Come discover the fun of learning to play Middle Eastern and North African percussion instruments. This is a 2 hour workshop for students at all levels from beginner to intermediate, covering the techniques and rhythms for playing in a percussion ensemble. The workshop will focus on primary rhythms of Arabic, Turkish, Armenian and Greek music. Instrument instruction will include: Egyptian Tabla (doumbek) Riq (Arabic tambourine) Def and Bendir (frame-drums) and Zils. We will learn the fundamentals of cultural rhythms, as well as learning techniques for variations and drum soloing.

This workshop is great for both dancers and musicians, as focus will also include rhythms for Zils, and techniques for drummers and dancers working together.

Please bring your own drum to class, some drums will be provided. Djembes and Ashikos are welcome.

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Eric Peterson performs Middle Eastern and North African percussive instruments such as Egyptian Tabla, Riq (Arabic tambourine) and Def and Bendir (Arabic frame drums).

In addition to this percussive pallet, he also plays Cajon (Spanish box drum) Udu (Nigerian clay-pot drum) and Berimbau (a resonating bowed instrument from Brazil).
 
Eric has studied Middle Eastern percussion with renowned musicians such as Hossam Ramzy, Souhail Kaspar, and Layne Redmond. He has provided Middle Eastern rhythms and percussion for numerous Arabic, Turkish, and Greek ensembles, as well as lending his skills to Rock, Bluegrass, Electronic/House, and even Rap music. His love of many genres of music, have lead him towards constant experimentation with many different kinds of musicians from many different backgrounds and styles.
 
Presently, he is playing Egyptian Tabla in the band Trouz Bras, who perform Medieval Celtic music from Brittany.