PIONEERS OF DRUM THERAPY SINCE 1988
TURN DRUMMING into a CREDENTIALED
THERAPEUTIC PRACTICE.
D.A.D. offers Drum Therpay training and certification through the Drum Therapy Association. Drum Therapy is used in schools, hospitals, mental health & veteran care facilities, and community centers across 15 countries — recognized from the Pentagon to the Department of Education. Every certification is granted personally by founder Pat Gesualdo, the only person in the world authorized to certify Drum Therapists.
15+
Countries in
practice
20+
Years training therapists
NJ
Approved for teacher CE credits
Certified Drum Therapist
Enrollment OPEN — cohorts run by Zoom
DRUM THERAPY®
USED BY THESE ORGS
-
State Disability Agencies
-
United States Department of Defense
-
School Systems
-
United States Department of State
-
Mental Health Facilities
-
VA Hospitals
-
Law Enforcement Agencies
-
Community Centers
-
Child Protective Agencies
-
Elderly Care Facilities
-
Global Medical Centers
-
Non Profit Organzations
DRUM THERAPY®
WHO IT HELPS
Special Need Children And Adults with:
-
Autism,
-
ADD & ADHD
-
Dyslexia
-
Cerebral Palsy
-
Down Syndrome
-
Tourette Syndrome
-
Depression
-
Bipolar Disorder
-
Muscular Dystrophy
-
Multiple Sclerosis
-
Anxiety Disorders
-
PTSD
-
Cognitive Disabilities & Behavioral Issues
-
Traumatic Brain Injuries
-
Learning Disabilities
-
Intellectual Disabilities
DRUM THERAPY®
WHO SHOULD GET CERTIFIED
-
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
-
Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs)
-
Clinical Psychologists & Psychiatrists
-
Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs/LISWs)
-
Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFTs)
-
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs)
-
Substance Use & Addiction Counselors
-
Behavioral Health Clinicians
-
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners & Nurses
-
Certified Rehabilitation Counselors
-
Case Managers & Behavioral Health Case Managers
-
Mental Health Coaches (where permitted by their scope of practice)
-
Crisis Intervention Specialists
One Credential, Three Ways to Use It.
WHY CERTIFY
Whether you're a drum teacher, a clinician, or a parent looking to help your own child, the certification opens the same door: a proven, recognized method for using rhythm as intervention.
Expand Your Practice
Add a specialized, in-demand credential to your teaching or clinical work — and get listed on the D.A.D. referral network.
Help Special-Needs Populations
Use structured drumming to support motor skills, communication, and behavior for children and adults with autism, ADHD, and related conditions.
Join a Global Network
Connect with certified therapists across 15+ countries, and get access to D.A.D. events and continuing education.
THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION
Three Segments. About 3–4 Months.
Training is scheduled around your availability and your instructor's — most candidates finish all three segments in 3–4 months at roughly 2 hours a week. Every candidate trains personally with founder Pat Gesualdo, the only person in the world authorized to grant this certification. D.A.D. is also approved by the State of New Jersey to grant continuing education credits for teachers.
01
Pre-training conversation
Phone · Zoom
A conversation with the D.A.D. team, by phone or video, to make sure it's the right fit before you register.
02
Registration & live training
Zoom / phone / in person
Complete registration and receive the official training manual, then attend live training sessions and Master Classes by Zoom, phone, or in person, depending on location.
03
Course, test & certification
Assessment
Complete the Drum Therapy® course and final test to earn your Certificate of Completion as a Certified Drum Therapist. D.A.D. then helps you implement your practice locally.
THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION
Simple Pricing to Start.
One cost to certify, one flat renewal to stay active — no hidden tiers.
ADVANCED CREDENTIAL
$495
one-time
Drum Therapist Certification
Trained personally our founder, the only person in the world authorized to grant this certification.
-
Official training manual
-
Live training sessions & Master Classes — Zoom, phone, or in person
-
Final course test & Certificate of Completion
-
Approved by NJ for teacher continuing education credits
-
Help implementing your practice in your local community afterward
ONGOING YEARLY
$125/year
Certification Renewal
Keeps your Certified Drum Therapist credential active after your first year.
-
Continued use of the Certified Drum Therapist credential
-
Stay current with D.A.D.'s training and standards
"The focus and sustained attention displayed by the students when using the D.A.D. Program is remarkable! This multi-sensory program works on auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning for students to improve their concentration and ability to follow directions."
Holly Ehle
Jointure Commission School Principal
15+
Countries with certified therapists
4
months to certification
Have Questions First?
Talk to the D.A.D. team before you enroll —
call (973) 263-0420 or email info@dadprogram.org
to ask about the training or your schedule.
Current & Past D.A.D. Program Providers
-
The Craig School
-
New Jersey Schools
-
Morris County Police
-
Swiss Embassy
-
Rockaway Schools
-
NJ JCC
-
New Zealand Schools
-
New York Schools
-
South Bergen Jointure
-
Norway Music School
-
Saint Joseph's University
-
South Africa Schools
-
New Jersey Cerebral Palsy​
-
Wakefield Farmer's Market
-
New Beat Drum Studio
-
Compass Health System
-
Tel Aviv Embassy
-
Pennsylvania Schools
-
NYU Medical Center
-
Sam Ash Music Fest
-
Family Resource Center
-
NYC Health Initiative
-
Mayor's Health Outreach
-
Essex County Schools
-
Putting The Pieces Together
-
Lyndhurst Adult Center
-
Mighty Mike Camp
-
Jersey City Schools
-
Sussex County College
-
Verona Schools
-
Pennsylvania YMCA
-
National Night Out
-
Caring Partners of Morris
-
Washington DC Schools
-
NJ YMCA
-
West Orange Autism Camp
-
NY JCC
-
Morrow Music Festival
-
Bosnia Schools
-
PA Conservatory
-
Alfred Publishing
-
Music School
-
Italy Disability Festival
-
Carpi Adult Facility
-
Jackson Schools