Yshai Afterman · Online Course

The Complete Riqq Course

"His laughter — dispersion of light through metal and skin."

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Riqq drum
The Complete Curriculum

3 pillars. 10 levels.
One musician.

The riqq is one of the most technically demanding instruments in Arabic music — and one of the least taught with any real depth. What you are looking at is the most comprehensive riqq curriculum ever built: ten levels, twenty stages, and a systematic method that develops every dimension of the instrument in parallel — stroke technique, positional vocabulary, shaking, rolling, splitting, foot bell independence, and compositional thinking — from first grip to full mastery.

Nothing is invented on the fly. Nothing is isolated. Every technique enters the traditional repertoire from the moment it is learned. The building block system means you always know what you're playing and why — and you compose from the very first stage.

Each level is purchased separately. Both stages unlock on purchase. Stage 2 opens after you complete Stage 1 — a simple honour system, no pressure. You move at your own pace. Everything is yours forever.

10Levels
20Stages
20Compositions
∞Yours forever

The 10-Level Journey

I
Level I · Available now

Two Positions, Two Worlds

14 lessons1 composition

The riqq is held two different ways — and each grip is a different instrument. You learn the strokes, the numbers system, and the building block logic that connects both positions to the traditional repertoire. The jingle and the skin work together from day one. By the end, you're playing compositions.

Two positions Numbers system Traditional rhythms Snapping technique Foot bell intro First compositions
Begin Level I →
II
Unlocks after Level I

Ornamentation & the 4 Finger Roll

16 lessons2 compositions

The ghost note becomes a creative tool — a subtle ornament that shapes the character of every phrase. Position switching unlocks a new structural logic. The 4 finger roll arrives: the technique that defines the riqq's distinctive voice.

Ghost note ornament Position switching 4 finger roll ✦ new Foot bell Compositions
III
Unlocks after Level II

Shaking & the 8 Finger Roll

15 lessons2 compositions

The shaking technique opens a sustained jingle texture that no other percussion instrument can produce. Position switching enters the full traditional repertoire. The 8 finger roll deepens the instrument's tonal range and expressive possibilities.

Shaking technique ✦ new Positions in repertoire 8 finger roll Compositions
IV
Unlocks after Level III

Full Shaking & Roll Orchestration

16 lessons2 compositions

Shaking covers the entire traditional rhythm at full 8th note density. The 8 finger roll gains orchestration — a complete phrase ending. Position switching is now triggered by roll type, shaking density, and phrase structure: a compositional tool.

Full shaking modes 8FR orchestration Position switching Foot bell Compositions
V
Unlocks after Level IV

12 Finger Roll, Bouncing & the Building Block System

14 lessons2 compositions

The 12 finger roll arrives as the next milestone. The 4, 8, and 12 finger rolls become building blocks 1–2–3 — used as 32nd note fillings woven directly into the traditional rhythms. Bouncing enters as an entirely new textural dimension.

12 finger roll ✦ new 32nd note building blocks Bouncing ✦ new Foot bell Compositions
VI
Unlocks after Level V

Split Hand, Middle Position & the First Triplets

15 lessons2 compositions

A major technique milestone: the split hand opens an entirely new sonic register. The middle position — a third playing location — arrives. Shaking enters triplet subdivision for the first time. The instrument's vocabulary takes a decisive leap forward.

Split hand ✦ new Middle position ✦ new Shaking triplets Foot bell Compositions
VII
Unlocks after Level VI

Roll Mastery, Triplet Shaking & Hands Independence

16 lessons2 compositions

The 6 and 7 finger rolls complete the roll vocabulary. All three — 6, 7, and 8 — combine in extended 14-beat phrase exercises. Shaking covers every technique in triplet density across the full repertoire. The first hands independence exercise arrives.

6 finger roll ✦ new 7 finger roll ✦ new Triplet shaking 14-beat combinations Hands independence Compositions
VIII
In development

Advanced Integration

The techniques of the first seven levels converge into a single, unified voice. Advanced material currently in development.

