Halo Bellydance

Drumming with John

Home About Haala Upcoming Performances Book a Bellydance Performance Bellydance Classes Drumming with John Price Gallery Sign up for Haala's Mailing List Links	Photo Credit: Woodland Willow Photography	Learn to play Middle Eastern percussion with John! Classes are suitable for all levels. Beginners will learn: basic strokes common rhythms practice drills Intermediate and advanced students will learn: correct technique advanced strokes and rhythm variations solo phrasing John has taught workshops throughout the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill "Triangle" area of North Carolina. His workshops are popular because he clearly communicates the concepts, provides supportive and constructive feedback, and creates a relaxed and fun environment for learning. Contact John if you would like to sponsor him for a class or weekend workshop in your area!
	Arabic Drumming Workshop Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009 Time: 2pm - 5pm Cost: $30 Location: Music Explorium in Durham (RTP), NC What to bring: A doumbek or riq. Several loaner drums are also available. Description: Whether you are new to Arabic percussion or are looking for advanced techniques and stroke refinement, you'll have a great time at this workshop. We will do a short refresher on basic strokes and then work on a series of drills and rhythms which we will link together into a short composition that we'll play together towards the end of the class. Beginners will hold down the rhythm while more advanced students will play some solo riffs and variations to spice things up. Riq students are also welcome. The doumbek, also known as Arabic tableh or darbouka, is popular throughout North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It is played tucked under the arm "finger style" and is used in classical, folk, and pop Arabic music, as well as to accompany belly dancers. Belly dancers are also encouraged to take the workshop to strengthen understanding of the rhythmic foundations of dance. How to pay: Via Paypal (credit card) or email Johnfor an address to send a check. 2009 Classes Private Lessons Cost: $30/hr. Group or repeat rates available. Location: John's Home Studio in Cary (minutes from I-40 - email or register for directions) Course Description: John will create a customized lesson to work with you on technique, rhythms, soloing, or whatever you would like. Private lessons are a great way to get dedicated help with becoming a better drummer. Whether you are a total beginner needing a leg up before starting a class, or an intermediate/advanced drummer wanting to learn complex rhythms, rhythm switching, and solo techniques, John can help you achieve it! How to pay: Via Paypal (credit card) or email John for an address to send a check, or bring cash or check to the lesson. Arabic Drumming And Composition Time: Wednesdays, 7pm Dates: March 11 - April 15 Cost: $65 for 6 weeks Location: John's Home Studio in Cary (minutes from I-40 - email or register for directions) What to bring: A doumbek, preferably without external bolts on the head, and a comfortable travel chair or stool. Several loaner drums are available, or I can help you find one to buy. Course Description: John teaches new and continuing students as we approach the April 18-19 Souhail Kaspar workshop! New and returning students will have a great time playing the doumbek, also known as Arabic tableh or darbouka. We will mix drills, technique, rhythms and improvisation, and some good old-fashioned jamming so that everyone can progress. This is a wonderful instrument that is played tucked under the arm "finger style" and is used in classical, folk, and pop Arabic music, as well as to accompany belly dancers. John will teach additional rhythms beyond the previous course and work with students on rhythmic composition and improvisation. Beginners are welcome and may inquire about private "warm-up" lessons. Space is limited (8 maximum) so register soon! How to pay: Via Paypal (credit card) or email John for an address to send a check. Previous Workshops December De-Stress with Dance & Drum Date: December 6, 2008 Halo Bellydance presents a a relaxing day of drum and dance workshops in Cary NC to help you find peace and joy during this holiday season. Click here for more info and to pre-register. Souhail Kaspar Dance and Drum Workshop Date: August 2-3, 2008 Halo Bellydance proudly presented Grammy-nominated master percussionist Souhail Kaspar as he returned to the Triangle area for a weekend of dance and drum workshops and hafla. We hope to bring him back again sometime in 2009. Arabic Drumming Workshop with John Price Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008 Location: Music Explorium in Durham (RTP). Come learn the rhythms and rhythm instruments used in classical and popular Arabic music! Drumming is a wonderful way to relax and get some mental exercise. If you are a belly dancer, you will learn more about the underlying structure