Darbuka Workshops, Camps and Study Trips
Darbuka camps and retreats, studying in Istanbul or Egypt, festival classes for drummers, and what to take with you.
7 questions answered
PER-021 Are there darbuka camps or retreats? #
Yes. Raquy Danziger runs a long-standing darbuka camp in upstate New York, at the Empowerment Center in Goshen, about 60 miles from NYC. The 2026 camp ran July 2–5. It covers split-hand technique, rhythms, accompaniment and soloing, plus a group piece performed at a final recital, and there are fireside jams. The 2026 full-camp price was about $780. Raquy also runs shorter weekend intensives, in Shelburne, Massachusetts among other places.
PER-022 Can I go to Istanbul to study darbuka? #
Yes. Raquy Danziger runs Istanbul intensives (the 2026 one was at Darbuka Ofis) with about five hours a day of training alongside Turkish master drummers. Mısırlı Ahmet founded the Galata Rhythm School there in 2007; it teaches three levels with an emphasis on improvisation, and runs an annual International Rhythm & Art Camp. The other reason to go is everything around the lessons: you hear the music live, and you can visit drum makers.
PER-023 What about Egyptian study trips? #
Cairo has been a destination for dancers and drummers for decades. The large belly dance festivals there traditionally include music and percussion classes alongside the dance. Check the current programme and teacher list before you book anything, because festivals change organisers and dates often. Private lessons with local tabla players can usually be arranged through dance contacts in Cairo.
PER-024 Do belly dance (raqs) festivals have classes for drummers? #
Many do. The larger raqs sharqi festivals often run drum workshops, drum-solo classes with drummers and dancers together, and live-music shows where you can meet the dance community. Raquy Danziger, for example, performed at the NoCo Raqs Festival in 2026. Go for the classes if you like, but the real value is the people: festivals are one of the best places to pick up gigs and collaborators.
PER-025 Are there general drum camps that include darbuka? #
Yes. The UK’s Drum Camp (run by Music Worldwide) puts on 120+ workshops over a weekend. Its 2026 line-up included beginner and improver Middle Eastern darbuka, frame drum and mixed percussion classes, plus Middle Eastern melody and Anatolian song workshops. A general camp like that is a good way to sample darbuka alongside other traditions, though you won’t go deep on any one of them.
PER-026 Are one-day workshops worth it for a beginner? #
Yes, as long as your expectations are realistic. You won’t master a technique in a day. What you will get is corrections from an expert, new rhythms and exercises to take home, and contact with a local playing community. Record the session if the teacher allows it, and go back over the recording that same week, while you can still remember what they meant.
PER-027 What should I bring to a darbuka workshop or camp? #
Your own drum, tuned before you arrive; a strap or leg pad if you use one; earplugs for the group sessions; a notebook or your phone to record with; water; and tape or plasters for your fingers. For a multi-day camp, pack something for your hands as well. Playing several hours a day is much harder on your fingers than your normal practice, and sore hands on day two will cost you the rest of the camp.