As Ignasi Corella, musician and rhythm facilitator, I have worked with various organizations and companies to deliver percussion workshops that are not only enjoyable but also highly effective for team development, motivation, and well-being. In this article, I explain why investing in corporate percussion workshops can be one of the best decisions your company makes, and the real benefits it brings.
Why do companies choose percussion workshops?
Percussion workshops are much more than a fun activity. They create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space where participants can express themselves without needing any musical experience. This practice has been proven to offer key benefits for organizations.
- Improved communication and collaboration: Participants must listen to one another, synchronize, and adapt to a shared rhythm. This strengthens non-verbal communication, empathy, and active listening.
- Stress reduction and enhanced well-being: Playing percussion can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and generate a sense of mental relaxation.
- Creativity and innovation: These workshops encourage rhythmic improvisation and the exploration of new ideas, prompting teams to think outside the box and approach challenges creatively.
- Trust building and leadership: In some exercises, participants can guide the group or take on the role of rhythmic leader, helping identify individuals with leadership potential.
- Inclusion and equality: Job title, age, or musical skill do not matter—everyone is on the same level within the circle. This helps break down internal hierarchies and barriers.
- Physical and emotional health: Beyond releasing tension, percussion is a physical activity comparable to moderate exercise, and it fosters a strong sense of community.
Scientifically proven benefits and real-world results
Corporate percussion workshops are not just a creative idea—they are backed by science and measurable outcomes. For instance, a study in Japan found that a drum-circle–based training program increased trust among team members, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, research on well-being shows that group percussion can stimulate the immune system and reduce anxiety.
Many well-known companies already use this approach. If you want to dive deeper into how music—particularly body percussion—can enhance team well-being and performance, I recommend this document from Metges de Catalunya. The study describes in detail the emotional and physiological effects of body percussion, offering scientific support for the corporate workshops we deliver and their ability to transform not only team dynamics but also participants’ health and effectiveness.
How I design workshops for large companies
When working with a large company, I design each workshop by considering several factors to adapt it to the team’s goals:
- Initial assessment: I speak with the leadership team or HR department to understand what they want to achieve (improving cohesion, reducing stress, fostering creativity, preparing an event, celebrating a milestone, etc.).
- Customized duration and format: The workshop can be a short icebreaker, a half-day activity, or a full-day event. I also adapt the instruments according to the space and the size of the group.
- Professional facilitation: I personally guide the session, introducing accessible rhythm exercises (no musical experience required) and group dynamics to ensure everyone participates actively.
- Reflection moment (debrief): After the activity, a debrief is essential to discuss how participants experienced the rhythm, what connections were formed, and how these sensations and learnings can be applied in the workplace.
- Optional follow-up: This may include a follow-up mini-workshop, integrating brief rhythm breaks into other training sessions, or even establishing rhythmic traditions within the company (such as short percussion moments in special meetings).
Types of percussion workshops I offer (examples)
With extensive experience in rhythm-based activities, I offer several formats tailored to each company’s objectives. Some of the most relevant include:
- Corella Music Experience: an immersive workshop combining rhythm, body, and music to create a transformational environment.
- Boomwhackers: using tuned tubes to create rhythmic melodies—a fun and unique way to work on cooperation and harmony.
- Body percussion: with no instruments, using only the body—hands, feet, and breath—ideal for introspection and inner connection.
These formats can be adapted for corporate workshops, and we can combine or adjust their duration depending on the company’s needs.
When is a percussion workshop especially recommended?
Corporate percussion workshops can have a strong impact in several situations:
- Team-building events or annual retreats
- Celebrating a milestone or major launch
- Improving well-being and reducing stress in high-demand teams
- Integrating new employees and fostering cohesion from the start
- As part of leadership or team-management training
Case study: team transformation through rhythm
In October, I had the pleasure of leading a Corella Music Experience session in Sitges with the European team of ChromaScape, an American company specializing in colorants and additives. It was a unique encounter where I personally witnessed how rhythm can become a powerful tool for strengthening cohesion within an international team.
The session began with a simple body percussion exercise, ideal for breaking the ice and helping participants reconnect with their bodies after weeks filled with travel, meetings, and remote work. This collective work generated vibrant and authentic energy: just like the pigments ChromaScape transforms every day, each person’s rhythm blended to create a harmonious and colorful outcome.
It was an experience full of energy, human connection, and professionalism. I would like to sincerely thank Montse Montoya Fuentes for making it possible and the entire ChromaScape team for their engagement, enthusiasm, and openness to exploring rhythm from a new perspective.
How to measure the impact of a percussion workshop?
To demonstrate the ROI of a workshop, companies can consider the following indicators:
- Participant satisfaction: gather post-workshop feedback to understand what worked, what they learned, and what they would like to repeat.
- Qualitative feedback: collect testimonials or key comments that reflect changes in trust, communication, or cohesion.
- Behavioral follow-up: observe whether rhythmic habits continue after the workshop, such as rhythm breaks, reflection moments, or improved collaboration.
- Well-being results: measure reductions in stress, burnout, or improved workplace climate using internal surveys or HR assessments.
Final recommendations
If you’re considering a percussion workshop for your team, I recommend keeping these points in mind:
- Work with an experienced facilitator; for example, I adapt each session to the company’s strategic objectives and real needs.
- Do not underestimate the power of the post-activity reflection: connecting the musical experience with corporate dynamics is where the true value lies.
- Think long-term: a single workshop can be transformative, but repeating it or integrating it into internal processes makes the impact much deeper.
- Clearly communicate the purpose of the workshop: whether it is for team building, well-being, or creativity, stating it upfront reinforces intention and results.
In short, corporate percussion workshops are not just an enjoyable activity—they are a strategic tool to strengthen corporate culture, connect people, reduce stress, and open new ways of communicating and collaborating. If you’d like to explore this possibility, you can reach out and we will design a tailored program for your organization.
