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Ling Shien video on 1/4 -tone accordion - the Gilded Serpent

Raqset al Sajat - NOW ON SALE - cymbal instructional CD

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Calendar updated on Apr 25, 2010

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Instruction - Mark and Ling Shien teach both private and group lessons in percussion {darbuka (doumbek), riqq (tambourine),and frame drum}, nai, zils, and rhythm theory. We teach workshops internationally, and can tailor one for your specific needs. The foundation for the workshops is to strengthen the understanding of Middle Eastern rhythms for dancers and musicians, facilitating their communication. In collaboration with Carolena Nericcio, originator of American Tribal Style, we have established a terminology to define basic musical concepts which will enable dialogue between dancers and musicians.

Once a firm relationship is established with a particular rhythm, it is easy enough to play ornamental patterns, while keeping the rhythm's integrity. Dancers can experience the rhythm by playing, dancing, and singing to live percussion.

Excerpts from an article in the Gilded Serpent about our workshops:

"Linda and I attended both a private drum lesson and class with Mark. We both felt that Mark was patient, thorough, and broke things down in a way that did not make us feel inferior in our skills. While we were drumming with Mark, Ling Shien was instructing a group in zils (finger cymbals) and dance. Then, as Ling Shien played mizmar, she led the dancers in their choreographed dance steps, and Mark led our group in playing our drums. The music we created under his leadership matched the designated steps perfectly."