Doumbek Technique and Rhythms for Arabic Percussion, with Amir Naoum: Beginner level Doumbek instruction, Doumbek how-to, Play Doumbek for belly dance
Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, Amir Naoum has played in NYC Arabic clubs, for family celebrations and bellydance shows for over 30 years. He has contributed generously to the success of most New York star bellydancers and Middle Eastern percussionists. Amir's method of teaching Middle Eastern rhythms and doumbek technique have helped many dancers and drummers take their first steps toward understanding Middle Eastern rhythms, and develop toward higher levels of musicality and doumbek playing technique. Amir is known for his warm, welcoming, encouraging teaching style and for helping dancers at every level of skill do their best in performance.Amir attended the Studio al-Fann (The Art Studio) the most famous and renowned conservatory of music in Beirut, Lebanon. Since coming to the United States in 1977, Amir has performed for Arabic, Turkish, Greek, Jewish, Armenian, and of course, American audiences. He has performed at locations across the US and Canada, becoming one of the most prominent Arabic-style drummers in North America. Amir Naoum has performed particularly extensively in New York City: At all the major Middle Eastern nightclubs; Carnegie Hall; Town Hall; Lincoln Center; The Merkin Concert Hall; and special cultural appearances for The United Nations.Amir's drumming is often featured on radio and TV broadcasts, in films, and on a long list of Arab, Armenian, Turkish,Greek, Jewish, Latin Pop, and Indian-Arab Fusion recordings.Amir Naoum is a master teacher of dumbek and other instruments of Arab percussion. He has taught in New York and New Jersey since 1979, and seen many of his students go on to become professional drummers themselves. Amir is proficient not only on dumbek, but also on tambourine (riq), muzhar, and bendir.