Alex West,B Mus, has a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Southern Cross University. With more than 25 years experience as an educator and instrumental teacher, he has been a pioneer in music for education, health, well being and aged care. His educational work was honoured by the National Australia Bank for the creation of an in-school program for Blairmount Public School. He designed an innovative cross cultural children’s music program “BOOM SNAP CLAP” that received the Schools First Award, culminating in a performance on national television.
In 2008 Alex founded Drum Stuff to offer workshops for disabilities, youth and aged care focusing on the facilitation of interactive recreational music programs. Alex expanded on his professional skills to study the HealthRHYTHMS evidence-based group empowerment drumming protocol. Training in the USA with Dr Barry Bittman, MD and Music Therapist Christine Stevens, MSW, MT.He is also a senior accredited facilitator of the evidence-based Australian DRUMBEAT Program.
His program “HEARTBEATS” has been highly regarded in Aged Care Australia. After three years of practice and research in the use of group drumming with aged care, Alex has received the Aged Care Better Practice Award for Innovation.
According to Shannon Sinclair, Recreations Coordinator at RSL Life Care Australia-
“The residents receive many benefits from socialization, physical movement and connection to the rhythm of life.”
Panel Member,Australian Aged Care Quality Agency-Better Practise Awards.
“The way this program has evolved seems testament to a genuine and evolving passion and commitment on the part of both the facilitator,Alex West and the aged care provider,RSL Life care”
