What They Say

I've been a professional percussionist for 20 years and have studied with some serious masters in many styles. Yshai's method has opened my ears to a whole new world of rhythm. His group moves at a quick pace and I always feel inspired to practice more after every class. Yshai refines your technique, expands your independence, and composes musically rhythmic etudes for each class. He's also a great guy — funny, kind, inspiring, and thinks deeply about rhythm and music. Do yourself a favor and enroll in one of his classes.

I start playing drum-set professionally in 1981 and never stop since. I attended Berklee College of Music and learned from the best teachers around. I lived in Africa and Brazil for years, always seeking inspiration. I tell you this not for an ego-trip but to let you know that my thoughts on Yshai's teaching are based on many years of practice and playing. When I decided to deepen Middle East percussion — by far, Yshai is the best teacher I have ever had. He perfectly knows how sublime can be playing music. He talks about the poetry of music and at the same time continuously crafts the tools of expression.

I have been a professional musician for 35 years and have studied with numerous great teachers — I am also a teacher. My teachers have all been inspiring and knowledgeable, but what sets Yshai apart is his ability to show you what is possible when you don't believe it yourself. It is one thing to know you can learn x skills through practice and study, but it is an entirely different thing when your teacher gives you vision that you did not previously have. His relentless pushing and cajoling gave me vision and skills I did not know I was capable of. He will teach you to find your own voice, which is a priceless thing.

Yshai embodies the rarest combination of being a master drummer and a genuinely caring pedagogue. His thoughtful approach to each lesson strikes a perfect balance between technique work and fun solo pieces. The weekly group classes are eagerly anticipated. Studying with Yshai has been the most enjoyable and effective learning experience I have ever had, and I am deeply grateful for the transformative impact it has had on my musical journey.

Yshai is an amazing artist and teacher! He's sharing so much during each lesson; it has been such an inspirational journey since we started almost 2 years ago the riqq group! Highly recommended!!

Yshai is an outstanding musician and an amazing teacher! His teaching methods are gradual, logical and easy to follow! Studying with him has changed my outlook on drumming and dramatically improved my technique!

Studying frame drum lapstyle with Yshai Afterman has been a deeply enriching experience. His meticulous approach, his commitment to the art form, and deep musical insight have significantly expanded my skills — even after many years of drumming. Yshai combines the rare qualities of a world-class musician and an exceptional teacher. He is fully present with his students, offering sharp observations and feedback that is truly invaluable.

As a beginner of darbuka and as an experienced conga player looking to deepen my understanding of percussion, I joined the Darbuka Group last year. Yshai creates a supportive, joyful, and deeply enriching learning environment. His unique blend of traditional technique, cultural context, and personal warmth makes every lesson an exciting journey into the heart of music. Studying with Yshai has not only improved my musical skills, but also connected me more deeply to the spirit and history of Oriental music. Highly, highly recommended!

Yshai's classes are fantastic. I really look forward to and enjoy every class! He teaches just like he plays — with depth, precision and artistry. The curriculum is extremely well-structured, with each class building elegantly on previous classes in so many areas — including technique, independence, and compositions of increasing complexity. One of my favorite aspects of the training is the composition exercises. I'm also impressed by the other students, many of whom are professional musicians — certainly a testament to Yshai's quality as a teacher.

So far, I've taken four group lessons and four private lessons, working with a total of eight musicians. Among all of them, Yshai has been the best musician and teacher I've had. He explains technique, composition, and everything else in a very clear and integrated way. Even though my English is not very good and I struggle to ask questions the way I want, this has been my most productive and enjoyable course.

Yshai's teaching method has helped me to improve my technique and gain a deeper understanding of how to play the instrument more freely. The lessons have provided me with loads of ideas for practicing in a structured way, with a multitude of useful drills and rhythmic exercises. The lessons are exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommended.

Studying with Yshai Afterman, in his lap-style frame drum group, has been a transformative experience. As an educator, Yshai is in a class of his own. He teaches with a rare combination of precision, patience, and deep musicality. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced percussionist, Yshai's approach to rhythm is invaluable. I can honestly say I've never encountered a more thoughtful or effective approach to rhythmic fundamentals. Yshai is a master teacher and a true artist of the drum.

I've finally found a course that offers a structured and dedicated approach to learning the Darbuka. The teacher shares his knowledge in an authentic and passionate way, which makes a real difference. What I appreciate most is that the course goes beyond just technique or rhythms — Yshai also shares his personal experiences, which adds a deeper dimension to the learning process. This course has truly made a lasting impact on my musical journey.