Coming soon
IX
Level IX

Independence, Triplets & the Double Stroke Roll

14 lessons
2 compositions

The full triplet vocabulary meets the complete rhythm repertoire. Hands independence reaches 7/8. The double stroke roll is introduced and woven into the repertoire. Stage 2 unveils middle position triplets — a new expressive colour that opens Level X.

Independence in 7 (Laz) Full triplet mastery Double stroke roll Malfuf foot bell ostinato Middle position triplets ✦
X
Level X — Samurai

Samurai

15 lessons
2 compositions

The final level. Middle position triplets and the double stroke roll reach full mastery across the complete repertoire. Fast skin triplets are introduced and developed. The course closes with a capstone solo — composed by you, reviewed personally by Yshai.

Middle position triplets Double stroke roll Fast skin triplets ✦ Compose a solo Personal feedback from Yshai
Level I · Coming Soon

Level
I.

Everything begins with how you hold the instrument. Two positions, two worlds of sound — and the building blocks that connect them both to the traditional repertoire.

By the end of Level I you will be able to

  • Hold the riqq in both positions and command the full 1–8 building block vocabulary
  • Use the Pa and Fa jingle strokes to orchestrate traditional rhythms with the full sonic palette
  • Compose original grooves and phrase musically over maqsum, malfuf, and ayoub
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In production
Stage 1

4 Building Blocks of Groove, Grip, Strokes & Traditional Repertoire

Before the first stroke, the method. The 4 Building Blocks of Groove is the system behind every groove you will ever play or compose. Then the riqq: two positions, two worlds of sound — basic strokes, building blocks, and the traditional repertoire in your hands.

  • 4 building blocks of groove
  • Both positions
  • Basic strokes
  • Building blocks 1–4
  • Traditional rhythms
  • Foot bell — introduction
  • Listening playlist
Stage 2

Completing the Groupings, Jingle Strokes & First Compositions

The building block system is completed. The riqq reveals what makes it unique: the Pa and Fa strokes — jingle technique that opens a whole new layer of sound. Traditional rhythms fully orchestrated. The first compositions begin.

  • Full groupings 1–8
  • Compose grooves
  • 16th note taks — both positions
  • Pa and Fa strokes ✦ new
  • Rhythms — full orchestration
  • Phrasing — maqsum, malfuf, ayoub
  • 1 composition — more challenging
Level II · Coming soon

Level II.

The instrument opens up. You shift between positions, discover the ornament hidden in every ghost note, and learn the technique that defines the riqq's voice — the 4 finger roll.

By the end of Level II you will be able to

  • Shift between playing positions using the dom as bridge
  • Apply the ornament system — every ghost note as 16th note tak pairs
  • Subdivide any quarter through all 8 rhythmic levels
  • Execute the 4 finger roll and use it as a musical phrase ending
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In production
Stage 1

Shifting Positions, Ornament System & the 4 Finger Roll

The instrument opens up structurally and sonically. Position shifting begins, the ornament system unlocks a new dimension in the traditional repertoire, and the 4 finger roll — the defining technique of this level — is built from the ground up and brought into musical use.

  • Shifting positions — dom
  • Ghost note ornament system
  • Rhythmic scale — all subdivisions
  • 4 finger roll ✦ new
  • Rhythms with roll ending
  • Foot bell — 15 variations
  • 4 dynamic variations
  • 1 composition — easier
Stage 2

Switching Positions, Custom Ornaments & the Warm-Up DNA Exercise

Position shifting deepens into the full numbers vocabulary. Ornamentation becomes personal — you decide which ghost notes come alive. Then the exercise that ties it all together: the warm-up DNA, the foundation of daily practice on this instrument.

  • Position switching — numbers
  • Custom ornament system
  • Warm-up DNA exercise ✦ core
  • 32nd note roll ornament
  • Foot bell — malfuf, 15 variations
  • 1 composition — more challenging
  • Roll in 2 speeds — phrase
Level III · Coming soon

Level III.

