About Mary E. Knysh
Mary E. Knysh is an internationally recognized music educator, author, performer, and facilitator who has spent more than three decades helping people discover that music is not just something we do—it is part of who we are. As Director of the Musicianship and Leadership Program for Music for People and founder of Rhythmic Connections, Mary has inspired educators, musicians, healthcare professionals, and community leaders around the world through the transformative power of improvisation, rhythm, and creative play.
An Orff Schulwerk clinician, professional musician, recording artist, and international teaching artist, Mary presents workshops, conference sessions, and facilitator trainings throughout the United States, Europe, and beyond. She is the recipient of the 2022 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Excellence in Arts Education and is the author of numerous publications, including Drum Circles 101.
Whether working with preschool children, classroom teachers, professional musicians, or people who have never considered themselves “musical,” Mary’s passion is creating welcoming spaces where every person can experience the joy of making music, building community, and discovering their own creative voice.
About Dr. Jane Bentley
Dr. Jane Bentley is a drummer, facilitator, consultant and international trainer based in Glasgow, Scotland, specializing in music, communication, health and wellbeing. She has worked in drum circle facilitation since 1999 and is an international trainer with Village Music Circles. Jane completed a PhD focused on drum circles and improvisation and has brought participatory music-making into community, healthcare and professional settings around the world. Her training includes improvisation with David Darling and Music for People and vocal improvisation with Bobby McFerrin. Her work is rooted in the belief that everyone can make music and that shared music-making can be a powerful resource for connection, expression and wellbeing.