Yshai is a great teacher, I'm so grateful having studied with him. He is methodical and well organised, the class structure helps you learn easily with, at each lesson, new materials, technique, solos, compositions, independence exercises… Classes start and finish exactly at the precise time. He is exacting, analytical and helps each one of the group with personal advice.

Little did I know a video I saw on Instagram would start me on the journey of learning frame drum, and continuing in my 3rd year now. Yshai is an amazing teacher; the methodology he designed guarantees you a solid foundation while constantly improving. I am lucky to find Yshai to be my teacher, and grateful for the relationship we have.

I enjoy a lot learning the frame drum with Yshai. What stands out most is his deep love and genuine connection to the drum — it's something you can feel, and it's truly inspiring. He has developed a clear and thoughtful system for teaching, which makes the learning process easier and accessible. You don't just learn grooves and patterns, but also the logic and musicality behind them. This is the best gift I've given myself this year.

As a teacher, I cannot imagine a more impactful framework for learning an instrument. Yshai manages to provide all of his students with a vast quantity of information with an undeniable clarity. He is truly an invaluable resource!

I am writing this to anyone who is debating whether or not to study with Yshai. I have been studying with him for almost 4 years now and I feel so lucky for the day I started! Beyond the fact that he is an amazing person and a gifted musician, he is truly the best teacher I have ever had, and I have been studying music my entire adult life so I have had many teachers along the way. Anyone who starts will discover how organized and simple everything is. Yshai takes you step by step from the basics to the highest level. Thank me later.

Studying with Yshai has been the turning point in my music career! He has opened up my spirit and understanding to a whole new dimension in music and rhythms. His love and dedication for music and teaching have always inspired me. Yshai is a rare combination of a master percussionist and a great teacher, which is really hard to find. I highly recommend Yshai's lessons!

Yshai is one of the most dedicated teachers that I have ever had. I started studying the riqq as a beginner in 2022 and Yshai has offered me a clear, step-by-step pathway to improve my skills. His teaching methods, together with a disciplined approach to practicing, equips you best for the journey into studying this beautiful instrument.

Yshai is one of the best teachers I have ever experienced. Not only has he created a beautiful comprehensive system for the development of skills and techniques, but also through his teaching, empowers us to become better musicians, to learn to listen, to develop a feel, and a keener sense of time, and the inspiration to improvise and to compose. He also has been successful in getting me to practice consistently, and that's no small thing.

Yshai is the real deal. He has a very systematic approach to technique, independence, and musicality that makes it accessible for beginners and challenging for experienced players.

Yshai is, by far, the most accurate and dedicated teacher that I have known! He not only focuses on the technique but also shares his concept to understand music deeply. His self-created method is very well designed with a strong base of exercises and compositions. World class musician with a high standard pedagogical method. I strongly recommend him!

Yshai is the way to dream big and really mastering these instruments. His system is methodical, original and inspiring. A true master musician and educator!

Afterman has a beautiful language for his rhythm — a fluent language with its own alphabet and grammar. Whether you know the musical notes or not, it's impossible not to understand Afterman's grammar and rhythm math. After the alphabet, you learn to read and write; then building sentences, then being able to write paragraphs. Afterman is the right master to learn the grammar of rhythm.

I have been studying in Yshai's Darbuka and Riqq groups for almost two years now. I can say without exaggeration that this is the most efficient and effective musical education I have ever participated in. Yshai's system is extremely well thought through and well organized, and Yshai is a truly gifted and inspirational teacher and musician. I would highly recommend these courses to percussionists at any level who are committed to practicing — if you put in the work and follow the systems, your mind will be blown!

Yshai has a systematic approach. Each lesson builds on the previous and each lesson is packed with knowledge — technically, musically and philosophically. Each lesson links to the previous fluidly; nothing is random or fragmented. If you are serious about learning then this is definitely the course to do. For me (as a former martial artist) Yshai is a martial artist of percussion.

Yshai is an amazing teacher, classes are very detailed with endless digestible warm-ups, exercises and solos in the group classes — you'll never go hungry. I couldn't be happier with my time spent studying with Yshai's expertise; you can feel his passion for teaching and love for music.

For anyone who wants to take a deep dive, with well thought out methodical classes that will take you on a wonderful journey, I highly recommend studying with Yshai Afterman. I often feel elated and excited by his teachings. Give yourself this gift.

