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Home Learning Middle Eastern
Percussion
from an article at www-2.cs.cmu.edu
Part One Part two
Practice a thousand times, and it becomes difficult; a thousand
thousand, and it becomes easy; a thousand thousand times a thousand thousand, and it is no
longer you that does it, but It that does itself through you. Not until then is that which
is done well done.
Learning Resources
Whether you choose to strive for the kind of perfection described
above, or just play and have fun, one of the best ways to learn to make music is to work
with other people who also make music, and learn from them. However, you may not always
have access to a teacher, or to other people who play the music you love. You may be
learning on your own, from books, recordings, or videos. If you love middle eastern drums,
and want to learn more about playing them, here are some instructional resources for you: schools, camps, and classes, on-line instructional
resources, books, recordings, videos, belly-dance videos, and instruments. Supplier information follows
the resources.
For other interesting links, I suggest checking out the Middle Eastern Dance Resource Guide
which has a terrific overall resource list!
If you are a woman, interested in drumming, and would like to contact
other interested women, try Drummer Girl!
Schools, Camps, & Classes
Middle Eastern Music and
Dance Camp Mendocino, CA.
In addition to dance classes, "we offer small-group instruction on
the following traditional instruments: saz and oud (lutes), riqq (tambourine), darbuka
(hand drum), kanun (zither), nay (flute), violin, and clarinet, with Turkish, Armenian,
and Arabic styles taught." For dates and details, see their Website.
Rishad Shafiev's Drum School, in the Former
Soviet Union
Rishad Shafiev is an eminent percussionist, the laureate of many
variety competitions and festivals in the USSR. He holds the Chair of percussion at the
Turkmen National Conservatoire. Shafiev currently balances teaching with extensive concert
activity. His performing career includes playing many folk percussion instruments. He has
created his own performing rhythm style on the basis of oriental rhythms and jazz.
Oleg Koroliov is a professor, composer, and theorist researching
musical rhythmics. He is heading the Variety department at the Turkmen National
Conservatoire and currently giving courses in musical tempometrorhythm and jazz
improvisation and arrangement.
For further information about courses offered by the school, lecture
tours and clinics (including tours in the United States), or the purchase of books and
videos, including Rishad Shafiev's Drums & Rhythms of
Caucasus and Central Asia, please contact:
Marat Sayfutdinov, Manager
Address: 129110, Moscow, P.O. Box
Tel/fax Õ +7 095 399 4776
Email: Marat Sayfutdinov, rashida@elnet.msk.ru
On-Line Instructional Resources
Books
Making Music for the Joy of It: Enhancing Creativity, Skills,
and Musical Confidence. Stephanie Judy. Los Angeles, CA: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc.,
1990. ISBN 0-87477-601-5 (hardcover); ISBN 0-87477-593-0 (paperback).
This is a wonderful resource for anyone of any age who wants to make
music of any kind. It is designed primarily as a guide to support adult students and
amateur musicians, but may also be useful to teachers and for other ages. I've included
this one in the list of books because I have found it very useful, even though it doesn't
specifically deal with middle eastern percussion. Good advice on topics like motivation,
practicing, finding a teacher, getting rid of a teacher, choosing an instrument,
performing, etc.
Arabic Tambourine: A comprehensive course in
Techniques and Rhythms for the Tambourine, Tar, and Mazhar. Mary Ellen Donald.
"Arabic Tambourine is indispensible for anyone
wanting to learn 'hand percussion' for accompanying Medieval and Renaissance music. The
illustrations, cassettes, and clearly-written text make the work
extremely accessible to amateurs and professionals alike. " Mary
Ellen Books
Doumbec Delight Mary Ellen Donald.
Doumbec Delight includes information about basic music
theory, simple and fancy drum technique, middle eastern rhythms, guidelines for creating
rhythmical variations, tips for accompanying bellydancers, and practice suggestions.
