Today we’d like to introduce you to Marla Singleton
Hi Marla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a music educator for over 21 years and a woman in recovery from addiction for more than 15 years. Throughout my journey as a music facilitator, I have witnessed countless moments of profound healing, which sparked my deep interest in music therapy. This led me to discover the DRUMBEAT program—an evidence-based approach that integrates music, behavioral, and cognitive therapy. Originally designed to support individuals recovering from substance misuse, DRUMBEAT aligns perfectly with my passion for using music as a tool for transformation and recovery.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Founding a nonprofit requires immense dedication, support, and perseverance. One of the biggest challenges I faced in launching Drums in Recovery was securing financial backing. While fundraising is always a hurdle for new organizations, I found that once people witnessed the transformative impact of the DRUMBEAT program on participants, they became convinced of its value and more willing to support it.
However, the most significant challenge I had to overcome was related to my past. As a woman in long-term recovery from addiction, I did not fit the traditional mold of a nonprofit founder. Even though I had been clean and sober for five years at the time, societal perceptions and legal barriers made it difficult to gain the trust and approval needed to work with vulnerable populations.
To move forward, I had to go through an extensive process of clearing my name, gathering character reference letters, proving I had met all legal requirements, and demonstrating that I had undergone true transformation through rehabilitation. I needed to show that I was not only a new person but also someone capable and worthy of serving the community and helping others in their recovery.
After two years of persistence, I was granted an exemption from disqualification by the government, allowing me to work with vulnerable children and adults in Florida. The following year, I received the same approval from the Florida Department of Health. These milestones were not just bureaucratic victories—they were affirmations that people can change, heal, and become valuable contributors to society.
Overcoming these challenges deepened my commitment to Drums in Recovery and strengthened my mission to use music as a tool for healing and transformation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
God, music, and recovery have shaped every part of my journey. Music has been with me since childhood—the gentle bond of a lullaby with my mother, the joy of singing in church and at camp, the discipline of playing guitar and clarinet in band, and later, over two decades of leading families and communities in music-making through Music Together. But music took on a whole new meaning when I entered recovery.
Getting clean through Narcotics Anonymous, I found strength in the 12 steps, a sponsor, and a positive support network. Then I discovered the DRUMBEAT program—an evidence-based approach that teaches how to build healthy relationships, be a good friend, a good parent, and a reliable employee. It helped me stay focused on what truly matters: my recovery, my family, and my purpose.
Facilitating DRUMBEAT is more than just leading a drum circle—it’s sharing the principles of recovery through rhythm. Every beat on the drum holds a metaphor for life. Learning a new rhythm mirrors learning a new way of living. Finding harmony in a group reflects how we find our place in the community. When we stay present in the rhythm, we stay present in life—without drugs, without alcohol, without destruction. Instead, we build something beautiful together.
In the drum circle, we practice the skills needed to create music and harmony, and in doing so, we cultivate inner peace, self-trust, and a sense of belonging. This is my passion, my purpose. And I believe I carry this message well—because I am living it.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Miss Carol Gann was a guest at our very first DRUMBEAT performance at a women’s transitional house in Apopka. After hearing the powerful testimonies of the women, she saw the potential for something greater. It was her idea that if I started a nonprofit, I could reach so many more women with this transformative program. With her experience in establishing nonprofits, she offered to guide and support me through the process—and Drums in Recovery was born.
Miss Anna Jones, now the Vice President of Drums in Recovery, was part of our very first DRUMBEAT team. Her personal testimony has inspired many and played a vital role in the growth of our organization. Today, she serves as our office manager while continuing to lead as a DRUMBEAT facilitator. She is the heart of our operations and my right hand in managing the organization.
Our team has grown into a powerhouse of dedicated individuals. We have 11 active professional board members, seven facilitators (with more waiting to be trained), three staff members, and a social work intern from the University of Central Florida. Together, we are making a real impact.
I am deeply grateful for the incredible partners who allow us to serve their communities and for the unwavering support of Orange County Citizens’ Commission for Children. Their belief in our mission has enabled us to bring DRUMBEAT to youth across Orange County. Our work is possible because of this strong, committed community, and for that, I give thanks.
Pricing:
- Our fee is $30/person/hour
- For a treatment facility of 15 people for 10 weeks it comes to $4500 for an entire group 10 week session..
- To sponsor one person for 10 weeks $300.
- Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact and goes directly toward supporting the entire group. Your generosity helps us continue providing the DRUMBEAT program to those in need, fostering healing, connection, and growth through music. Thank you for being a part of this mission!.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drumsinrecovery.org/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/drumsinrecovery/