The opportunity to learn from Yshai Afterman is an irreplaceable gift. Yshai's method makes the world of rhythm so logical and approachable. What remains to be done is to hold on tight and enjoy the beauty of knowledge.

Meeting Yshai and his teaching has been like a new door opening in my life. His pedagogy and his love for music are a great source of inspiration and make me want to go as far as I can along the path he so generously proposes. Thank you Yshai, I'm very grateful!

Engaging and effortless, working with Yshai is a delightful experience. The methodology is highly structured and intuitively understandable, aimed at ensuring natural progress in practice.

Yshai is a great teacher with a system in place to help students reach their goals. The way information is presented and the tools that accompany each lesson set you up to accomplish the tasks for the week but also open the door to go deeper. If you are looking to study an instrument in great detail, this is the place to do it!

I'm Valerie, I live in Paris. I studied Darbuka for two years and lap style since last year. I'm very impressed by the method, by all the tips we get to practice, to create and to understand music better and better. From week to week, I always know what to do. Precise goals help me to stay focused. Very important talks happen during the lessons — they mean a lot and sometimes I feel like they changed things deeply.

Yshai is a remarkable musician and an equally impressive teacher. As someone with a background in Flamenco Dancing, I was familiar with rhythm on an instinctual level, but understanding and articulating its theoretical aspects were beyond my grasp. Yshai has profoundly deepened my understanding of rhythm. He doesn't just teach drumming — he teaches artistry. Before meeting Yshai, I attended various workshops without finding the structured progression I needed. Yshai has provided that stability, method, and solid foundation essential for my growth.

Yshai's teaching is highly generous. A practice where curiosity and rigorous discipline, light-hearted and professional approach meet — perhaps serious fun. Yshai is a bit like a driving instructor for time-travel vehicles; later the keys stay with me to hit the road. A frame with which I am enabled to develop a cheerful spirit of acquiring a new mastery. It is a great pleasure to explore the infinite dynamic relationships with this primal instrument.

I'm grateful I met Yshai. His method has helped me understand and improve my playing greatly. I appreciate his encouragement and willingness to give individualized feedback. The concepts and techniques he shares open up possibilities to keep on expanding. I have learned a lot more than just playing an instrument — lessons for life!

Not all the great percussion Masters offer online classes, but fortunately Yshai is one of them. The classes are very high quality; Afterman is a very methodical teacher, with very clear objectives and a very precise and enjoyable methodology. His technique is impeccable. If you are a percussion teacher, you will find a lot of new tools to teach your students. I am very fortunate to learn with one of the best and most complete percussionists in the world.

I started learning to play the frame drum as part of Yshai's online class 4 months ago, arriving with no past experience in percussions. Yshai's very systematic and clear approach has enabled me to develop confidence and thoroughly enjoy these months. All lessons are recorded, as well as short videos, music sheets, and clear instructions for weekly practices. I would strongly recommend for anyone to start.

Yshai's teaching skills stand up to his playing skills. He has created a methodic system that, even in group lessons, helps each student grow according to their needs and goals.

I'm studying with Yshai on the upright style. What I love about his way of teaching is the incremental way. You learn something every week and you're challenged. So it really feels like you're learning and getting better. You also learn to create your own rhythms, and suddenly you can do things you couldn't before.

I've really been enjoying the past 5 months learning upright frame with Yshai — the plan is so well-built, every lesson is built on top of the other and the progress is unbelievable. The lessons are super fun! Strong recommendation!

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, and I always have loads of fun practising for lessons. As a result, I have truly fallen in love with the artistry of playing these instruments. These days, I am able to apply what I have learnt to playing as part of an instrumental trio. I am deeply grateful for all the knowledge he has so selflessly imparted.

I have studied three drum styles with Yshai — the riq, frame drum upright, and frame drum lap style. Yshai is an amazing musician and teacher who is passionate about helping others learn and improve their skills. His teaching method is meticulous and well-planned, taking you through everything step by step. If you are wanting to dive deeply into the art of drumming, Yshai is one of the best teachers to study with!

I have been studying with Yshai: Frame Drum, Riq and Darbuka over 3 years. The lessons are very well structured and methodical so that each step in the progress is achievable, taking the student gradually from beginner to advanced in a smooth way. Yshai's ability to analyse and explain technique, movement and rhythmical concepts is clearly at today's highest level. If you are serious about study I highly recommend the lessons.