Companion cassettes available. Mary Ellen Books
Historic Percussion - A Survey.
"Historic Percussion - A Survey ... is an exploration
of why some things related to percussion in musical history may have happened the way they
did. The book has several aims. 1. To furnish a general introduction to historic
percussion. 2. To outline the problems encountered in researching and thinking about the
subject. 3. To provide the reader with the basic framework for planning historic
percussion parts. " Tactus Press
Mastering Finger Cymbals Mary Ellen
Donald.
Mastering Finger Cymbals includes technical exercises to
strengthen cymbal patterns, basic music theory, tips for coordinating dance steps and
cymbal patterns, popular bellydance routines, and guidelines for creating rhythmical
variations. Companion cassettes available. Mary
Ellen Books
Rhythm Ghosts.
"Rhythm Ghosts, the result of nearly fifteen years of
research, was written to try to discover what the truth was about early percussion
notation - what we really know about it, what the early sources are and what they tell us,
why some of the time-honored assumptions about it may be wrong, and what some of the
possible ways are in which we could interpret these sources. " Tactus
Press
Tambourine! The Happy Sound.
"Would you like to have really have fun with a tambourine?...
There are a lot of ways to do that - European, Middle Eastern, Latin American - in styles
you may never have seen or heard. Tambourine! The Happy Sound can help you
learn them all if you want to. The book covers the history of tambourines, techniques,
care and repair, and contains examples taken from early music. " Tactus
Press
Arabic Tambourine Instructional Cassettes
(Mary Ellen Donald)
"Companion Tape I covers the cabaret tambourine and Companion Tape
II the classical tambourine, tar and mazhar. (Neither tape is very useful without the book.) Save a special space in your heart for the tambourine. It's fun
and challenging. Save a little bigger space for the tar: it will move your spirit. " Mary Ellen Books
Doumbec Delight Instructional Cassettes (Mary
Ellen Donald)
"Tape I covers lessons 1 through 10, Tape II covers lessons 11
through 30. Mary Ellen plays most examples in the book several times
on her drum. She also includes examples of improvisation and extended sections of each
rhythm to provide a steady backup for student practice. 90 minutes each. " Mary Ellen Books
Mastering Finger Cymbals Instructional
Cassettes (Mary Ellen Donald)
"Mary Ellen plays most of the examples in the book
several times on her cymbals. Mary Ellen also includes drumming sections so that students
might practice improvising to the accompaniment. 90 minutes. " Mary
Ellen Books
Beginner Cymbal Tape for Bellydancers (Mary Ellen
Donald)
"After giving a brief lecture on rhythm and cymbal technique, Mary
Ellen presents simple instructions for playing cymbal patterns while providing a drum
accompaniment throughout. Included is an introduction to popular bellydance rhythms. This
tape is useful for individual and group practice sessions. 60 minutes. " Mary Ellen Books
Practice Music Volumes 1 & 2 (Mary Ellen Donald)
Cassettes designed for extended practice on cymbals, dance, drum and
tambourine. Features Mary Ellen Donald on drum and George Mundy on oud and nay. 90 minutes
each. Mary Ellen Books
The World of Dumbek (David Korup)
Example rhythms include Baladi, Mas Moodi, Kashlimah, Chiftitelli, and
more. David Korup
The Drums of Oasis (Oasis: Jim
Wirt)
Oasis' percussionist Jim Wirt has studied with African and Arabic drum
masters and plays a variety of percussion instruments on this tape. It features middle
eastern rhythms such as baladi, chifti telli, ayoob, and masmoudi. The principle rhythms
come through clearly, while variations and supporting percussion keep the music
interesting. This tape is recommended for dancers and drummers as a practice tape. Oasis: Denis Kavemeier
Randy Crafton
"Randy Crafton specializes in percussion from around the world,
including the Middle East, North and South India, Brazil, Cuba, Zimbabwe and Ghana."
