Enrollment Open · September 2026

Online Riqq Lessons

Live group classes in riqq — the classical tambourine of Arabic music, a rhythmic orchestra in one instrument — with students from twenty-five countries. Yshai Afterman has been teaching percussion online since 2010, sixteen years of online teaching.

Riqq — classical Arabic tambourine

“Online riqq lessons” here doesn't mean occasional tips or isolated classes. It refers to a structured, long-term process: a comprehensive method for building the language of rhythm itself — layer by layer, over months — guided through weekly live sessions with a small, dedicated group of students from around the world.

The Curriculum

What you study

1
Hand technique
Basic strokes, 4-, 8-, and 12-finger rolls, shaking sequences, triplet rolls, and the techniques built on these.
2
Rhythmic cycles & time
Learning to feel at home in any time signature, any groove — from familiar 4/4 to asymmetric Turkish and Mediterranean cycles.
3
Classical Arabic repertoire
Rhythms from the Arabic classical tradition, plus original compositions written over them — the way real musicians learn music: through pieces, not patterns.
4
Phrasing & language
Not patterns to copy, but a vocabulary to think in. The riqq becomes an extension of how you hear and speak musically.
5
Improvisation & ornamentation
The independence to make music genuinely your own — to invent, decorate, and respond inside any musical setting.
6
Sound, time, & expression
The deeper relationship between technique and feeling — the difference between playing correctly and playing alive.

Students

What students say

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
Once in a lifetime, you may study with a master. Yshai is that master. His teaching goes far beyond technique — it transforms the way you hear, think about, and relate to music.
Tamara Kolton · USA · Lapstyle & Upright Frame Drum
I started studying with Yshai years ago, when my knowledge of darbuka, frame drum and riqq were next to zero. His methods and compositions have allowed me to find my connection with these instruments like never before.
Eugene Toh · Singapore · Darbuka, Frame Drum & Riqq
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
More testimonials →
Before you enroll

A few questions, answered.

How long is the program?

The full arc of the Method is normally about two years — from fundamentals to musicianship. But the choice of how long to study is yours. Some students stay one month, others continue for years. Each month you decide whether to continue.

What if I miss a lesson?

Every class is recorded and posted to the student portal within hours. You can watch on your own schedule, with full access to sheet music, the practice room interface, and lesson summaries. Missing a live session is not a problem.

How does cancellation work?

The monthly subscription begins on October 1 and bills $155 per month until you cancel. You can cancel at any time from your Stripe customer portal — access continues through the end of the paid month, no questions asked.

When and what time is the live class?

Sessions are typically held in the late afternoon to early evening, Eastern Mediterranean time (around GMT+3) — practical for students across Europe, the Middle East, much of Asia, and the morning hours in the Americas. The specific day and time for each group is finalized in late August, after enrollment closes, so the schedule works for the students who actually enroll. You’ll be notified by email well before lessons begin in September.

Can I switch instruments later?

Yes. If you decide partway through that another of the four instruments calls to you more, the Conservatory can transfer your enrollment to a different group at the start of any month. Talk to Yshai directly.

Enrollment

$155 / month

Billed monthly · Cancel anytime

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 are decided case-by-case. If this applies to you, write to yafterman@gmail.com with your situation before enrolling.