ARABESQUE ACADEMY — Dumbek Classes

Arabesque Academy Dumbek class Curriculum is designed and directed by Suleiman Warwar, percussion director and composer for Arabesque Orchestra. Teachers are Suleiman Warwar, Kevork Guerguerian, Jade Atallah, Pedro Bonatto, Samira Hafezi and Paul Ge.

New Drum Sessions July 9 - August 13, 2015

$110 (pre-registered)

Level 1 with Kevork Guerguerian - Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm Buy

Level 2 with Jade Atallah - Thursdays 7:10-8:10pm Buy

Level 3 with Suleiman Warwar - back in September

Call to register: 416-920-5593

DUMBEK CLASS LEVELS

Students must bring their own dumbek to class and be able to practise on their own as well. For those who are not sure which dumbek they need to acquire before the first class are welcome to use and possibly share the one extra dumbek available.

Level One:

Student should master the followings before advancing to level 2.

Basic Techniques:

D Dum (right hand clear low tone)

T Tek (left hand high crisp tone)

K Ka (right hand, sounds like Tek)

S Sak (or Stop, like Grab)

P Pop (Ka while deadening head w/ other hand cupped)

Memorize Rhythms names, see list below:

Play 2 basic variation of each rhythm that involve Tek and Sak:

2/4 Malfuf, Foks

4/4 Saidi

8/4 Masmodi kabeer, Zaffah

10/8 Samai

Maintaining tempo

Understanding and counting of rhythms time signature

Level Two:

Student should master most used Arab rhythms before advancing to level 3

Memorize most used Arab rhythm names, see list below.

Play each rhythm in 3 different variations.

Able to switch smoothly between rhythms.

Basic hand and finger techniques.

D Dum (right hand clear low tone)

T Tek (left hand high crisp tone)

K Ka (right hand, sounds like Tek)

S Sak (or Stop, like Grab)

P Pop (Ka while deadening head w/ other hand cupped)

S Slap (loud or accented right hand, non-clear tone)

Alternate "Dum" (left hand)

finger roll

basic tremolo

Play rhythm in different tempo without stopping.

2/4 Malfuf, Foks , Falahi, Karatchi, Ayoub

3/4 waltz

4/4 Saidi, Maksum, Masmodi sagheer, Wahda

8/4 Masmodi kabeer, sheftatali, Zaffah

10/8 Samai

Level Three:

Student should have the approval of the teacher before enrolling in this level. Focus is:

Advanced hand and figure techniques and how to use them in the rhythm.

Advanced and specific rhythms:

Folk rhythm's such as: dabki, Saidi, khaleegi

Advance rhythm's such as: 5/4, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8

Speed

Students will learn how to improvise, play solo and the nuances of Arab music

General notes

1- Each level will take 1 to 3 years to master depending on student's commitment to class and personal practice time.

2- All student should participate in student gala twice a year.

3- Every 6 month assessment by Lead drummer and teacher of each level will determine if student could advance to next level or not.

History of Arabic drum (Tabla, Derbaki):

The origin of the term darabukka probably lies in the Arabic word "darba" ("to strike"). The original use of goblet drums in Babylonia and Sumer dates from as early as 1100 BCE. On Celebes one large form serves as a temple instrument, set on the floor when performed, which could be a survival of the ancient use of the drum.

Music Classes

Classes in Arabic Voice, Oude, Qanoon, Naye, Kemanga (Violin), Theory and History are available in group and private classes. Master instructors Bassam Bishara and Dr. George Sawa teach and perform internationally, are both composers and head up the Arabesque Orchestra.

Upcoming Session Dates: TBA

Arabesque Boutique imports the highest quality Arabic Musical Instruments from Cairo including sets of Nayes, Mizmars, Ouds, Qanoons, Rababas and Violins. Come in and browse.

Private Classes

Private classes are arranged with the appropriate drum or music instructor.