Instruction booklets and companion cassettes listed include Getting Started with
Frame Drumming, Snapping Techniques on Frame Drums, Split Hand
Techniques for Frame Drums and Duet for Frame Drums. Coopersmith Fife and Drum Company
Blue Buddha (Robin
Adnan Anders)
"This impassioned and critically acclaimed recording gives
testimony to the deep spiritual powers of drumming. A heady brew of Sufi, Middle-Eastern
and Asian music, played on authentic instruments by the drummer for 3 Mustaphas 3 and
Boiled in Lead. " (This recording isn't intended to be instructional, but I've
included it on this page anyway as a personal favourite, and a wonderful example of what
can be done with middle eastern drums!) Interworld Music
Basic Middle Eastern Rhythms, Vol. 1. (Michael
Beach, of Brothers of Baladi)
"Basic Middle Eastern Rhythms" Vol. I [1992] available on
both VHS Video and Cassette. Basic Beginner - Low Intermediate Level. Features Michael
Beach's easy-to-learn methods - Basic Ethnomusicology, intro/demonstration of all Middle
Eastern drums & percussion, how to choose the right doumbek, music notations, special
guest Ishmael on kanoun and how to play basic rhythms [Baladi, Maksoum, Chefetelli,
Malfouf, 6/8, Ayoob & Karsilama] on doumbek and drumset"
Drums & Rhythms of Caucasus and Central
Asia (Rishad Shafiev)
"A video with Rishad Shafiev, one of the best drummers in Russia
and Central Asia is now available. ... Rishad Shafiev is an outstanding drummer and
percussionist in the former Soviet Union. "The Drum School of
Rishad Shafiev & Oleg Koroliev
The Art and Joy of Hand Drumming (John Bergamo)
"This video presents the unlimited rhythmic and tonal potentials
of hand drums. John Bergamo's insightful, step-by-step instructions take you from
fundamental, one-handed techniques to advanced techniques, using both hands and individual
fingers. Bergamo's comprehensive approach to hand drumming is applicable to all types of
drums and musical styles. " Interworld Music
Basic Doumbek Video Tape (Ramona Klein)
The
Doumbek Video (Jonathan Kessler)
"The Doumbek Video covers beginning to advanced techniques in the
Arabic drumming style - the clearest, most exciting way to play the doumbek. The Doumbek
Video features unique "play along" sections accompanied by a full band so you
can apply the rhythms in a musical setting. It takes you through simple rhythms and
beyond, and teaches intricate rhythms in an easy to learn manner." Jonathan
Kessler
The Fantastic World of Frame Drums (Glen Velez)
"Glen Velez,
percussionist for the Paul Winter Consort, presents an array of techniques, tonal
resources, rhythmic patterns, and expressive possibilities that can be creatively applied
to any frame drum. Enthralling duets with Layne Redmond demonstrate the amazing
versatility of frame drums. " Interworld Music
Finding Your Way With Hand Drums (John Bergamo)
"Only Bergamo could present such a diversity of musical concepts,
methods along with the 'communal' principles for playing in drumming groups. He also
presents the drum as a personally fulfilling solo instrument. Special sections include
playing on 'junk' or found instruments like pots and pans; how to get into a hold a
rhythmic groove; and important musical nuances such as dynamics and tonal textures. "
Interworld Music
Percussion of the World (Robin Adnan Anders)
Instructional video showing techniques for ceramic and metal doumbek,
tambourine, tar, muzhar, tabla, bodhran, pandero, and tupan. 1 hr., 15 min. Mid-East Mfg. Inc.; Distance Caravans
Ritual Drumming (Layne Redmond)
"This unique video combines in-depth instructions on practical
hand drumming techniques with contemporary metaphysical concerns on drumming and rhythm.
Luminous demonstrations and performances by Layne Redmond and The Mob of Angels show how
to create new and fulfilling ritual based experiences with drumming and chanting. " Interworld Music
UNCLE MAFUFO'S BASIC RHYTHMS for Arabic Drum Volume 1
"A how to, what for, and when video for drummers and dancers.
