finger rolls in the upright position; world drumming; and improvisational drumming
- Embody and unleash your own style of rhythm and ritual — and synchronize your vocals, rhythms, and movements with special guest instructors and drumming lineage bearers Miranda Rondeau and Barbara Gail
- Discover the physiological effects of trance rhythms — and how they correlate with your flow state, greater life satisfaction, and happiness
- Explore how drumming with intention and resonance can create a container for healing and transformation
- Learn how to make the “whale sound” in the upright playing position to elicit a deeper flow state
- Approach your drum as an ally and guide... a reminder of life’s rhythmic cycles that hold nature and the cosmos in balance
- Deepen your understanding of the flow state — and how to help elicit flow in your drumming practice to calm the mind and transform emotions
- Discover your “map of meaning” to gain deeper access to your inner rhythm — and help you sustain your enthusiasm for drumming
- Gain invaluable mindset techniques to help you release self-consciousness and self-doubt — so you can freely express your creative drumming potential
Krista teaches that our lives are organized by rhythm... from the rhythms of the cosmos and Earth... to those inherent in our biology.
As one of the oldest-known instruments of humanity, the frame drum is an ancient wisdom-bearer in and of itself — a rhythmic bridge between the etheric and physical worlds...
... that can help bring us back into a coherent, harmonic, and grounded state — individually and collectively.
As we align more strongly with our inner rhythms and learn how to maintain this resonance throughout the many twists and turns of daily living...
... our dreams and desires naturally fall into alignment, increasing our ability to maintain physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium from the inside out.
As the founder of the Sacred Drumming Academy, Krista has devoted more than 25 years of research and practice to the frame drum — resulting in a deep synthesis of modern science, ritual, myth, and ancient feminine drum history.
By continuing your embodied drumming journey, you’ll harness the mythos, mysticism, and grounded wisdom of the rhythms of the past...
... while gaining new drumming techniques that will help you maintain resonance with your inner rhythm — and receive deeper access to your higher consciousness and true potential.
How This Grads-Only Class Goes Deeper
What You’ll Discover in These 12 Modules
In this 12-part transformational intensive, Krista will guide you through the fundamental skills and competencies you’ll need to deepen your embodied frame drumming — and expand your upright playing skills — by harnessing the rhythms of the past to ground and nurture your inner authenticity.
This course will feature step-by-step teachings and experiential practices with Krista. Each session will build harmoniously upon the previous ones, so you’ll develop a complete holistic understanding of the practices, tools, and principles you’ll need to expand your upright playing skills by harnessing the rhythms of the past to ground and nurture your inner authenticity.
Module 1: Deepen Your Drumming Technique to Create Your Own Unique Cadence & Ground Your Authenticity Using Ancient Cross-Cultural Rhythms of the Past
Music and rhythm have always played a tremendous role in organizing human thought, movement, and ritual — as well as individual and collective cohesion.
As class commences, you’ll explore the frame drum’s cross-cultural, mythical, and mystical roots.
From the drum’s role as an instrument of ancient shamanic practitioners... to its pancultural history of invoking non-ordinary states of consciousness and timeless awareness... you’ll step onto a well-traveled path of practice and discovery.
This marks the beginning of a new journey through the inner and outer terrains that inform who you are — and offers a deeper experience of how inner and outer rhythms work together to create your unique cadence.
In this module, you’ll:
- Go deeper into the cultural roots, myth, and mysticism of frame drumming — from its ancient origins to modern interpretations
- Prep for next-level techniques and practices in the upright style of frame drumming
- Review the basic elemental strokes on the frame drum
- Explore the snapping technique for upright frame drumming
- Explore how inner and outer rhythms work together to create your unique cadence
Module 2: Experience the Mythos of Sacred Drum Playing to Deepen, Inspire & Guide Your Journey
The frame drum is one of humanity’s most mythic instruments... that invokes the timeless human quest for insight, healing, revelation, and the realization of our sacred origin and purpose for being.
The mythos of the sacred drum is a subject that spans eras and cultures... pulsing in the soul of Indigenous and modern peoples worldwide.
You’ll explore the mythic roots of the art and practice of drumming to deepen, inspire, and guide your journey — with the nourishment of meaning, purpose, and direction.
In this module, you’ll:
- Explore the mythic roots of drumming to deepen, inspire, and guide your drumming journey
- Learn a special finger-roll technique to add sonic dimension to your drumming skillset
- Deepen your roots for walking and stepping while drumming
- Feel the pulsing presence of your drumming with the aid of a metronome
- Find greater ease in switching tempos as you step and drum
- Place yourself within the context of an ancient and modern mythic practice
Module 3: Ground Your Beats to Create a Solid Foundation for Your Dreams With Traditional Rhythm Play
The traditional world rhythms of the frame drum are vast and varied — and have been shared, traded, and adapted for centuries.
