10 Essential Middle Eastern Rhythms
Discover the language of the doumbek (darbuka) while learning proper hand position, how to hold the drum, and how to produce rich, resonant tones using the three foundational strokes: Doum, Tek, and Ka.

Beyond technique, Rami will share the cultural context behind the rhythms and how they shape the music and movement traditions of the Middle East.

You'll learn and practice many of the region's most important rhythms, including:

  • Maqsoum

  • Baladi

  • Saidi

  • Ayoub

  • Malfouf

  • Khaliji

  • Chiftetelli

  • Karsilama

  • Samai

  • Masmoudi Kebir

Whether you're a dancer wanting to strengthen your musicality or a drummer building a solid rhythmic foundation, this workshop will give you practical tools to better understand, interpret, and embody Middle Eastern music.

Adv Beg / Int Doumbek Composition
Learn an exciting short doumbek composition exploring finger rolls, ornamentation, dynamics, and transitions to create a polished, musical performance piece.

These offerings are an ala carte workshop of the 22nd Bellyqueen Teacher Training.

WHEN: Wednesday August 12th
2-5pm: 10 Essential Mid East Rhythms
5-6pm: Adv Beg / Int Doumbek Composition
6.15pm: Group Dinner at a nearby restaurant

WHERE: Rod Rodgers, 62 East 4th St, New York, NY

INVESTMENT:
10 Essential Mid East Rhythms: $75, $65 unlimited pass holders
Adv Beg / Int Doumbek Composition: $30, $25 unlimited pass holders
Both Essential Rhythms + Doumbek Composition: $95, $80 unlimited pass holders

Sign Up for 10 Essential Middle Eastern Rhythms
Sign Up for Adv Beg / Int Doumbek Composition
Sign Up for Both Essential Rhythms + Doumbek Composition

WHO: With roots in Egypt, Rami El Aasser is a percussionist, vocalist, educator, and internationally acclaimed performer specializing in Arabic and Turkish percussion traditions. He performs worldwide with acclaimed ensembles including Alsarah & the Nubatones, Zikrayat, and Raquy DÜM, and has appeared at prestigious venues such as SummerStage, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Apollo Theater, the United Nations, and on Broadway in The Band's Visit. His performances have also been featured at major international festivals including Glastonbury, WOMEX, WOMADelaide, SXSW, and Chicago World Music Festival.

A dedicated teacher, Rami co-directs the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at Williams College in Massachusetts and leads workshops, private lessons, and renowned darbuka camps. Drawing on years of study with master percussionists in Egypt, Turkey, and New York City, he brings deep cultural knowledge and infectious musicality to every class. Rami holds degrees from Northwestern University and New York University.
https://www.ramitabla.com