Uncle Mafufo, otherwise known as the 'percussive half' of Sirocco, provides you with the
details of ten popular Arabic drum rhythms. Presented in basic English with patience and a
sense of humor. 65 minutes" FatChanceBellyDance
Voices of the Doumbek (Robin Adnan Anders)
New instructional video by Boiled In Lead's multi-talented drummer.
Includes a series of relaxational exercises, a wide variety of strokes and techniques,
plus extended demonstrations and solo performances. 1 hour of drum ecstasy. DeSELBY PRODUCTIONS, INC.
I can still remember with great clarity the joy of realizing, as I
watched a middle eastern dancer in a heavily fringed costume, that she was a walking
percussion instrument! One of the best ways that I can think of, to get a sense of how
middle eastern rhythms *feel* from the head to the toes is to try belly dancing. Great
fun!
Alethea's Bellydance Instructional Tapes
Alethea's videos include:
Vol I Basic Body Movements & Isolations
Vol II Shimmy & Vibrations & Combos
Vol III Hand & Arm Techniques + Rudimentary Zills
Vol IV Combos That Work!
Vol V More Shimmies & Combos & Stomach Work
Vol VI Veil Techniques
Bellydance! Magical Motion (Atea)
"If you liked the movie Aladdin you'll love this tape. A sensuous
ancient blend of muscle toning, body consciousness and dance. You'll learn everything from
simple steps to costume design and the use of finger cymbals. Based on 12 years of
bellydance teaching, Atea begins with simple isolated motions (e.g. belly rolls, staccato
hips). You then combine these movements into a flowing dance series and finally into a
complete bellydance program. You'll be surprised at the aerobic workout that you get with
this video. (55 minutes)" Collage Video
Bellydance! Fast Moves (Atea)
"A slightly more advanced program featuring more energetic and
explosive movements. You'll learn multiple variations of arm, upper body and hip motions
(e.g. hip bump, hip bump forward, hip bump backward). Also includes pivots, spins along
with both freestyle and choreographed dance steps. (39 minutes)" Collage
Video
Bellydance! Slow Moves (Atea)
"More sensuous and feminine routines, slow, circular, wave-like
motions. Includes rolling hip combos, ribcage/belly routines and demos of how to
choreograph them to specific music. (38 minutes)" Collage Video
Belly Dance for Fitness and Fun (Alicia Dhanifu)
"This is a wonderful video on the subject, made by a woman who is
an African and Middle East dance historian as well as a professional belly dancer. She
first presents historical and cultural notes on the dance form - originally it was a
religious dance performed by women - followed by easy-to-follow instruction. " Ladyslipper Catalog
Bastet Oriental Dance Videotapes (Kathryn Ferguson)
Resources at the
dance homepage include:
Instruction: Mideastern Dance: an Introduction to Belly Dance - K.
Ferguson (Video)
Performance: Dances from the Casbah - K. Ferguson/Xanadu Dancers
(video)
Music: Darbuka Rhythms for Oriental Dance Practice - S. Wilson
(Audio)
History: Kathryn Dances - video retrospective - K. Ferguson in live
performance
Travel: Egyptian Adventures - travel in Egypt.
