Darbuka (Tabla) Mr. Mahmoud Elminshawy
Rhythm built from the ground up — technique, speed and finger strength
- 4 yrs teaching
- Arabic, English
- Flexible across time zones
Darbuka lessons · online · one to one
The rhythm every Arabic song is built on
Maqsoum, baladi, saidi, malfuf — learn the patterns behind the music your family already knows, with the hand technique that makes them sound right.
45 minutes · No card required · From age 8. Popular with 9-15 as a first instrument.
The syllabus
What you will actually be able to do.
Not a list of topics — a list of things you will be able to do that you cannot do today.
01
Dum, tak and the space between
The three core sounds and how to produce each one cleanly and consistently.
02
The classic Arabic rhythms
Maqsoum, baladi, saidi, malfuf and more — and when each one is used.
03
Speed and finger strength
Structured exercises that build rolls and fills without injury.
04
Playing with others
Holding the rhythm steady for a singer or a band, which is the real job.
Before your first lesson
What you need — and what you do not.
You do not need to spend a lot to start well. You do need the right few things. Message us before you buy anything and we will tell you honestly what is worth it.
A darbuka sized for you — send us a photo before you buy and we will tell you if it fits.
A camera position showing both hands and the drum head.
Somewhere you can play without waking the neighbours. A practice pad works for the first month.
Who teaches it
Your darbuka instructor.
Darbuka (Tabla) 
Book the free trial before you decide anything.
Forty-five minutes, a real instructor, no card and no commitment. Tell us your time zone — we will do the rest.