Craig Norton started "Hands on Drumming" in 1998, offering community drumming circles throughout CT. His drums have since introduced him to hundreds of thousands of people of all ages around the globe. Hands on Drumming specializes in participatory drumming in schools, libraries, museums, corporate retreats, wellness programs and community events. Much like an American Griot, Craig brings drumming together with inspiring stories, creative movement, lessons on positive life skills and school curriculum links.
From April to October he leads the River Vibes drum circle in Middletown, CT and Circle in The Square Drummers in Blue Back Square, West Hartford, CT. From September through June he hosts a community drum circle at Ravenwood Holistic Wellness Center in Manchester, CT. He has played with Babatunde Olatunji, Mickey Hart, Angelique Kidjo, Glenn Valez, Arthur Hull among others and performed for ceremonies honoring John Lennon and Bishop Desmond Tutu. Craig also plays percussion in a variety of bands including Cosmic Hue and Bodhi Groove and often accompanies yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and dance classes.
Craig first drum was a 12” Remo djembe over 20 years ago and he still has that drum. His 2nd drum was a 9” Remo doumbek. His 3rd drum was a 14” Remo frame drum. And so on…. Craig always brings enough Remo drums for everyone to play at his drumming events. “I really appreciate the durability and versatility of Remo drums and percussion. They sound great, pack up efficiently and people love to play them. I couldn’t do what I do without them”.
Craig Norton is also a filmmaker and is currently in production on a feature length documentary called “Rhythms of Life” which is about the healing power of rhythm and the many positive aspects of the community drumming movement. He has been travelling the world talking to folks who may have just drummed for the first time as well as leaders in the movement who have dedicated their lives to sharing the beat. Look for the film to be released in late 2018.
This is not a job or hobby for Craig. It is his life's passion to share the healing power of the drum with everyone.
