Welcome to TRAP

The Rhythmic Arts Project was founded in 1997 by Eddie Tuduri (read about Eddie's career here, then read about the origins of TRAP on the About Us page). The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) is an educational program for people with disabilities.  Employing drums and percussion, the program teaches and enhances basic life skills such as: maintaining focus, using memory, taking turns, developing leadership, using numbers, using prepositional concepts, following instructions, and modeling.  Issues of spatial awareness, fine and gross motor skills, and speech are also addressed.  Teaching occurs in an environment that is fun and not threatening so participants develop improved confidence and a more positive self-image.

The project brings together volunteers in concert with administrators, teachers, activity directors and aids at various facilities, and is growing in popularity throughout the world. We will be facilitated in 6 countries and more than 20 states before the year is out.

The Rhythmic Arts Project is a non-profit 501(C)(3) company. We honor and celebrate diversity, regardless of disability, religion, race, creed or ethnicity.

What we are not: The Rhythmic Arts Project is not a drum circle facilitation. We do not teach drums or percussion save the ability to integrate our modalities through this medium. There are a number of highly accredited hand drum teachers and drum circle facilitators available across the globe.... we however, are not one of these.

Mission Statement
The Rhythmic Arts Project empowers people with various disabilities to succeed in the world. We integrate drums and percussion instruments as creative learning tools that address life skills and enhance the mind, body and spirit.

Learn More

Learn more NOW with a special video and additional information from our partners at Pearl Drums.

Special Announcements

A note from Eddie about “Tropic Thunder”
As a concerned citizen and proud resident of Carpinteria, I felt the need to exemplify what I’m hearing from strong advocates in the field of developmental disabilities. This is a population to which many of us have very intimate ties throughout this community and beyond.

The Rhythmic Arts Project strongly supports the boycott of the
Ben Stiller Movie “Tropic Thunder”

“Tropic Insensitive” would be more appropriate in the case of this movie.

There are over seven million people in the US with intellectual disabilities and their families who simply don’t deserve this kind of disrespect. To whatever degree of ignorant bliss Mr. Stiller may claim; we didn’t mean any harm, we were only having fun, we were kidding each other, etc. A rose by any other name is still “Hate Speech” plain and simple.

The character played by Stiller named Simple Jack is a person with an intellectual disability. In the film, the character is repeatedly referred to as a "retard", "moron" and "imbecile".

People with intellectual disabilities have a history of institutionalization, genocide, forced sterilization, segregation, and being regarded as less than human.
More than any other group, they experience record unemployment, significant physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and limited rights.

This discrimination and victimization continues, in large part, due to antiquated, discriminatory portrayals in the media and pervasive prejudice.

For more information, contact The ARC of the United States at: www.thearc.org

With Respect,
Eddie Tuduri/ Director
The Rhythmic Arts Project

We have compiled a PDF file of some (14 pages) of the many letters we get showing the support the TRAP program. Letters range from a general thanks to life changing experiences (more of the latter). Take a look!

The release from Gifted Artists Records, titled "Included" is available! The CD features 6 of our talented Gifted Artists and comes with a beautiful 28 page full color booklet. The booklet contains stories about our artists. This is truly a very special package that should be owned by all of our supporters. Support TRAP the easy way and order your copy today from our store page.

New videos have been added to our Video Gallery, including the 2008 Syria trip and TRAP's visit to Bulgaria.

Even MORE videos!! Check out our YouTube page for even more videos - click here!

Rhythmic Arts Discussion Group

Visit/Join our group! - You must have a (free) Google account to participate.

Donations
TRAP is always appreciative of donations to help sustain the program. It is only with the help of friends that we are able to keep providing this important service. If you wish to make a donation online via Pay pal, click here, otherwise please make checks or money order payable to:
TRAP
PMB#144
1072 Casitas Pass Rd.
Carpinteria Ca. 93013
(non- profit Tax ID # is available to donors on request)

Grant Form
Please have a look at the grant application form we've designed for your organization. You can tailor it to fit your individual needs, we have filled in all the necessary blanks for you in respect to our program. This is a grant that you can propose to your local service based community clubs such as Rotary or Lions. Our program is just the sort of thing these community minded organizations like to support. As we are a small non-profit ourselves, we rely on just the same kind of help.