Everybody knows me as the perpetual percussion student. I've taken group lessons from some of the top people, but there is nobody like Yshai. I was blown away at his lapstyle class at Frame Drums Italia, and came back the next year for more. Although they're group classes on Zoom, they feel like one-on-one in person. I started with his riqq class and am now doing upright frame drum. Wish I could do all four.

To find a great musician and a teacher together is as close to finding a pearl in the ocean, and I was so lucky to find this gem of a person. His teaching methodologies and curriculum are so disciplined and organised. The solos he composes spontaneously for every class are so soulful and intellectual. If you are ready to invest time and be dedicated, years down the lane I promise you would be a maestro and your music would speak for itself.

Searching for a long time for a way to study the frame drums, one day I found Yshai and his online courses. I was always skeptical about online lessons, but now I can say without any doubt that Yshai's method works great! He's a deep musician and crystal clear methodical teacher. Starting from the fundamentals, Yshai grows your learning and skills day by day — every lesson is a new brick on top of the previous one, building a rock-solid technique and rhythmic awareness.

I have been learning Darbuka with Yshai since September 2023. I ended up completely retraining my technique, which now allows me to do things I couldn't do before. The most important thing is the structure and plan of the lessons, which have completely reassured me. I now understand how to practice systematically. I feel confident that if I consistently follow the guidance given in the lessons, I will succeed. I now have a sense of confidence that everything will work out eventually. I'm happy I decided to enroll in this course.

I have been taking online Upright Frame Drum classes with Yshai for six months and I highly recommend him as a teacher. His organizational skills and methodical teaching style have made the practice easy to follow and quite rewarding. I am very pleased with the progress I have made in such a short time and am looking forward to what the next six months brings.

Usually great instrument players may not necessarily be good at teaching, but Yshai is that guy!!! I am so lucky to have discovered Yshai and joined his rhythm course. Professional, informative and systematic learning — how lucky I am to be able to go from beginner to advanced. Thank you Yshai!

I found Yshai's classes serendipitously after wanting to dive into a deeper study of the frame drum for a few years. Yshai is a one-of-a-kind teacher. He teaches a very precise and thorough technique, but he is equally invested in teaching a deeper understanding of rhythm. In addition, his style of teaching is focused on injury prevention. As someone who has struggled with pain in my arms and hands, I found that his style not only prevents injury but has actually helped me to reverse the problem. This is not an easy path but it is 100% worth it!

Yshai is a great teacher! He leads his students on a methodical path full of inspiration. Studying with him took me a few meaningful steps forward both technically and musically. Go for it!

I've enjoyed studying with Yshai very much. You are an amazing, generous, masterful teacher. I've learned an immense amount in such a short time. The first months my mind was blown open in a good way with rhythmic possibilities. Each time new things you share is just expansive and exciting. I'm so grateful for the skills I've learned and look forward to integrating them more in my playing. Your classes have been a significant highlight in my frame drum journey!

Once in a lifetime, you may be so lucky to study with a master. These classes are that opportunity. Yishai is that master. There is no teacher that will take you further than Yishai. I am studying both lapstyle and upright frame drumming in his weekly classes. These classes are packed with challenging lessons that will transform you. Everything is well organized and all you have to do is show up, practice and follow his process. You will be in a community with people from all over the world, which I find to be very exciting. My playing and understanding of rhythm are so much better than even a few months ago that dare I say, 'I was lost but now am found?!' If I drummed at the top of the world with all my might, I could not recommend more strongly that you take this opportunity to be Yishai's student. It is, quite simply, the opportunity of a lifetime!

When I started my first session with Yshai, he told us something I'll never forget: 'My plan is to teach you everything I know.' Many teachers hold back a little, but Yshai has lived up to that promise every single day. Taking his lap-style frame drum classes has been a holistic experience. He is incredibly meticulous — his attention to ergonomics and the health of the player is astonishing — but he couples that technical sharpness with a rare sense of humility and curiosity. He doesn't just teach you a technique; he teaches you how to be an explorer of your own sound. He encourages us to look beyond even his own knowledge and find our own voice. What really sets Yshai apart, though, is how much he truly cares. Even in a group setting, he keeps track of each student's progress, energy, and even their personal well-being. He spends an incredible amount of time providing high-quality materials and exercises — far more than most teachers I've known. You can feel that he's a 'real' teacher at heart. He manages to find the perfect balance: he is sharp and honest about your technical shortcomings, yet celebrates every small victory you have. I would recommend his classes to anyone — not just aspiring percussionists, but anyone who wants to experience what a truly great teacher looks like.

