Varner’s interest in world music led to a sabbatical in Nigeria and “Study-Abroad” classes to Ghana. His article “Skin That Speaks” was published in the 2013 Percussive Notes Journal. In 2009 he received a Faculty Development Leave Grant to accept an invitation from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria to work with their faculty and students. His World Percussion Ensemble performs constantly. His presentation “Skin that Speaks: the Talking Drums of Nigeria” was given for the UTArlington Deans “Festival of Ideas” and the Texas Music educators State Convention. In 2015 “Skin that Speaks” was chosen to be on “TedX” presented internationally.