Hand Drumming and Drum Circle Workshops

Find your own musical voice and personal expression through drumming!

Drumming is for people of all ages.  Learn the basics and fundamentals of rhythm and you’ll experience your own personal relationship with the power of the drum, as well as the benefits of creative group participation.

These classes explore a variety of hand percussion, including bells, rattles, gongs, shakers, djembe, ashiko, doumbek, and frame-drums.  A variety of world rhythms are explored, drawing from Native American, West and North African, and Middle Eastern traditions.

You’ll discover relaxation rhythms through methods of meditation drumming.  You’ll experience the channeling of energy through high-energy drumming and body movement.  Learn the percussive instruments of many cultures, as well as home-made percussive instruments.  All levels of experience or no prior drumming experience are welcome.

Please e-mail me if you wish to get on my mailing list for upcoming percussion workshops:  [email protected]
 

Individual Lessons

I teach traditional rhythms in Arabic, North African, Turkish, and Armenian styles for students at all levels in both private or class settings.

Emphasis is for the student to learn proper coordination and hand techniques required for making all of the varied sounds incorporated into these styles of playing.  In addition to learning the importance of keeping steady rhythm and learning the basics of playing the main rhythms, these methods will allow the student to drum for belly dancers or with other musicians comfortably.

For the intermediate and advanced student, lessons approach syncopation and odd time signatures, as well as techniques for soloing.

Lessons are available for darabuka (doumbek), riq (Arabic tambourine), duf, tar, bendir (frame drums), tam-tam (Moroccan bongos), zils, and qaraqueb (Moroccan metal castanets).

E-mail for rates: [email protected]
 

Performances

I’m available as a freelance drummer for dancers, and can also provide a full musical ensemble for any appropriate occasion.  I also do session work for hire in recording.

Rates vary according to the length of program, the number of dancers and musicians required, as well as travel expenses.

For bookings, contact Eric at [email protected]

Any other dancers and musicians listed on this site provide their own individual contracting, and can be contacted by their listed addresses.
 

Continuing Education
(References can be given upon request.)

Eric has given lectures, workshops, and performances for the following educational institutions:
Emory University (Atlanta)
Georgia State University (Atlanta)
University of West Georgia (Carrollton)
University of Georgia (Athens)
Coastal Carolina College
Omega Institute (New York)
Atlanta Speech School
Friends School (Decatur, GA)
Senior Summer School
Newton Community Education (MA)
 

Performance Memories . . .

Red Light Cafe
Middle Eastern Extravaganza

The Sultans
Turkish Art Music and Folk Music Group

Middle Eastern DJ / Club Music