You’ll learn traditional world rhythms from the Mediterranean and the Middle East in a beat of eight that can serve as the foundation and basis for a lifetime of adventurous practice.
These rhythms will help lay down a path for future singing with the frame drum and other directions you may take with your drumming practice.
This introduction to traditional rhythms in the upright playing position will include variations for the players that like to take their drumming at a slow and easeful tempo and pace...
... as well as for those that crave surprising new vistas of learning and feel passionate about quickening their understanding and technical capacities.
In this module, you’ll explore:
- Traditional world rhythms from the Mediterranean and the Middle East
- How to add in double-time fingering without missing a beat
- Eight-beat-time cycle rhythms with variations
- Global stepping and drumming patterns to instill a deeper sense of connection between your inner rhythm and these storied rhythm origins
Module 4: Synchronize Vocals, Rhythms & Movements for Greater Agency & Inner Coherence — With Special Guest Instructor & Drumming Lineage Bearer Miranda Rondeau
Globally-renowned singer, drummer, wisdom keeper, and musician Miranda Rondeau was a devoted and longtime student of the late Layne Redmond, author of When the Drummers Were Women.
Miranda will share her accessible and beautiful teachings on weaving together drumming, stepping, and singing for the group. .
Miranda’s unique teachings blend her own signature style with insights gained from her years of study with Layne Redmond and other global teachers. Her techniques and wisdom will lead you further down the path of embodying your drumming with new skills and a dynamic range of possibilities.
In this module, you’ll:
- Receive wisdom from a lineage bearer in the Layne Redmond drumming tradition
- Learn how to synchronize your vocals, rhythms, and movements
- Gain deeper insights on how to harmonize body, mind, spirit, hands, feet, and voice
- Explore simple original songs to accompany your drumming
Module 5: Access Greater Flow, Satisfaction & Happiness With Trance Rhythms
Drumming has often been recognized for its ability to produce trance states in drummers and listeners... but not all drumming creates a trance effect.
Specific patterns, tempos, and other parameters are more readily associated with trance or trance-like effects.
Studies of shamanic trance involving neuroimaging showed brain states that mirror those in dreaming, insight, meditation, and hypnosis.
In modern practice, a focused drumming session can lead to the flow state, or a sense of “being in the zone,” where we can experience mental absorption and effortless concentration.
You’ll explore how trance rhythms correlate with your flow state... and greater life satisfaction and happiness.
We may not be able to predict or force an outcome to experience a state of flow or trance... but as Krista will share, we can learn to set up an optimal practice environment and route for the grace of the flow state to happen upon us.
In this module, you’ll:
- Discover how trance rhythms correlate with your flow state — and greater life satisfaction and happiness
- Examine the physiological effects of trance rhythms — and when they are most effective
- Explore how your drumming practice can be optimized to enhance flow
- Learn about the cultural significance and parameters of trance rhythms
- Play world trance rhythms in the meter of six with embellishments
Module 6: Recapture a Felt Sense of Belonging & Your True Inner Rhythm by Illuminating Your Map of Meaning
Many people from all walks of life discover a deep sense of meaning, reclamation, and belonging upon feeling called to practice frame drumming.
You’ll explore why... and how this feeling illuminates an inner map that can guide us on a path of rediscovering our true origins and selves.
When we drum, we play an instrument utilized for thousands of years in celebrations, sacred rites, rituals, ecstatic ceremonies, and more.
Krista teaches that these experiences are on our inner map as part of our shared collective experience — and serve as guideposts to our individual destinies.
As such, you’ll experience why drumming is a never-ending pathway of exploration for those who stay the course.
In this module, you’ll:
- Recapture a felt sense of meaning and belonging — of your true origin and self
- Discover your “map of meaning” to gain deeper access to your inner rhythm — and help you sustain your enthusiasm for drumming
- Explore why mapping out your drumming practice can lead to greater integration
- Learn world drumming rhythms in the meter of six
- Practice clapping and stepping in synchrony
Module 7: Find Inner Balance & Agency by Approaching Your Drum as a Sacred Guide & Ally
The frame drum’s portability and sacred pancultural history make it a wonderful ally on our inward and outward travels.