I worked professionally as a symphonic percussionist for over 30 years, and I was very eager to find a teacher who could teach instruments that are not played with sticks. That's when I found Yshai, and I was extremely impressed. He uses a method that does not rely on traditional music notation, which is very simple and especially helpful for those who are not familiar with standard musical writing. I can confidently say that Yshai has been the best percussion teacher I have ever had. I took weekly lessons with him for a significant period of time, and the growth I experienced during that time was remarkable. He is an excellent instructor — clear, organized, patient, and deeply knowledgeable. His lessons are always well-structured, and he has a unique ability to explain concepts in a way that makes them accessible and inspiring. Beyond his technical expertise, he truly cares about his students' progress and development. I am very grateful for everything I learned from him and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dedicated and outstanding music teacher.

I am a world rhythm enthusiast, and seven months ago I took the plunge and enrolled in Yshai's 2025 Lapstyle Frame Drum class. At that time, I had been studying and playing the frame drum for six years and considered myself a fairly solid drummer. However, after just the first month of classes, I quickly realized how much more there was to learn and how many skills I still needed to develop. Week by week, through Yshai's thoughtful instruction and consistent practice, I began to feel more at ease and confident. Yshai brings a genuine presence to his teaching and shows deep mindfulness toward his students. His classes are carefully structured to build a strong foundation, guiding you step by step in developing technique and musicality. The course material is exceptionally well designed, and his original compositions provide both inspiration and a meaningful challenge. The Zoom format works seamlessly, and Yshai is incredibly organized, sending review materials promptly after each class. One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the opportunity to submit a video every two weeks for critique — his feedback is both constructive and encouraging. I initially committed to six months to see if this path was right for me. Now, I'm fully invested. I don't regret embarking on this journey for a single moment. I am deeply grateful to have found Yshai.

I am a student of Yshai's Lapstyle Frame Drum class since fall 2025. Being a professional drumset player with experience in both Tombak and Frame drum I wasn't sure if an All-Levels class would be suitable for me. But it turned out I was practicing and being challenged starting from the first lesson. Yshai is an exceptional teacher whose holistic approach covers everything from technique, musicality, mindset, composition and spirit. Having had a lot of great teachers in my life, Yshai really stands out being able to cover all aspects of being a musician and really taking you by the hand as a student. Although teaching group online classes you feel seen and heard by Yshai, since he gives you lots of feedback during class as well to the recordings you can send him every two weeks. All in all this is a very satisfying and motivating situation for me. I am growing not only as a musician but I feel by watching Yshai I also improve in being a better teacher to my own students. I can fully recommend Yshai's classes to anyone — this is not your average online class of someone trying to make some quick buck — this is a dedicated teacher taking you under his wings to really make you grow as a musician.

As a seasoned afro-latin percussionist I can't recommend Yshai's classes enough. He flawlessly initiates you into the technical secrets of his honed and sophisticated art of Mediterranean percussion. Yshai's education process is one of a kind because it's an honest yet exciting view on a percussionist's essentials. A view of a true mastery of a world class percussionist. His passion for never-ending rhythmic exploration keeps inspiring you daily. Every step you take with him is well thought and logically planned to develop your own voice on the instrument while drinking straight from the source. In my 25 years of learning world percussion from many great players I never felt that I'm following a consistent path to success… until now. Thank you Yshai — you're the teacher everyone should have been blessed with since the very beginning.

I've not come across any other person who is so invested in their student's growth as much as Yshai. For an absolute beginner like me, the lessons have been structured in baby-steps as it progressively improves your skills. It's both challenging and inspiring to sit in Yshai's class — as everything in life should be. I didn't join thinking I wanted to be a professional percussionist, but he's created a system and a community that sets the stage for that. Just show up like an empty vessel and get prepared to be filled with creativity.

Highly recommended! Yshai's teaching is very motivating, profound, and structured. You will be able to develop your musical skills on a very high level. In every lesson you feel Yshai's passion for teaching and the art of percussion. His lessons are demanding in the best possible way: they will let you outgrow.

After years of trial and error, one-off workshops and online courses, I've finally found a complete system for deep development in frame drumming!