Delilah's Bellydance Workshop (Three Volumes) (Visionary
Dance Productions)
"These three video volumes present a complete workshop. In them,
Delilah defines an extensive vocabulary of dance, explaining and demonstrating hundreds of
different movements and techniques. Each program is presented as an entertaining blend of
instruction, philosophy, and beautiful dance performances, illustrating the many facets of
this art. " Visionary Dance Productions
Volume I: Warm-up Ritual, Slow Hips and Torso, Arms and
Hands, Zills and Rhythms [90 minutes]
Volume II: Fast Hips, Baladi, Masmoudi, Karshilama, Veil
[80 minutes]
Volume III: Undulations, Belly Rolls, Coin Tricks,
Floorwork made easy, Advanced Floorwork, Turkish Drop [90 minutes]
Festival on the Nile Videos (Dalia Carella)
"Dalia Carella is a brilliant artist and a dedicated scholar. She
is a highly regarded instructor, performer, & choreographer of Middle Eastern and
Ethnic Dance. Dalia is renowned for her breath-taking interpretations of Dunyavi Gypsy
dancing.Her presentation of a medley of gypsy styles is a performance to be treasured as
both a scholarly dissertation and thrilling entertainment." Audrena's
International Bazaar
SORAYA: Live in Concert in the Tropicanna Casino Showroom
(Soraya)
"Professional performance video, taped with six cameras on the
biggest casino stage in Atlantic City. It features a full Egyptian orchestra, recorded
with digital stereo surround sound. The video features approximately 30 minutes of
beautiful and artistic interpretation of traditional Egyptian-style 'Raks Sharqi' and
'Saaidi' dance with fantastic Taq seems and a fabulous, funky tabla solo." Soraya
Suhaila Salimpour Videos
Performance and instructional resources include:
- Dances for the Sultan (video)
- Stretch and Tone with Suhaila (video)
- Suhaila Unveiled! (video)
- Suhaila: Beginner Choreography (video)
- Suhaila: Intermediate Choreography (video)
- Suhaila: Advanced Choreography Drum Solo (video)
- Arabian Musicals, Volume 1 (audio cassette)
- Arabian Musicals, Volume 2 (audio cassette)
Suhaila
Salimpour
TRIBAL BASICS Vol. 1 Dance Fundamentals (FatChanceBellyDance)
"In this special two hour workshop, Carolena and the five members
of FatChanceBellyDance present you with the Basics of American Tribal Style Bellydance.
With music specially composed for TRIBAL BASICS, you'll learn posture, stretches,
strengthening exercises, the family of slow movements; taxeem, ribcage and torso
isolation, bodywaves, bellyrolls and arms, and the family of fast, rhythmic steps; the
basic shimmy, Egyptian, Arabic, pivot bump and choo-choo. Then follow a full review of all
movements and steps, both in rehearsal and performance using simple combinations and
transitions. Plus a behind the scenes look at FCBD. 2 hours" FatChanceBellyDance
TRIBAL BASICS Vol. 2 Make-Up & Costume (FatChanceBellyDance)
"Make-up and costume are magic and transformation. Through out
history, women have used this art to both create and enhance the aura of natural beauty.
The basic elements of stage make-up, contemporary and traditional costuming techniques and
the wisdom of folklore are reflected in our distinctive style. FatChanceBellyDance invites
you to join us for an hour of detailed instruction in the art of make-up and costume for
American Tribal Style Bellydance." FatChanceBellyDance
TRIBAL BASICS Vol. 3 Zils (FatChanceBellyDance)
"Although finger cymbals or zils are a dancer's natural
accompaniment to the dance, beginning students are often confused by their relation to the
music and dance steps. In this 30 minute workshop, Carolena demonstrates the basic
elements of music theory along with five basic zil patterns. Simple, easy to follow
directions for Alternating Right-Left, Standard Right-Left-Right, Military, Baladi and
Moroccan Six. " FatChanceBellyDance
Middle Eastern Dance Video Sourcebook
"The Middle Eastern Dance Video Sourcebook is compiled annually to
help individuals, organizations and libraries obtain current information on videotapes
that feature Middle Eastern dance styles in performance or instruction. " International Dance
Discovery
These pages feature tips and techniques submitted or
retrieved from drummers throughout the world. They are presented here as a public service
to our visitors. As such, Drum Central can not endorse or vouch for the validity of these
ideas or techniques and therefore can not be held liable for the results of using these
ideas or techniques.
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