We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dori Staehle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dori below.

Hi Dori , thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Ever have a talent or skill you put on the back burner? I spent decades working with young people, encouraging them, and even putting them on stage when I was a booking agent and promoter of young, local rock bands. One day, I decided “Why should the kids have all the fun?”

So, I signed up to audition for a rockin’ band at my church. I always wanted to play drums since I was a little girl but figured that percussion (hand drums) would be easier. I showed up and somehow passed the audition, even though I had no experience, no lessons, and didn’t have any drums of my own at home.

After the first couple of practices, I realized that drumming felt great! It was both energizing and relaxing at the same time. Little did I know that that experience would lead me to use drumming for health and wellness and to create my current business, Next Stage Drumming. It’s been nearly 12 years. I’ve worked with thousands of people and I’ve seen some amazing results!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After playing percussion in a church band, I realized that my hobby of drumming could be used to help people focus, feel better, and find their joy. I Googled “drum therapy” and discovered that this is an actual field. I received my training and certification from an international organization knowns as “Drums and Disabilities” back in 2009.

Since this organization was founded by a rock drummer and I’m definitely a rock chick, I thought this would be a really good fit. I have since modified the program to use hand drums, instead of a drum pad and drum sticks, and I’ve added some mentoring, ministry, and loads of encouragement. And, whether I’m working with a private client, or a group or organization, we always close out with a rockin’ tune (I take requests.).

In this way, what I do is different from a drum circle, African drumming, or a drum lesson. I’ve essentially created my own lane. In fact, I’m the only certified drum therapist in NC. My sessions and events are customized to the individual or organization’s needs. The top two reasons people reach out to me are for anxiety and stress relief.

I also have had many young clients on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD symptoms. I’ve worked with entrepreneurs and creatives who needed stress relief and clarity so they could move forward, as well as groups of seniors who needed help with memory issues and wanted a fun activity that provides a sense of community.

Clients have also seen a boost creativity and productivity, some have reported better sleep, and many have experienced a boost in confidence and their mindset. Several teens have seen a big boost in their grades as well. This is mainly because we don’t just do easy drumming exercises. We also do some deep breathing, say affirmations (or Bible verses for Christian clients), and I pour into them with loads of encouragement. Clients have told me they feel more hopeful and more confident – after just a few sessions. I also have a program for women that includes coaching.

I often share the story of how drumming and Divine Intervention helped me heal after a freak accident which triggered multiple injuries, and a rare and very painful disease. All hope seemed lost. But I rose up and was completely healed in just two weeks.

I can’t guaranteed miraculous healing, of course, but 93% of my private clients have experienced a breakthrough and hit their goals (and then some!) in 8 sessions or less. I’ve worked with thousands of kids and adults. Drum therapy is science-based, easy to do, and loads of fun! If you can count, you can drum! Hand drums are provided for events and private clients and I can work virtually or in person in Fuquay-Varina. I’m a Christian but I’ve worked with people of all faiths and from all over the world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As someone with a very unusual business, raising brand awareness was really difficult. In fact, some people still think I do drum circles or drum lessons!

I’ve encountered many setbacks and naysayers and experienced my share of dry spells. My faith and the amazing results I’ve seen have kept me going, even when I wanted to give up. Most would have given up years ago or not even started.

After all, I started with only $40, I was severely injured, and well into my 50’s! But I persevered. I learned different ways to do things and I’ve embraced the fact that I’m a “different drummer” in every sense of the word.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When COVID hit and everything shut down, I wondered how my business would survive. All of my events and private sessions had been in-person and my main location closed.

I asked God “Now what?” The answer I heard back was “You’re going to take it online.” I had no idea how that would work, since you can’t feel the vibrations of my drum online. The sound waves are a big part of the process.

However, I knew how to use Zoom. I just needed to learn how to make a few adjustment for live music (Zoom now has a feature for musicians.). I was able to order and ship a djembe drum to clients in the US (clients abroad have to order one on their own), so they had something to use for their sessions and to practice on.

My business actually increased during that time, as did my results. I just needed to keep the faith.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nextstagedrumming.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextstagedori
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextstagedrumming
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doristaehlemba
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextStageDrumming

Image Credits

Photo with me and the young man (black background): Photo credit: Jenny Midgley