The riqq begins to sing. Position switching enters the repertoire, the shaking technique opens a sustained sonic layer, and the 8 finger roll takes the instrument to full voice.

By the end of Level III you will be able to

  • Switch positions fluidly within traditional repertoire
  • Execute all variations of 5 beats with the 4 finger roll
  • Produce the shaking jingle trill as a controlled texture
  • Play the 8 finger roll and apply 16th note ghost notes to repertoire
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In production
Stage 1

Positions in Repertoire, 5-Beat Variations & the Shaking Technique

The techniques you've built become musical. Position switching enters the actual repertoire. The shaking technique unlocks a sustained jingle sound the riqq can hold like no other instrument.

  • Positions in repertoire
  • 5-beat roll variations
  • Foot bell — malfuf, 2 groups
  • Shaking technique ✦ new
  • Pyramid phrase — short version
  • 16th note ghost notes
  • 1 composition — easier
Stage 2

Pyramid Long Version, Repertoire Review & Numbers to Shaking

Everything consolidates. The repertoire played in all four versions — a full sonic inventory. The pyramid phrase reaches its full length. Shaking gains its most fluid form: numbers flowing directly into the trill and back out.

  • Positions — 16th note ghost notes
  • Foot bell — mixing 15 variations
  • Shaking with numbers & doms
  • Pyramid phrase — long version
  • Repertoire — all 4 versions
  • Numbers to shaking
  • 1 composition — more challenging
Level IV · Coming soon

Level IV.

The 8 finger roll arrives. Shaking deepens into full rhythmic texture. Position switching becomes a compositional tool — triggered by rolls, shaking, and phrase structure.

By the end of Level IV you will be able to

  • Switch positions after a 4 finger roll in the repertoire
  • Execute the 8 finger roll and apply it to traditional rhythms
  • Use shaking at both 8th and 16th note density in context
  • Compose phrases where shaking and rolls drive phrase endings and position changes
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In production
Stage 1

Position After Roll, 8 Finger Roll & Shaking in 2 Groups

The roll becomes a hinge — position switches happen in the moment after it lands. The 8 finger roll enters as a new technique milestone. Shaking is structured into 2-group number phrases, turning the trill into a rhythmic building block.

  • Position switching after roll
  • Traditional rhythms — 16th note roll ending
  • Foot bell — next step
  • Shaking — numbers, 2 groups
  • 8 finger roll ✦ new
  • Traditional rhythms + 8 finger roll
  • Numbers to shaking — 2 groups
  • 1 composition — easier
Stage 2

Full Shaking, 8 Finger Roll with Orchestration & Positions After Shaking

Shaking covers the entire traditional rhythm at 8th note density. The 8 finger roll gains orchestration, becoming a complete phrase ending. Two shaking densities back to back. Positions switch in the transition from shaking endings to tak endings.

  • Traditional rhythms — full 8th note shaking
  • 8 finger roll — 16th note + orchestration
  • Foot bell — next step
  • Shaking — 8th note / 16th note contrast
  • Position switching — shaking → taks
  • 1 composition — more challenging
Level V · Coming soon

Level V.

Shaking enters ghost note density. The 12 finger roll arrives as a new milestone. Position switching is built around the 8 finger roll sequence. Bouncing opens a new textural dimension.

By the end of Level V you will be able to

  • Replace every ghost note with two 16th notes of shaking across the traditional rhythms
  • Execute the 12 finger roll as a musical phrase ending
  • Switch positions after the 8 finger roll in the repertoire
  • Play controlled bouncing groups of 2, 3, and 4
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In production
Stage 1

Shaking as Ghost Notes, 12 Finger Roll & Bouncing Groups

Shaking fills every ghost note position as two 16th notes — the rhythm's skeleton stays intact while every empty space becomes a micro-shake. The 12 finger roll arrives as the next roll milestone. Position switching is anchored to the 8 finger roll. Bouncing enters as a new textural technique in groups of 2, 3, and 4.

