When music professor John Becks Afro-Cuban drumming class moved online, his students didnt miss a beat even though only one of the 17 seniors in his class had access to a drum.

The global drum circle community on social media was quick to offer ideas for virtual groups. One video showed a friend of mine drumming on a picnic table and asking people to play his rhythm back, said Beck.

The students first assignment was based on that video.

I assembled their clips together and posted the recording so they could all see each other like we do in class when we are seated in a circle. One week I asked the students to send me their favorite song, and they recorded themselves drumming on buckets, tables, boxes and metal pots.

In an in-person class there is a sense of community, Beck explains. The group works together creating rhythm, smiling and enjoying the experience. But after spending time immersed in the video projects, looking at the student clips, watching them drum and assembling the projects on his computer, he felt he knew this class better than any other he has taught.

Beck recently completed a 22-month study at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center with stem cell transplant recipients using a protocol developed called Comfort Sound Drumming. During the patient drumming experience, researchers identified improvement in mood, energy and relaxation, and decreases in anxiety, distress and pain.

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Drumming class finds a new rhythm with creative connections - Wake Forest University News Center