Class 1: Oct 22, Introduction to the Darbuka –building a strong foundation in not only playing the drum, but also learning its origins and purpose to develop great sound from the player. The class will teach correct posture, hand position and playing techniques, basic tones, rhythms from the maqsoum family, and present basic maintenance and tuning of the darbuka.

Class 2: Oct 29, Exploring the Darbuka – with the basics learned now it is time to learn how to create variations in the rhythms that accompany the music ensemble and dancers! More rhythms will be introduced including popular odd meter rhythms, and other tones and ornamentation heard from experienced players in popular Arabic songs.  Songs that will be explored include Layla, Uskadara, Rompi Rompi, and Aziza!

Class 3: Nov 5, Drums of Doum – this class presents exercises to help increase speed in playing, traditional Arabic rhythmic riffs such as Qarshi (also known as rekatek), Turkish split hand technique, more advanced rhythms and variations, and utilizing those techniques to songs such as Hijaz Mandira, Autumn Dance, Lama Bada, Laylet Hob.

Class 4: Nov 12, Drumming that Raqs the Body – after having studied for so long in making music more dynamic within an ensemble now is the time to apply that creativity to inspire a dancer to be creative on stage! The class will go over guidelines one should learn when working with dancers on how and what to play during a solo piece, how to communicate prior to a performance, and how to communicate when both of you first meet during a performance on stage!