About Craig Norton & Hands on Drumming
Craig Norton started "Hands on Drumming" in 1998, offering community drum circles throughout CT. A few years later he joined up with Virginia Anderson to launch Playtivity as a full time business doing drum, dance and storytelling programs in schools, libraries, hospitals and community events throughout the Northeast US. Playtivity had the opportunity to play for hundreds of thousands of people of all ages. Hands on Drumming now specializes in participatory drumming in schools, libraries, museums, corporate retreats and wellness programs and community events. Craig Norton is endorsed by Remo Drums and represented for booking in schools by Arts For Learning CT and Hartford Performs. Over the last several years he has taken a deep dive into social emotional learning and culturally responsive teaching professional development and integrated SEL into all of his programs.
Craig also plays percussion in Cosmic Hue. He has studied or played with Babatunde Olatunji, Mickey Hart, Andelique Kidjo, Massamba Diop, Tony Vacca, Glenn Valez, Arthur Hull among others. Norton's entrepreneurial spirit is not limited to music. He is also a professional photographer, documentary filmmaker and art educator.
Norton states, "This is not a job or hobby. It is my life's passion to share the power of the drum with everyone."
"Can't thank you enough Craig for your enthusiasm, your flexibility and for sharing your Gift with us. I so enjoy introducing our kids and families to other mediums to help boost and heal their spirits. Just what everyone needed. I do know that the facilitators were energized! We are grateful that you are part of our COVE family. I look forward to seeing this relationship grow"
Barbara Giangreco, LMFT
Director, The Meriden COVE
