What is RMM

"Recreational Music Making refers to playing musical instruments alone or in a group without the goals of mastery or performance."

What this is simply saying is that Recreational Music Making is about the experience of making music more than it is about the outcome. Recreational Music Making should provide a fun, inclusive musical experience for everyone, and the RMM philosophy emphasizes that over the philosophy of mastering an instrument or instruments on one's way towards a performance-based goal.

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to pursue music making-whether it be through Recreational Music Making or through the more traditional approach-RMM simply offers an alternative to those would-be musicians who may prefer to experience making music that doesn't require mastery of a particular instrument, song or method.

It is important to understand the philosophy behind RMM, whether it's for piano, organ, guitar, a drum circle, or some other musical activity. The RMM philosophy is simple and easy to understand:

  • RMM is MORE than about inspiring extraordinary music-making, it's about inspiring extraordinary life.
  • RMM is MORE than about exceptional performance, it's about exceptional support and personal experience.
  • RMM is MORE than about teaching people to play, it's about giving them permission to play.
  • The best RMM facilitators are MORE than just talented musicians, They are caring, compassionate and intuitive musical guides.

I continually hear from people, "I'm not musical, I can't do this ..."

But that's the beauty of RMM-you can have a background in music and be a part of a Recreational Music Making experience, but you don't have to. The drum circle is a perfect example: anyone can join in a drum circle and experience making music in the moment. You don't have to have had prior lessons or training, you just jump in and have fun!

Anyone can do this. And anyone can do this with any instrument out there, once you shift your perception of what "being musical" is. With RMM, being musical is not necessarily being a master of an instrument.

How can I get started with Recreational Music Making?

There are a number of ways to get involved, and already taken the first step by visiting www.wannaplaymusic.com/rmm . This Recreational Music Making Website has been designed to benefit music enthusiasts and music industry professionals by offering an online environment that encourages information sharing and discovery among members of the global music community.

Visitors to the site will find up-to-date information regarding the latest scientific advancements and research findings in the RMM field, as well as information about existing RMM programs, RMM news items and an archive of RMM-related press releases.

More than that, the Website is a means of linking the global RMM community-researchers, institutions, NAMM Member companies and everyday musicians-and to provide a central source of information and communication that will help spread the benefits of Recreational Music Making.

You can:

  • Find an existing RMM program in your area and offer your store as an instrument resource location for sales and repairs
  • Find RMM facilitators in your area and work with them to offer RMM programs at your store
  • Learn more about the health and wellness benefits of RMM
  • Find out the latest medical research on making music

So look around, enjoy the site, and join us in the global Recreational Music Making movement!

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