Important information about the program

Holyoake has suspended the DRUMBEAT program indefinitely. CfC FPs that have partners and staff trained in delivering DRUMBEAT''s can continue to count the program towards their 50% requirement. 

About the program

DRUMBEAT is a music program. It involves up to 12 participants in 10 x 1 hour sessions with specific themes including: 

• self-responsibility
• values
• emotional expression
• identity
• peer pressure
• harmony
• teamwork.

The program finishes with a public performance. 

Evaluation and effectiveness

An evaluation (mixed method and a control group) was conducted across three schools in Western Australia with 60 student participants identified as being at risk of alienation from their schooling (Faulkner et al, 2012). The average age of participants was 12 years. Results showed improvements in self-esteem, decreases in absenteeism, decreases in antisocial behaviour (as reported by teachers), increases in levels of cooperation, and high satisfaction with the program.

Reference

Faulkner, S., Wood, L., Ivery, P., Donovan, R. (2012). It's not just music and rhythm: Evaluation of a drumming-based intervention to improve social well-being of alienated youth. Children Australia, 37(1), 31-39.

A full research summary is also available [PDF, 223 KB].