RGM Background
History of Ronnie Gardiner
The Ronnie Gardiner Method (RGM) was developed by jazz drummer Ronnie Gardiner
Ronnie is a successful jazz drummer, he played with Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan and Benny Carter, among others. He is an energetic and charismatic African-American who hails originally from Rhode Is. in the US but who has lived in Sweden since the 1960s.
A personal tragedy in 1980 made him decide to use his talent in a different way, one that could help others. Over a period of 13 years, he developed his practice method through extensive research and conversations with experts from the world of neuroscience.
In 2019 Ronnie, along with two of his Master Trainers, came to New Zealand for a series of workshops to launch the RGM movement. In his time here, Ronnie personally trained practitioners in Kaitaia, Auckland, Christchurch & Dunedin. Since then the RGM Aotearoa whanau has grown to include another 30 fully trained practitioners.
Despite his advanced age (he was born in 1932), Ronnie still travels a lot, including training new RGM practitioners and giving workshops and lectures. He also regularly performs in Sweden with his own Ronnie Gardiner quartet and regularly with other jazz bands.
Learn the language
Based on the principles of neuroplasticity, motor learning and postural control, RGM is an innovative, multi-sensory exercise method for the brain, in which rhythm, music, verbalisation and movement are used to stimulate both cognitive and motor skills.
RGM has been used successfully to help people living with neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, dementia and MS as well as with healthy ageing populations.
It has also been successfully introduced in schools to help students with learning and concentration.
RGM is like learning a new language; when you first start out the vocabulary is unfamiliar and strange but with practice it becomes familiar and you’ll soon be able to comfortably recognise and understand the RGM names and symbols.
RGM Flashmob
On the 23th of May 2018, RGM Netherlands wanted to surprise Ronnie with a special flashmob to congratulate him on 5 years of RGM in the Netherlands. The participants are from different backgrounds (brain injury, MS and Parkinson’s Disease) and healthy ageing groups.
They all got together in ‘Eethuis voor Allen’ in the Dutch town Zuidlaren to the surprise of the 85 year old Ronnie.