'Not for nothing has John earned a reputation as Irelands leading drum circle facilitator' -Irish Times.

John has been teaching the hand drum in Ireland for over 20 years and brings his deep commitment to honour the spiritual and healing aspects of traditional indigenous music to his work. He also brings an anarchic and playful sense of fun into a class situation that helps to quickly nudge any group he works with into a creative and fertile space.

John has facilitated over 2,000 musical events and workshops and continues to teach throughout Ireland and in the U.K.

He says 'the hand drum is a perfect tool for non-verbal communication - playing and exploring rhythm is great fun, challenging and yet very accessible. Most of all it quickly brings us into a place of magic and nourishment, where we can shrug of the grey of the modern world and enter into a communion with life, where we can see the sparkle, and hear the spirit voices.

For over 20 years I have been collecting, editing, arranging and composing a repertoire of rhythms, chants and songs; beautiful pieces to explore, from many cultural backgrounds - African, Latin American, Native American, Maori, etc.

All cultures of the world have music. All of the worlds peoples share a yearning for, and affinity with, rhythm and chant.

Traditionally in indigenous cultures worldwide the musicians job comes with the responsibilities of working with music as a tool to ensure the health of the community and all of its individuals is intact. This healing is on all levels, emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual. Although to the modern post industrial mindset this idea can seem very far fetched in fact over the last few of decades I have grown to really see how music is probably the only single tool we have that is capable of working in all of these areas, and often all of these areas simultaneously.

I keep on being inspired. I get glimpses of future possibilities and then a few years later I get there and its even more amazing than I thought.

One major highlight in the last few years has been the Earthsong Camp. Some of the big drum sessions in the evening have been truly amazing. Over 150 drummers locked into big trance grooves with up to 200 singers and dancers, all going for it one hundred percent in our wonderful multi coloured circus tent. No audience, just everyone grooving together, all ages from new borns to grandparents, and without anyone using drugs and not a  drop of alcohol. Totally inspiring.

Also at the moment I am really enjoying composing new heartsongs, chants that can take us into a wonderful emotional space where we can access our sensitivity and spirituality. Recently I have been working on a series of chants based on a rediscovered ancient Pythagorean musical scale. Working with it has produced some very beautiful and nourishing pieces of community music. Alongside the drum the chant is very important, it really is a bridge to very deep healing spaces.'

"John Bowker is engaged in very important work that is creating a new and inspiring vision as to the relationship between community and music. Whether you are a business manager, a community leader or a teacher, John can offer you an opportunity to celebrate the power of the group, while honouring and enabling the potential of the individual. His gifted facilitation style along with the magical and safe space created allows the group to realise and explore their creative spirit; and once this is unleashed all manner of possibilities can be achieved. I would not hesitate to recommend John Bowker to any group who are looking for respite and inspiration, especially in these times of great uncertainty and change". Dr Annmarie Ryan, PhD.

For more info from John email him on

john(at)tribalspiritdrumming(dot)org