Join Rowan Storm on a rhythmic journey through the Middle East and Mediterranean. In this three-hour workshop you will learn ancient melodies, rhythms, dance movement, and interrelated technique for frame drums and dumbek. Share the exhilaration of playing in a facilitated Middle Eastern ensemble and rhythm circle.
Traditional Middle Eastern hand drums are played in asymmetrical holding positions, producing three basic strokes. The dominant hand leads the creative expression with two strokes, while the non-dominant hand is limited to a supporting role, with one or no stroke. Rowan Storm introduces the fourth stroke and symmetrical playing position with the narrow frame and light weight of her Thinline Frame Drum by Remo. Based on walking and equal reliance on both feet, holding and practicing the Thinline in alignment with the body's axis promotes rapid competency for all other hand drumming, particularly asymmetrical technique for traditional frame drums and 'goblet drums' such as dumbek, tombak, etc. As we balance both hands and synchronize both brain hemispheres, new sources of wellness and creativity are released as the intuitive is balanced with the rational.
Workshop One:
Symmetrical & Traditional Middle Eastern Hand Drum Technique & Rhythms
12:30 - 2:00
Discover the dramatic benefits of practicing with Rowan Storm's Thinline Frame Drum by Remo and her pioneering symmetrical playing technique. As we master the simplicity of playing balanced sounds with each hand, we build solid foundation for rapid competency with your drum of focus, including Riq, Tar, Daf, Dumbek, Finger Cymbals, and Rowan's frame drum designs by Remo, the Thinline Frame Drum and Dayereh.
Workshop Two:
Deepening Technique & Facilitated Middle East Rhythm Circle
2:15 - 3:30
Learn to recognize and play the rhythmic structure of any piece of music. Share the exhilaration of rhythmic harmony in Rowan's facilitated Middle East rhythm ensemble with your drum of choice, including Riq, Tar, Daf, Dumbek, Finger Cymbals, and Rowan's frame drum designs by Remo, the Thinline Frame Drum and Dayereh.
COST:
** Individual workshop $25 / Both workshops $40 / Please pay cash at the door
~ For beginners to experienced players
~ Melody instruments are welcome
~ Bring a music example you would like to play with Middle East hand drums
~ Your own drums are welcome
~ Remo's Middle East hand drums available for use and discounted purchase for workshop participants: Riq, Tar, Daf, Dumbek, and Rowan Storm's frame drum designs by Remo, the Thinline Frame Drum and Dayereh.
Watch Rowan's teaching videos:
BIO
Rowan Storm is recognized internationally as a percussionist, singer, and educator of traditional Middle Eastern hand drumming, music and culture. Rowan is pioneering the symmetrical playing technique with the narrow frame and light weight of her frame drum designs, including Remo's Thinline Frame Drum and Dayereh. Based on the symmetry of walking, as we hold and play the Thinline Frame Drum in alignment with the body's axis, we free the non-dominant hand from its traditional supporting role, allowing both hands to become equal expressive partners. Calling both brain hemispheres into action, new sources of wellness and creativity are released as the intuitive is balanced with the rational. Recognizing that rhythm is our natural birthright, Rowan welcomes all levels of drummers to celebrate the exhilaration of rhythmic harmony in her Facilitated Middle East Frame Drum Circles.
Rowan Storm is consulted regularly for her knowledge of a broad range of music and drumming styles of the Middle East and Mediterranean, including Iran, Armenia, the Arab world, Turkey, the Balkans and Spain. For more than 30 years Rowan has been traveling, studying, teaching and performing traditional music with master musicians in venues including San Francisco's Asian Art Museum, New York's Lincoln Center, European conservatories, Greece's Epidavros Ancient Amphitheater, and Turkey's Jemal Resit Rey Concert Hall. Rowan has collaborated with the great master of Persian music, Mohammad Reza Lotfi, and studies Drum Circle Facilitation with the legendary Arthur Hull.www.rowanstorm.com
