Professional Darbuka, Frame Drum & Riqq Classes — The Afterman Percussion Conservatory

The Method

Three pillars. One crown.

These are not workshops or casual sessions. This is a method — a structured path from wherever you are to real musicianship. You learn the language of rhythm and your instrument — not random phrases to memorize and forget, but a vocabulary you can think in, create with, and make your own.

I Time

Knowing the rhythmic cycle intimately. The more deeply you inhabit a groove, the more freely you play inside it.

II Language

Technique, grouping, phrasing, composition — not patterns to copy, but tools to create with.

III Expression

Tension and release, dynamics, phrasing — the branches that make playing alive rather than correct.

Yshai's system is extremely well structured, and he recognises exactly what each individual student needs — whether you're a beginner or advanced. It really was the best decision I made.
Sybille Camenzind · Switzerland · Lapstyle & Darbuka Read more student stories →

The Groups

Frame Drum

Lap Style Frame Drum

The most popular frame drum playing style — and one of the most in-demand online frame drum lessons available. The lap position gives the musician full control of the drumhead with both hands. Suitable for both beginners and experienced players looking for a deep methodical structure.

When I started my first session, Yshai told us something I'll never forget: "My plan is to teach you everything I know." Many teachers hold back a little. Yshai has lived up to that promise every single day.
Mohsen Mehrafrouz · Iran · Lapstyle Frame Drum

Duration1.5 hrs / week

LevelAll levels

FormatLive on Zoom

Enroll Now — September 2026 Watch Demo Study Recordings

Goblet Drum

Darbuka

Also known as Doumbek or Tabla, the Darbuka is one of the most popular percussion instruments in the world. These online darbuka lessons cover technique, musical understanding, rhythmic phrasing, coordination, and — most importantly — spirit.

When I decided to deepen Middle East percussion — by far, Yshai is the best teacher I have ever had. He talks about the poetry of music and at the same time continuously crafts the tools of expression.
Giovanni Lo Cascio · Italy · Professional musician since 1981

Duration1.5 hrs / week

LevelAll levels

FormatLive on Zoom

Enroll Now — September 2026 Watch Demo Study Recordings

Tambourine

Riqq

Also known as the Egyptian tambourine, the Riqq is a small yet powerful instrument. These online riqq lessons explore the only tambourine with both playable jingles and skin — diverse, rich, and complex. Its mastery demands precision, independence, and a deep feel for Middle Eastern rhythm.

I started studying the riqq as a beginner in 2022, and Yshai has offered me a clear, step-by-step pathway to improve. His teaching equips you best for the journey into this beautiful instrument.
Dan Anghelache · UK · Riqq

Duration1.5 hrs / week

LevelAll levels

FormatLive on Zoom

Enroll Now — September 2026 Watch Demo Study Recordings

Frame Drum

Upright Frame Drum

Online upright frame drum lessons in the most ancient form of drumming in human history. The drum is held vertically with both hands — a position used across cultures, traditionally related to mystical ceremonies incorporating dance.

I've really been enjoying the past 5 months learning upright frame with Yshai. The plan is so well-built, every lesson builds on the last, and the progress is unbelievable. Strongly recommended.
Igal Tartakovsky · Israel · Upright Frame Drum

Duration1.5 hrs / week

LevelAll levels

Next CycleJanuary 2027

Inside the portal

Every lesson, archived. Every class, at your fingertips.

The Community Portal is the private hub where every student lives between sessions — recorded lessons with notation PDFs, a library of guest masterclasses, an interactive rhythm library and metronome for practice, and a calendar of upcoming events.

Events feed

A live calendar of upcoming masterclasses, open mic nights, and seminars — built into the portal.

The lesson player showing the video, notation, and lesson notes for a recorded session

Lesson library

Every recorded session with notation PDFs, demonstration videos, and lesson notes — organised by group and number.

The masterclass library grid with sessions from world-class guest teachers

Masterclass series

An archive of guest masterclasses with world-class teachers from across the global percussion world.

Practice room

An interactive rhythm library and metronome for practice between lessons — with a tool to build your own.

Joining a group

What to expect

Every lesson is carefully documented and supported so you can practice effectively between sessions — no matter where in the world you are.

90 min

Live on Zoom, Weekly

A full, structured immersion every week — covering technique, repertoire, and musicianship, with dedicated time for questions.

300+

Original Compositions

Solos, exercises, and compositions written specifically for this method — building on each other across levels.

1,700+

Lessons Taught

Sixteen years of online teaching since 2010, seven years refining this group method through successive cohorts — the depth that only repeated teaching produces.

1 : 1

Private Feedback

Every two weeks, submit a video for personal feedback from Yshai — staying close to your evolution, even in a group.

First session refund: The connection between teacher and student is personal. If after your first session you feel the method or style isn't the right fit, write to me before your second session. I'll refund your first month and release you from the commitment.

* Reduced-rate placements. The Conservatory is committed to making serious teaching accessible to dedicated students around the world. A small number of reduced-rate placements are therefore offered each cycle to those living in countries with significantly different economic conditions, or facing exceptional personal circumstances. These require a 6-month commitment instead of 3 and are decided case-by-case. If this applies to you, write to yafterman@gmail.com with your situation before enrolling.

Common questions

Before you apply

The questions students ask most often — about experience level, the live schedule, commitment, and getting started.

I'm a beginner — can I join?

Yes, absolutely. Since Yshai teaches a method built one step upon the other, everyone needs to start with the foundations. The fingerings studied in lesson 2 are used extensively in the most advanced compositions. All levels are welcome.

Can I join if I can't attend live?

Yes. After every lesson Yshai sends all students a Google folder with the full video recording, lesson summary, notation sheets, and short demonstration videos. Many students follow the programme entirely through the recordings.

How long is the commitment?

Commitment is one month at a time. Each month you decide whether to continue or stop. It's not a fixed course — it's an ongoing studying group. Groups normally run for 12–24 months depending on the group's momentum.

Do I need to read Western notation?

No. Yshai uses custom notations that are super simple and immediately readable by anyone, regardless of their music theory background.

When do new groups start?

Most groups start in September each year. Some start in January. Follow Yshai on Instagram to stay updated, and register your interest early through the contact form so you're on the list.

Can I start now without waiting?

Yes — many students choose to study lesson recordings from the beginning and follow the programme at their own pace without attending live. This is a great option for those who can't wait for the next group opening, or who prefer self-paced study.

Online Group Lessons

Three pillars. One crown.

Lap Style Frame Drum

Darbuka

Riqq

Upright Frame Drum

Every lesson, archived. Every class, at your fingertips.

What to expect

Before you apply

I'm a beginner — can I join?

Can I join if I can't attend live?

How long is the commitment?

Do I need to read Western notation?

When do new groups start?

Can I start now without waiting?

Can't wait for the next group?

See what students actually play

Prefer one-on-one guidance?

Connect