Explore how sacred practice can be lighthearted, reaffirming, challenging, and confounding... because it is, after all, a reflection of the sacredness of life in all its complexity and beauty.
You’ll approach your drum as an ally and guide — a reminder of your relationship to life’s rhythmic cycles that hold nature and the cosmos in balance.
Krista will share how even when something holds significance, we can approach it with non-dogmatic play, a sense of humor, and freshness within the reverence we may feel...
... allowing our drumming to soothe us, inspire us, challenge us, and reveal forgotten parts of ourselves.
In this module, you’ll:
- Approach your drum as an ally and guide — and reminder of life’s rhythmic cycles that hold nature and the cosmos in balance
- Learn finger rolls on the frame drum in the upright position
- Expand your understanding of drumming as both a sacred and fun practice
- Gain deeper insight into how to create sacred space for your drumming practice
- Experiment with different ways of playing the drum depending on your intended outcome
Module 8: Unleash Your Own Style of Rhythm & Ritual for Greater Self-Authority — With Special Guest Instructor & Drumming Lineage Bearer Barbara Gail
In this fun, informative, and practice-altering class, guest instructor Barbara Gail — another dedicated longtime student of the late Layne Redmond — will share her teachings and wisdom on rhythm and ritual.
Barbara will share beautiful and evocative images of the ancient world’s frame drummers... and stories about the history and “herstory” of frame drumming.
She’ll also lead the group in a dynam
frame drumming.
She’ll also lead the group in a dynamic drumming practice playing her Layne Redmond signature series tambourine to showcase how much of what you have learned so far applies to, and can be combined with, different styles of frame drumming.
In this module, you’ll:
- Embody and unleash your own style of rhythm and ritual by learning from Barbara Gail — one of Layne Redmond’s senior-level students and lineage holders
- Observe photos and hear stories of frame drummers from the ancient world
- Participate in a fun and dynamic drumming practice accompanied by Barbara and her frame drum in the style of the tambourine
- Gain insights into the lineages of the frame drum from the ancient world and how they can apply to your modern practice... both in individual and group settings
Module 9: Merge With the Harmonics of the Resonant Field to Create a Container for Healing & Transformation
The sound waves we produce when drumming can affect the energy of a space... and create the possibility of resonance and connection in drummers and listeners.
This resonant field, described scientifically, is the harmonious interaction of sound waves within a physical environment.
You’ll learn how playing the drum with intention — aware of the resonant field — impacts the energy of an environment and the potential for drumming and other sound-based practices to facilitate healing, transformation, and connection.
In this module, you’ll:
- Explore how drumming with intention, and in a resonant way, can create a container for healing and transformation
- Examine how the harmonics and overtones of the frame drum might affect the quality of sound and vibration
- Discover what to do — and not do — when playing your frame drum in the context of sound healing
- Learn how your attitude and intention affects your playing — and how it is received by others
Module 10: Experience Repetition as a Tool for Wellbeing & Accessing a Steady Flow State
The stream of wellbeing refers to the embodied experience of being in your flow state — the state where your inner alignment is so strong that everything within you and your life just seems to flow with little to no effort.
Being in the flow is considered beneficial for physical and mental health, as it can help release tension, calm the mind, direct focus, and simultaneously, expand awareness.
The felt sense of flowing with life also releases natural painkillers in the form of endorphins — the calming effect on the mind through the repetition of simple rhythms...
... and the emotional release that can come from freeing heavy emotions and feeling into a space where transformation can naturally occur.
Explore how the repetitive patterns in drumming can activate your flow state... instilling a deep state of relaxation and insight.
In this module, you’ll:
- Learn how to make the “whale sound” on the frame drum in the upright playing position to elicit a deeper flow state
- Play drumming grooves in odd and even time signatures
- Discover how modern science and Indigenous wisdom confer on the potential healing effects of drumming
- Deepen your understanding of the flow state — and how to help elicit flow in your drumming practice to calm the mind and transform emotions
Module 11: Activate Your Intuition & Your Own Style Through Improvisational Drumming
Intuitive, freestyle, and improvisational music-making and drumming can be exceptionally healing, creative, and transformative practices.
You’ll explore the high art of frame drumming by improvising comfortably and with relaxation.
Krista will also share techniques, inspiring insights, tools, and mindset applications to help you find and refine your intuitive drumming style... activating and setting free your unique sound and style.
