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Drumming for Life’s Transitions
Explore how the drum can support you through life changes and guide you through personal growth
Drumming: A Pathway to Transformation

Throughout my journey from scientist to life transitions mentor, drumming has been a constant companion, offering a unique blend of scientific insight and ancient wisdom. Each rhythm tells a story, each beat a step towards healing and growth.
Drumming is more than just music; it’s a language that speaks to the soul. It has been a pivotal tool in my work, helping women connect with their inner selves and embrace change. Here, I share my experiences and insights, hoping to inspire others to find their own rhythm in life’s journey.
Beating the ‘Shroom: Drumming as a Safer Alternative to Psychedelics
NEW: The Beat of Your Own Drum
Reclaim your voice. Discover your rhythm. Transform your life.
A groundbreaking exploration of drumming as a path for women’s wisdom, health, and transformation. By Sophie Messager, PhD.

The Beat of Your Own Drum, by Sophie Messager.
£11.99
A Journey Through Rhythm and Transformation
Explore the ancient wisdom and modern science of drumming across 10 transformative chapters. From the history of women drummers to the neuroscience of rhythm, from supporting birth journeys to creating sacred circles – discover how the drum can become your guide through life’s transitions.
With a foreword by acclaimed midwife and educator Jane Hardwicke Collings, this comprehensive guide bridges the gap between scientific research and sacred practice.
“This book encapsulates everything you need to know about sacred drumming, in fact this book should come as standard issue with every drum – bought and birthed.”
— Rachael Crow
Drumming Services

One to One Drum Sessions
One to one drum assisted mentoring or healing sessions tailored to your unique journey

Online Courses & Workshops
Drumming for birth course and drum workshops for personal transformation

Monthly Drum Circle
Community drum circle near Cambridge for connection and healing
What People Say
“Sophie holds a beautifully supportive space for us all to be in, feel the rhythm and the magic. I feel that I have learned and remembered a lot about myself, I feel more connected within. Truly beautiful!”
— Thalia, Perinatal educator
“I feel more confident in my drumming and confident going forward for drumming ceremonies or sessions alone”
— Robyn, Doula
“A deeply affirming experience that connects you back to your innate wisdom using the ancient power the drum. Sophie has a beautiful kind presence and ability to guide you safely and easily into the depths of your being.”
— Kanan, Neurodivergent Coach
Let’s Collaborate on Your Drumming Journey
I’m here to guide you as you seek personal transformation, look to learn drumming skills, or want to join our community circles.
Latest Drumming Insights
What Happens When Women Refuse to Stay Quiet? A Conversation Series on Reclaiming Our Right to Make Noise
To accompany the launch of my new book, The Beat of your Own Drum, the history, science and contemporary use of drumming as a path for women’s wisdom, health, and transformation, I have recorded this series of conversations with 9 change making, pattern disrupting women who have experienced this tension between silencing and expression in…
Drum Microdosing: The Simple 5-Minute Ritual That Can Change Your Life
You may have heard of microdosing of plant medicine, a grassroot movement, driven by communities rather than corporations, where people take sub-perceptual amounts of a psychedelic plant or plant substance (for example psylocibin or LSD) without experiencing hallucinogenic effects. People who microdose report benefits such as improved mood, energy levels, cognition, creativity, and reduced depression…
Rhythm as Medicine: The Transformative Power of Daily Drumming
You may have heard about various approaches to mental health – from talking therapy to medication to meditation. But there’s a powerful, ancient practice that’s gaining recognition in modern science: drumming. Research shows that drumming can profoundly impact our mental health, emotional wellbeing, and sense of connection to others. I discovered the therapeutic power of…
When life strips you bare: 10 ways drumming can provide support for you through life transitions
Last week, I had the vision of this herb stripping tool pop in my mind. It’s a little gadget with different sized holes in it, through which you pull a strip of herbs to remove the leaves. This felt particularly weird because I had completely forgotten that I had it and hadn’t used it for…
My new book, The Beat of Your Own Drum, is available to preorder from Womancraft Publishing
It’s book pre-launch day and I need your help! After a long wait I can finally reveal the cover and announce that my new book, The Beat of Your Own Drum, the history, science and contemporary use of drumming as a path for women’s wisdom, health, and transformation, is now available to pre-order from Womancraft…