Tombak

Tombak lessons with Roshanak

Roshanak Rafani offers Tombak lessons for adults, teenagers and children. Preferred age starts from the age of 7. Tombak classes take place individually and in group form. It is advisable to attend group classes, also as a supplement or combination of the individual lessons, to improve the skills of listening and to increase the motivation of the students.

The lessons are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. The course materials basically meet all the requirements of students for both professional and nonprofessional purposes.

The course in the basic level meet all the specific requirements of students and includes the basic principles of rhythm and techniques. By the end of the basic level students will be able to read over the written notes and they have learned simple and compound meters and the principal techniques which are Tom, Back, Pelang, Eshare.
In the intermediate level, students work on more complex rhythms and techniques, namely specific phrases in different meters and they will be prepared for accompaniment with other instruments. Additionally, they will also be able to compose and improvise short pieces.

In advanced levels students will be guided to find their own personal expressions and techniques in solo and ensemble performance.

All of the lessons are prepared by Roshanak depends on the need and progress of the students. In some sessions students will be asked to compose small and short pieces to play alone or with group. These classes don’t have age limit, starting preferably from the age of 7.

Tombak lessons with Yaser

Through many years of professional experience as a lecturer at Tehran University and various music institutions, Mr. Yaser Bayat offers his students / pupils simple and practical teaching methods on a scientific basis to learn various Iranian percussion instruments such as Daf, Tonbak, Dohol, Dayereh, Dosar koten, zarbo tempo, etc..<

The lessons will include the book “Tonbak and Rhythm” written by him. Mr. Bayat teaches the method of reciting the rhythm with tom, bak, ka, etc., which leads to a faster sense of achievement of his students / pupils. Already in the first lesson, the students / pupils learn rhythm and how to play together. Mr. Bayat achieves a correct but also deep understanding of rhythm and music by singing or playing some ballads with his students / pupils. Various rhythms such as 6/8, 6/4 to 2/4, 7/8, 5/8, 10/8 etc. are learned. The main focus and goal of his teaching are, besides playing the
instrument are three principles:

1. improvisation,
2. phrasing and mastery of playing,
3. execution of sound effects.

Whether you are interested in Iranian percussion in the direction of folk music or in the direction of traditional music, Mr. Bayat is ready to help and advise you. 
Mr. Bayat offers music lessons for children as well as for adults in the form of individual lessons or in groups with different methods.

Learn more about Instrument

Tombak also known as Zarb, a goblet drum, is one of the most integral part of Iranian music. Since the establishment of Iranian ensemble music, Tombak has been the main instrument to accompany other instruments to hold and strengthen the rhythm in music. Currently Tombak as a classical percussion is made of natural skin and wood. It is placed vertically on the thigh and played with fingers of two hands, one over the instrument the other freely hits on the skin.

Tombak used to be carved from mulberry tree wood. Today it is mainly made from hardwoods such as walnut and ash. The upper opening is covered with animal skin like goat, camel or sheep and glued to the edge with special glue. Nevertheless, Tombak with different names like Tompak, Domak or Dombuk had been used also in folk music in different parts of Iran with different material like ceramic or metal.
The origin of the name Tombak can be traced back to two characteristic sounds of the drum. A deep, rich note: Tom in the middle and a high, sonorous: Bak on the edge.
Playing on the tombak is very versatile and produces a wide range of sounds and techniques, therefore it takes longer time to be learned and be professional in this instrument.