In this module, you’ll:
- Learn tricks, tips, and techniques to hone your improvisational drumming skills
- Discover why learning to improv in your drumming practice can help you receive deeper healing benefits — and is key to your drum-playing mastery
- Gain invaluable mindset techniques to help you release self-consciousness and self-doubt — freely expressing your creative drumming potential
- Experience Improvisational group drumming from the comfort and ease of your home
Module 12: Discover Yourself in the Great Rhythm of All Things to Reconnect With Your Deeper Essence & Source Through Resonant Soul Drumming
All sacred and contemplative practices are ultimately undertaken to guide people back home to Source and to the essence of who they are at their core.
During this final class, you’ll venture deep within to experience drumming as a fortifying and deeply nourishing path of practice for those who hear and feel the call to the drum.
Through sacred drumming, many find a well-traveled way to wonderful vistas of discovery, surprising and sometimes challenging adventures, and landscapes of inner and outer beauty.
You’ll also learn why the embodied drumming journey is like a labyrinth or spiral that leads out from the center and curves back to the heart, the life-giving Source, and the great rhythm of all things.
In this module, you’ll:
- Review where you are on your embodied drumming journey
- Learn how to integrate all you have gathered and learned effectively
- Practice an original drumming composition that weaves together many of the techniques you have learned
- Gain insights and inspiration to continue your drumming practice and path with clarity, ease, and longevity
The Soul Drumming Bonus GIft
In addition to Krista’s transformative 12-module online course, you’ll receive this special bonus gift to complement the course and take your understanding and practice to an even deeper level.
Hand Rebalancing & Post-Practice Stretches
A Guided Video Teaching by Krista Holland
In this 10-minute video, Krista will guide you in an embodied drumming post-practice session entitled, “Hand Rebalancing and Post-Practice Stretch.” This routine will be an excellent way to finish your drumming sessions to help relax and rebalance your upper body in order to keep your hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders more supple, agile, and lubricated. This video lesson is highly recommended as an ongoing part of your drumming practice routine.
What Graduates of Krista’s Courses Are Saying...
— Kimberly Mallett: “Krista Brings Us Home to the Heartbeat of Ourselves and Mother Earth”
— Lena Hirschler: “Krista Teaches You How to Bring Much More Joy Into Your Life Through Drumming”
— Aimee Ryan: “I Was Just Looking for a Drumming Teacher, But What I Got Was So Much More”
— Melissa Vanek: “I Gained a Whole New Connection, a Whole New Language”
“... the gifts this instrument has to offer come through beautifully in [Krista’s] teaching and playing, and she is so inspiring!”
Krista’s passion for the frame drum, and her understanding of the gifts this instrument has to offer come through beautifully in her teaching and playing, and she is so inspiring! I love watching and hearing her play her frame drum. It lights a fire in me to continue practicing, learning, and progressing in my own playing.
— Rebecca Carroll, Pleasant Grove, Utah
“Krista is a true gem!”
Krista is a true gem! A wonderful, gentle teacher and guide. I have never been good at music or keeping a beat, and this course has provided a safe, nurturing, affirming venue for me to experience both growth and success.
— Janine Turnbull, Ramara, Canada
“Krista is the best sacred drum teacher I have ever known.”
Krista is the best sacred drum teacher I have ever known. She is precise, patient, and loving. Her presence alone soothes me.
— Ajna, Montréal, Québec
“Reconnecting and discovering with rhythm and sound through one of the most ancient instruments on this planet is absolutely wonderful.”
Reconnecting and discovering with rhythm and sound through one of the most ancient instruments on this planet is absolutely wonderful. Also, learning some of the history of the instrument and its intricacies is so illuminating. Thank you, Krista, for your sharing, and thank you, Shift, for making it possible for us!
— Katja, Florida
“Krista does a beautiful job of teaching and guiding drumming in such a way to meet the needs of beginners and more experienced drummers.”
Krista does a beautiful job of teaching and guiding drumming in such a way to meet the needs of beginners and more experienced drummers. I really liked the pace of reviewing what we learned previously as well as challenging us with new techniques. And such a gentle style!
— Lisa V., Salida, Colorado
Here’s What You’ll Receive
Twelve 90-Minute Class Sessions With Krista Holland
Experience a unique opportunity to learn from renowned teacher and frame drummer Krista Holland, founder of the Sacred Drumming Academy — from the comfort of your own home. Each class session includes a streaming video option and will guide you to expand your upright playing skills by harnessing the rhythms of the past and future to ground, nurture, and inspire your inner authenticity.
Twelve Transcripts of Class Sessions
You’ll also receive the entire class transcription after each session is completed. You can then review, print, and highlight the most important insights and practices you were given.
