I host 60-minute mindfulness drumming circles at Nuru House Studio, a beautiful, calming space within the 44 Stanley lifestyle precinct in Johannesburg. As a registered music therapist, I create the sessions to blend rhythmic drumming with simple, accessible mindfulness techniques - no meditation or musical experience required. It offers a refreshing and grounded midweek reset for those needing to de-stress, reconnect, and release tension.

Why Nuru House?
Nuru House Studio is a modern wellness space focused on intentional healing through sound, movement, breath, and community. Founded by sound-bath practitioner Tiffany Lekuku, it’s a peaceful urban sanctuary that felt like the perfect setting for this kind of session. The energy of the space really supported the group in slowing down and becoming present.

Session Highlights:

60 minutes of guided mindfulness and rhythmic drumming

No experience needed - just openness to try something different

Hosted by me, Emma Oelschig, HPCSA-registered music therapist

Held in the serene Nuru Studio at 44 Stanley

Every week, I facilitate music therapy group sessions at Journey Recovery Centre, working with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. These sessions offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where clients can explore emotions, reconnect with themselves, and build resilience through rhythm, songwriting, guided listening, and improvisation.

Grounded in mindfulness and trauma-informed care, the work focuses on developing emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a sense of connection - both internally and with others. For many participants, music becomes a powerful tool for expression and healing in moments when words may not be enough.

I had the privilege of facilitating a mindfulness-based music therapy session for the staff at Dainfern College, focused on stress relief, grounding, and connection. The session blended accessible rhythm-based activities with guided reflection and mindfulness practices, creating space for the team to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with themselves and one another outside of their usual roles.

Held in a relaxed, supportive environment, the experience offered practical tools for emotional regulation and presence - something deeply needed in the fast-paced world of education. Staff left feeling more centred, uplifted, and appreciated.

This session also formed part of the school’s Neurodiversity Day, where I integrated education on the application of music therapy in supporting neurodiverse learners. Teachers were equipped with practical tools they could use with both neurodiverse and neurotypical students to support emotional regulation, boost self-esteem, and foster grounding in the classroom environment.

I facilitated a mindfulness-based music therapy session for the pastoral care team at a private school in Johannesburg. The session created a space for the team to pause, reconnect, and access practical tools for managing stress, supporting emotional regulation, and fostering inner calm.

Using rhythm, breath, and simple mindfulness techniques, the session was designed to meet the unique needs of those who hold space for others on a daily basis. It offered a restorative experience, helping participants release tension, recentre themselves, and reflect on the importance of their own well-being within their caregiving roles.

Feedback from the team reflected a renewed sense of clarity, presence, and connection - both to themselves and to one another.