Learn Arabic Drumming at Levantine Cultural Center

When: Every Tuesday night (join anytime)

Intermediate: 8:00 - 9:15 pm

Beginning: Will be offered if there is significant interest. Please contact the center if you would be interested in beginning lessons.

Where: Levantine Cultural Center
5998 W. Pico Blvd. (one block east of Crescent Heights)
Los Angeles CA 90035

Come and join us as we learn the fundamentals of one of the most dynamic and exciting drums on earth…the Middle Eastern doumbek! This classic drum for belly dancing can also be applied in a wide variety of musical styles with great results. Learn traditional rhythms and proper Arabic technique that is essential for getting the most out of the drum. Drums can be borrowed, and the class is good for belly dancers who need to learn the rhythms.

Price: $80 for 4-class session or $25 for single drop-in class (multi-class sessions are strongly encouraged to get the most benefit). You can pay for classes by phone with a credit card, by check/cash in person at your first class. Private lessons also available. Please contact 310.657.5511 for reservations/information.

What You'll Learn in Doumbek Class

• Proper Arabic doumbek technique
• Middle Eastern Rhythms
• Drills for speed & timing
• Fills and embellishments
• Improvisation
• Soloing
• Playing with belly dancers

INSTRUCTOR: Donavon Lerman became interested in Arabic and West Asian percussion in his late 20s, teachers include Souhail Kaspar, Gamal Gomaa, Issam Houshan, Faisal Zedan and Tobias Roberson. He is one of the few Americans in California who study and perform Arabic percussion in the traditional style. He plays Arabic, Turkish and Eastern European music around the Los Angeles area and manages www.iqaat.com and Studio Iqaat compiling information on and hosting Arabic and West Asian musical events in Southern California.