  • Traditional rhythms — ghost notes as 2×16th shaking
  • 12 finger roll ✦ new
  • 4 finger roll — starting with accents
  • Foot bell — next step
  • Position switching after 8 finger roll
  • 1 composition — easier
  • Bouncing — groups of 2, 3 & 4 ✦ new
Stage 2

16th Note Shaking, 32nd Note Fillings & Bouncing into Repertoire

Shaking reaches full 16th note density across the traditional rhythms. The 4, 8, and 12 finger rolls become building blocks 1–2–3 as 32nd note fillings inside the repertoire. Position switching is now triggered by the 32nd note 8 finger roll. Bouncing lands as a phrase-closing gesture.

  • Traditional rhythms — 16th note shaking
  • 32nd note fillings — 4, 8 & 12 finger roll building blocks
  • Foot bell — next step
  • Position switching — 16th ghost notes → 32nd 8 finger roll
  • 1 composition — more challenging
  • Composing challenge — 4-bar phrase with bouncing & finger rolls
  • Traditional rhythms ending with bouncing
Level VI · Coming soon

Level VI.

Content in progress.

Stage 1

Shaking Modes, Split Hand & Position Switching via Roll Type

Shaking shifts fluidly between all three modes learned so far. The split hand arrives as a major new technique milestone. Numbers feed into split hand. Position switching is now triggered by moving between roll types at 8th note density.

  • Shaking — shifting between all 3 modes
  • Foot bell — traditional rhythms as 16th notes
  • Split hand ✦ new
  • Split hand — golden technique exercise
  • Numbers to split hand
  • Position switching — 8th note 8FR → 8th note finger roll
  • 1 composition — easier
  • Middle position — basic numbers & 2 groups ✦ new
Stage 2

Shaking Triplets, Split Hand in 2 Groups & Middle Position Repertoire

Shaking enters triplet subdivision. The split hand deepens into two-group phrases and into the full traditional repertoire with split endings. Position switching is now triggered by the 12 finger roll. The middle position takes on the full traditional rhythms.

  • Shaking triplets — numbers 1–2–3–4
  • Foot bell — numbers as triplets
  • Split hand — numbers to split hand, 2 groups
  • Traditional rhythms ending with 8th note splits
  • Position switching — 12 finger roll
  • 1 composition — more challenging
  • Middle position — traditional rhythms
Level VII · Coming soon

Level VII.

Content in progress.

Stage 1

Shaking Triplets, the 6 Finger Roll & the Triplet Technique

Shaking reaches full triplet density across the traditional repertoire. The split hand deepens into dual ending choices. The 6 finger roll arrives as the next roll milestone. A brand-new technique — the triplet technique — opens a new textural dimension. Numbers flow into triplets.

  • Shaking — traditional rhythms in triplets
  • Foot bell — numbers in 2 groups as triplets
  • Split hand — 8th note & 16th note endings
  • 6 finger roll ✦ new
  • 7 finger roll
  • 1 composition — easier
  • Triplet technique ✦ new
  • Numbers to triplets
Stage 2

Full 16th Note Splits, 6–7–8 Roll Combinations & Hands Independence

All shaking methods converge on the full repertoire. The split hand reaches full 16th note density. The 6, 7, and 8 finger rolls are woven together with numbers and splits in a 14-beat phrase. A new layer of independence emerges: quarter note jingles over the traditional rhythms. Triplets close every phrase.

  • Shaking — all methods across the repertoire
  • Split hand — full 16th note splits
  • 6–7–8 finger rolls + numbers + splits in 14 beats
  • Foot bell — traditional rhythms as triplets
  • Hands independence — quarter note jingles
  • 1 composition — more challenging
  • Triplets — numbers in 2 groups
  • Traditional rhythms ending with triplets
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