Drumming Sounds Facilitator Training Retreat
March 13–16, 2026 • Franciscan Renewal Center, Paradise Valley, AZ
A transformational 3-day immersion in rhythm, ceremony, sound medicine, and facilitator mastery.
Step into a sacred weekend of rhythm, healing, and community. Hosted at the serene and spiritually charged Franciscan Renewal Center in Paradise Valley, this three-day Drumming Sounds immersion brings together the full power of drumming, singing, dancing, sound medicine, sacred communication, and hands-on drum building to awaken your gifts as a facilitator, healer, and community leader.
Arrive Friday at 4:00 p.m. and enter a space designed for deep transformation. Depart Monday at 11:00 a.m. renewed, inspired, and fully aligned with your purpose.
What This Retreat Offers
🔥 Drum Circle Facilitation Training
Learn the signature Drumming Sounds Protocol—an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach blending nervous-system regulation, ancient rhythm practices, and modern facilitation skills.
You will leave with tools to lead circles in recovery programs, wellness settings, community events, senior living centers, corporate wellness, and more.
⚡ Sound Medicine & Ceremonial Practices
Experience immersive sound journeys, breathwork, sacred songs, and meditative practices that help you open your voice, quiet the mind, and connect with Spirit.
This includes morning prayer sessions, sunrise intention setting, sacred communication workshops, and guided emotional release through rhythm.
🪶 Drum Building Workshop
Create your own 14-inch elk or deer hide frame drum with your intentions laced into every thread. You will also craft your drumstick and learn traditional practices of awakening your drum as a medicine tool.
🌕 Movement, Ecstatic Dance & Embodiment
Move your body. Free your spirit. Experience rhythmic embodiment practices designed to unlock joy, release stagnation, and deepen your relationship with sound and movement.
💬 Community, Ceremony & Connection
Every moment of this retreat is supported by sacred spaceholding, shared meals, community circles, and opportunities to connect with like-hearted leaders from across the country.
📣 Business & Marketing Training (Optional Daily)
For those wanting to bring this work into the world professionally, we offer optional sessions:
Marketing 101: Building Your Identity & Message
Marketing 1.2: The Drumming Sounds Community Model
Marketing 2.0: Scaling Your Facilitator Business
These sessions can be opted into at any time—or you may choose to rest, enjoy the grounds, or explore the center.
Who This Retreat Is For
Drum circle facilitators
Wellness practitioners
Recovery specialists & peer supporters
Sound healers & musicians
Mental health workers
Coaches, artists, movement teachers
Anyone called to rhythm, healing, and community leadership
No musical experience required—just an open heart.
Retreat Schedule at a Glance
Friday, March 13
4:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremony, Sound Journey & Welcome Circle
Evening Drum Circle & Intentions
Saturday, March 14
Morning Meditation • Drum Building Workshop • Facilitation Training
Optional Marketing Classes • Sound Medicine • Evening Celebration
Sunday, March 15
Facilitator Training Intensive • Ecstatic Dance • Community Drumming
Sacred Communication • Evening Journey & Integration
Monday, March 16
Closing Circle & Blessing of the Drums
Depart at 11:00 a.m. renewed and ready to lead.
(Optional Sunday night extension available.)
A Transformational Weekend in Paradise Valley
Nestled at the foot of Camelback Mountain, the Franciscan Renewal Center offers a peaceful, supportive environment with beautiful rooms, quiet spaces, walking paths, and stunning desert landscapes.
It’s the perfect container for deep spiritual work, community building, and personal renewal.
Your Facilitators
Andrew Ecker & Monica Patton, co-founders of Drumming Sounds, bring over 25 years of experience and more than 5,000 wellness-based events across tribal nations, hospitals, recovery centers, festivals, and spiritual communities. Their combined wisdom in drumming, sound healing, ceremony, and sacred communication will guide you through every step of this journey.
Secure Your Spot
This retreat will sell out due to limited capacity and the hands-on drum building component.
Reserve your place now and step into a transformational weekend that awakens your voice, strengthens your spirit, and empowers you as a community leader.
Also check out other Workshops in Paradise Valley, Health & Wellness events in Paradise Valley, Festivals in Paradise Valley.
