Linda Schneider, J.D., M.F.A., is the founder of Heartland Rhythms, based in Evanston, Illinois. A former attorney, writer, and college instructor, Linda explains the route that led her to pursue drumming and facilitating:
“Growing up, I studied piano and voice, and I loved music, but it was not until 2010 when I took a class at Omega Institute with David Darling, Grammy-winning cellist and a founder of the organization Music for People, that I discovered making music in the moment,” Linda says. “The sense of joy and playfulness I felt was intoxicating and empowering. I flashed back to being two years old, with no 'right' or 'wrong' way to make music, with every sound I created being spectacular. Once I experienced that, I had to find a way to include it in my life.”
As a first step, Linda attended a workshop taught by Christine Stevens, an expert in the fields of music therapy and drum circles, and the author of Music Medicine: The Science and Spirit of Healing Yourself With Sound. Buoyed by the experience, Linda went on to complete the six-day Hawaii Facilitators’ Playshop and the 10-day Hawaii Mentors’ Experience. Both were taught by Arthur Hull, the father of the facilitated drum circle movement and the author of many books on the subject. Linda has completed many other trainings as well, including Health Rhythms, a research-based life enhancement and wellness protocol developed by Remo Drums. Linda continues to regularly engage in professional development. She is a member of the Drum Circle Facilitators’ Guild.
“I love giving other people the opportunity to experience what I discovered: the joy of participating in a drum circle and making music in the moment,” Linda says. “As I’ve gone to various workshops and learned more about facilitating, though, I’ve also come to embrace the wide-ranging possibilities for drum circles, including for wellness, and I have a strong desire to use circles and rhythm events to help people negotiate their lives.”
Linda has designed and facilitated rhythm events for various groups and events, including:
- Gary Comer Youth Center De-Stress Fest; Chicago, Illinois
- Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership Conference; Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Hilda's Place; Evanston, Illinois
- Wilmette Harbor Rotary Club; Wilmette, Illinois
- Connections for the Homeless; Evanston, Illinois
- Tommy's Kids Bereavement Camp; Hinsdale, Illinois
- Camp Erin; Frankfort, Illinois
- Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse; Evanston, Illinois
- Evanston Public Library; Evanston, Illinois
- Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute 2017 Mental Health Conference; Evanston, Illinois
- Empowerment Summit 2016; Palatine, Illinois
- Beth Emet, The Free Synagogue; Evanston, Illinois
- North Shore Senior Center’s House of Welcome; Northfield, Illinois
- Silverado Memory Care Community; Highland Park, Illinois
- The Women’s Exchange; Winnetka, Illinois
- The Lodge of Northbrook; Northbrook, Illinois
- Family holiday celebrations
- Families coping with dementia in a family member
- Women’s groups
- Neighborhood parties