Exercises and Questions for Each Lesson
Between class sessions, you’ll have the option of completing related exercises, practicing new tools, and answering questions to accelerate your learning and integrate each lesson.
The Soul Drumming Bonus Gift
- Hand Rebalancing & Post-Practice Stretches
A Guided Video Teaching by Krista Holland
An Unprecedented Opportunity to Join the Online Training, Soul Drumming
We feel honored that Krista Holland has chosen to partner with The Shift Network to offer this exclusive online training. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a renowned teacher, frame drummer, and founder of the Sacred Drumming Academy whose powerful insights and pioneering work are helping us heal and awaken ourselves and our world.
If you’re serious about grounding, nurturing, and inspiring your inner authenticity by expanding your upright frame drum playing skills, then you owe it to yourself, your loved ones, and our world to take this one-of-a-kind training.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your own evolution, click the register button below to reserve your space now.
Note:If you have NOT experienced Krista Holland's 7-module training Embodied Drumming, you’re welcome in this advanced training but we ask you to complete the foundational program on your own as a prerequisite. Please click here to learn more and register.
Your Satisfaction Is 100% Guaranteed!
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed! If you don’t absolutely LOVE Soul Drumming — or don’t feel that it meets your needs — please submit your refund request form 2 weeks from your date of purchase and we’ll happily issue qualifying customers a refund.
More Praise for Krista Holland...
“It’s nothing short of magic...”
Krista is one of those rare magicians that can combine sacred drumming, deep knowledge of the Sacred Feminine, and equally deep knowledge of modern psychology and neuroscience with dexterity and mastery. The resulting alchemy is quite a heady mix, and a workshop with her is the equivalent of diving deep down the rabbit’s hole with Alice. It’s nothing short of magic, and staring in awe at our sacred place in the Divine Mother’s infinite loving womb!
— Raja Choudhury, speaker, filmmaker, and teacher of Awakening Your Kundalini
“Through this work, I have stepped more fully into my feminine leadership.”
Through Krista’s skilled facilitation, I activated my purpose and passion. I was doubting the value of my gifts, but with her help I became more clear on the significance of my contribution. Through this work, I have stepped more fully into my feminine leadership. Krista is adept at calling forth the highest expression of each client. She demonstrates how to live a life of balance, beauty, and prosperity.
— Crystal Arnold, founder of Money-morphosis
“With grace and mastery, Krista invited my best self forward, illuminating a whole new horizon of possibilities for my life and service.”
Working with Krista is life-changing. She effortlessly weaves powerful wisdom from ancient mystical traditions into teachings that feel so resonant and alive — particularly for those of us yearning for a higher way of being in the world. With grace and mastery, Krista invited my best self forward, illuminating a whole new horizon of possibilities for my life and service.
— Lexi Soulios, holistic therapist and creator of The Eleusis Method
About Krista Holland
Krista Holland, a multifaceted teacher and frame drummer, is the founder of the Sacred Drumming Academy, where she shares her in-depth training and studies of the frame drum and leads sacred drumming circles and ceremonies. Krista, who’s devoted more than 25 years of research and practice to the frame drum and its incredible cross-cultural history, has 15 years of experience teaching the frame drum to others.
Krista learned the art of frame drumming along with ritual, myth, and ancient feminine drum history while apprenticing for 14 years under the tutelage of the late Layne Redmond, author of When the Drummers Were Women.
Primarily focusing her frame drumming on its healing aspects rather than on drum performance, Krista has drummed privately for cancer patients in hospice, pregnant mothers at their blessing ways, grieving parents, modern temple dancers, trance journeys, children at bedtime, elderhood rites of passage, and a variety of other life ceremonies and rituals.
Krista is known for her unique style of playing, her powerfully transformative teaching, and her knowledge of the mythology and widespread history connected to the ancient lineage of global frame drummers. She teaches sacred drumming through online and in-person private classes, group workshops, immersions, and international retreats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: Your satisfaction with The Shift Network and this course is our highest priority! We offer a satisfaction guarantee for a full two weeks so that you can try out the course risk free. The deadline to receive a refund is two weeks from your date of purchase. To request a refund, please click here to submit your Refund Application Form. Your refund will be processed within five business days and we will send you an email confirmation when your refund has been completed. However, we’d love to have a chance to address and resolve your concerns first. If there’s something we can assist you with, please email us at support@theshiftnetwork.com, and we’ll be happy to help!
Q: How can I reach Customer Support?
A: Please visit our Customer Support Center, where you should be able to find the answer to your question or the solution to your problem. And if you can’t, you can submit an online request form and we’ll get right back to you.