of the music you dance to, and will gain insight into the mind of the drummer. This is also a great class for developing your timing and will surely benefit your dancing and use of musical props such as zils and tambourines. Note that the morning and afternoon classes go together, so your best bet is to take both for a discounted rate! First Session: Foundations of Arabic Drumming Time: 90 minutes (9:30 am - 11:00 am) Cost: $15 Description: This class covers basic doumbek strokes and classical Arabic technique, as well as the rhythms that appear in the afternoon drum piece. Total beginners will gain enough skill to be ready for the next class, while intermediate players will have the chance to correct and hone their technique before moving on to more advanced studies. Second Session: Arabic Drum Solos and Composition Time: 2 hours (12:30 pm - 2:30 pm) Cost: $20 Description: We will take an original Arabic drum piece and work to break it down into sections and learn it together. Students can self-elect to play either the backing rhythms or the lead sections. We need both for a successful class, so all levels are welcome. Students may also be able to perform the piece in public in the future at the teacher's discretion. Frame drum, zils, and riq are also welcome, although technique will be taught for doumbek and riq only. SPECIAL OFFER: Take both classes for $30! You will need a hand drum, preferably a Middle Eastern Darbouka (also called Doumbek), which can be purchased at Music Explorium or from various vendors. There are also a few loaner drums for those who request them. Class size will be limited and may sell out - please pre-register to guarantee a spot. For more information or to pay by check, email John at freecellwizard@gmail.com. Souhail Kaspar Dance and Drum Workshop Date: April 19-20, 2008 John hosted a special workshop for his teacher, Souhail Kaspar. The weekend was a rousing success, featuring dance, drum, and music workshops and a theater performance. Click here for information on the workshop, and Click here for information on the gala performance. Arabic Drumming Workshop Date: Saturday, December 8, 2007 Location: 12/5/07 Update: Location has been changed to accomodate more students: Dance Theater South, 5832 Fayetteville Road (in Sutton Station), Suite 110, Durham. Turn into Sutton Station at the streetlight, then follow the road until it curves around to the back of the building to the left. First Session: Foundations of Arabic Tabla Time: 1 hour (10 am - 11 am) Cost: $10 Description: This class covers the basic tabla (doumbek) strokes and classical technique. We will cover doum, tek, ka (off-hand tek) as well as a variety of drills for practicing technique. Total beginners will gain enough skill to be ready for the next class, while intermediate players will have the chance to correct and hone their technique before moving on to more advanced studies. Second Session: Arabic Tabla Rhythms and Lead Techniques Time: 2 1/2 hours (12:30 pm - 3:00 pm) Cost: $25 Description: This class covers the maqsoum, malfouf, and beledi rhythms and techniques for soloing over them. With maqsoum especially we will learn to play in a way that goes beyond what is taught in most beginning classes. Intermediate students will be challenged by complex riffs and variations, while beginners may focus on holding the basic rhythms if they like. The goal is to play in a way that is musical and creative and stands out from the "autopilot" playing often heard at haflas. Everyone will have a great time! SPECIAL OFFER: Take both classes for $30! You will need a hand drum, preferably a Middle Eastern Darbouka (also called Doumbek), which can be purchased online or at various vendors. There are also 3 drums that can be loaned for use in class to the first 3 people to request them. Class size will be limited and may sell out - please pre-register to guarantee a spot. For more information, email John.
	About John John Price has an extensive musical background, touring and recording with several rock bands in the area. He has studied Middle Eastern percussion with Souhail Kaspar, Issam Houshan and Karim Nagy and has performed at the N.C. Renaissance Faire and the N.C. Museum of Art. John is the husband of dance teacher and performer Haala.
	Performances John has performed at numerous events solo, with dancers, and with the Middle Eastern percussion group Timbuctooth. Past performances include: Playing riq at several shows with Souhail Kaspar, Rachid Halihal, Naji Hilal, and Dr. A.J. Racy. Guest instructor for the Nada Rhythms workshop series at the Blue Lotus studio. Music director for Colorful Waves dance troupe at the North Carolina Renaissance Faire 2005-2007. As part of Timbuctooth at the private opening ceremony and corporate sponsor galas for the Temples and Tombs exhibit at the NC Museum of Art. Festival for the Eno with Belly Revelations. Accompanying solo dancers, such as Haala and Sylvana.
	For more information, email freecellwizard@gmail.com