Most darbuka gig involve playing for a belly dancers, and the highlight of the belly dance set is the drum solo, where the drummer gets to play alone for the dancer. It should be a fun, playful, and there should be good communication between the drummer and dancer.
This course is designed for darbuka players who know the basic techniques taught in the Darbuka Method
This course teaches you how to build a danceable solo, what kind of rhythms and solo phrases work, how to make transitions and how to communicate with the dancer.
You will also download and learn several of the belly dance drum solos from Raquy’s new album Passport to Shimmy and get to practice the solo part with the accompanying backtrack.
If you follow these instructions, the dancers will love working with you!
After This Course You Will:
- Know the main hits of the drum
- Know the rhythms used in belly dance music
- Be able to play a belly dance drum solo
Your Instructor
Hi, I'm Raquy and welcome to my Darbuka School!
Playing the darbuka is the love of my life.
Since I discovered this drum over 20 years ago, I've devoted myself to it in every aspect - practicing, performing, teaching, composing, even decorating my own drums! I have experience playing in traditional Middle Eastern ensembles, accompanying belly dance and my current projects features the darbuka as a shining solo instrument fit for a concert hall.
In the beginning of my darbuka journey I played traditional Arabic style. Then 10 years ago I saw what was happening in Turkey with this new "split hand" technique. I made my first pilgrimage to Istanbul to learn from the masters. I ended up moving to this magical city and opening the Darbuka Ofis in downtown Istanbul where you can still find me training daily with my Hocam, Bunyamin Olguncan and other Turkish drumming masters.
I'm passionate about teaching darbuka. I have devoted students all over the world who are now performing and teaching themselves. I have traveled far and wide, spreading joy and excitement for darbuka. I have developed an innovative teaching system, using an easily understood notation key which many darbuka players these days are using.
I'm thrilled to be able to present my teachings in this elegant platform. I love the fact that this is a living school that I can constantly update with the latest stuff.
May the darbuka bring you joy, inspiration and magical experiences as it has for me!