Over Christmas vacation my husband recieved a doumbek so that he can learn to play the drum and go with me on gigs.  The doumbek is a goblet shaped drum and is known by many names; depending on the region. In Egypt it can be know as the:  Darabukka, Derabucca, and Darbouka. In Lebanon and Syria it is called the Derbekki, Drbekki, and Drbakka.  In Morocco and Algeria it is called the Derboka. The doumbek orginates in North Africa.
There are basic hits or strokes when it comes to playing the doumbek.  The first is the Doum which is done by hitting the center of the drum that creates a deep sound.  The Tek is done by hitting the edge of the drum and makes a higher pitch sound that is sharp.  The third is the Ka and this is done with the opposite hand and is similar to the Tek but can be done on the rim or on the head of the drum.  The body of the drum can be made up of ceranmic or metals such as copper or aluminum.  There are generally two types of drums which are the Egyptian and Turkish.  The Turkish drum has bolts on the outside edge of the drum head and are made up of metal.  The Egyptian drum has a smooth edge which is what my husband has.

As a dancer it is important to know about the different rhythms.  When you listen to music or dancing you should be able to pick out the basic rhythm.  Knowing and being able to hear them will help you grow and make you a better dancer because you will know what is coming up next in the music because there is a pattern in each and most times it is played at least 2 times before it changes.  I have also been learning to play the drum and in the little bit of time I have noticed that it has made a big difference in my dancing, plus it is lots of fun!  Over the next few months I will be talking about the different rhythms.