Studying with Yshai opened up a world I thought isn't available for me, but he made it possible! Finally I get a whole "pack" in studying music. Understanding, technique, spirit and emotions — everything is there! He always finds a way to bring out the best in you, what you may thought that you don't have or you couldn't do, he will find a way to bring that out of you. And besides his teaching and musical mastery, he's really funny, nice and cool guy! After all, just listen to his music and tell me you don't want to learn from this guy!?

Huge shoutout to Yshai's classes! The difficulty ramps up super gradually, so total newbies can keep up with zero stress. His explanations are so clear and demos are easy to follow — no confusion at all. The only thing you need to do is keep practicing; stick with it, and you'll see amazing results!

Through his curated lessons, Yshai Afterman introduced me to useful technical concepts, and his clear, structured explanations have significantly expanded my playing vocabulary, thereby deepening my understanding of the frame drum.

In the past I attended workshops of renowned masters of frame drum, but somehow I didn't really see the progress I anticipated. Studying with Yshai opened a path for me that is clear cut and it offers me structure and sure guidance that I can rely on. Also, I really like his approach to drumming, which one can feel is deeply musical and spiritual. I warmly recommend his school to anyone who is serious about advancing their percussion skills.

I am very grateful to have discovered Yshai, both his music, and to have as a teacher. My mind can feel scattered and disorganised at times, Yshai's teaching style puts my busy mind at ease with his clear and concise structure, delivery, and brilliant content that keeps building each week. If you want a high quality professional teacher, that offers personalised feedback, or you have aspirations to take your playing to a professional level, you will not regret signing up with Yshai. I am 51 years young, so you are never too young or old to learn this ancient instrument. The frame drum has become my life's passion.

Yshai is a once in a lifetime performer and teacher. From the first time I saw him play online I knew I had to study with him. His teaching system, approach, style, and sound makes him one of the best in the business. Lessons are very organized and structured to progress at a steady rate and his feedback is clear and honest. You couldn't ask for more from a teacher. He deeply cares about his craft and his students and really wants to share his knowledge to so many around the world. The community aspect of the group learning is special and a place where we make lifelong connections. It's a great learning space where everyone is progressing together and a place to further share ideas.

Not all great musicians are great teachers. Yshai Afterman happens to be both. Attentive, patient, well organized & extremely generous. What more could you ask for?

I'm studying frame drum lapstyle in Yshai Afterman's class since 8 months. For me it's perfect that I can watch the lessons as often as it needs to be. Yshai is a great musician and a passionate teacher. Every week I learn something new and every lesson is built on top of the previous one. This inspirational method helps me to go deeper into playing my drum than I've thought it could be.

I've been studying percussion for over 15 years, and in Yshai I've found a teacher whose dedication and generosity are truly inspiring. His highly effective teaching method allows someone with no musical background to reach a professional level in just two years (of course, if they put in the work). I love his classes, and after completing the Riqq course I'll move on to the Bendir course. On top of that, the way he builds community — bringing in other teachers to share with us, organizing open mics, and more — speaks to his humility and his genuine passion for helping us truly learn.

Thank Yshai so much for the riqq lessons — it feels like a dream come true. I've wanted to learn this instrument for years, but my self-taught attempts were frustrating and unsuccessful. While occasional masterclasses gave me inspiration, the information always felt like scattered pieces of a puzzle in universe scale. Thanks to the structured, logical, and step-by-step approach, I can finally see my skills developing. I'm honestly surprised at how confidently I can hold the riqq and even play something after just a few lessons. Compared to years of struggle, this feels like magic! I am so grateful for Yshai's patience and attention to detail. He never overlooks the 'obvious' things and stays focused on a specific challenge until I truly get it.

I am a first year student of Yshai. I am now seven months into my practice with Yshai, I can say without a doubt I am beyond grateful. His structure for teaching is incredibly comprehensive for those that are serious about learning. I've never studied percussion before, however I've played around on drums for years — I've learned more with him in seven months than I did in all my years messing around. While studying bansuri I had two teachers, I mention that only to say Yshai's method of teaching is of the highest level I have experienced. I personally need a teacher for the growth I'm looking for and Yshai thus far has been a perfect fit for me.

Yshai's clear, methodical and no-nonsense teaching is opening up a new world full of music and rhythmic possibilities for me in ways, as a beginner, I would previously not have thought possible. Each eagerly anticipated class is accompanied with videos, handouts, listening material — and of course detailed and targeted homework, which is providing the carefully crafted roadmap I need and value. With each class building on the previous one, progression is smooth and enjoyable with an equal mix of challenge and personal fulfilment, and I am looking forward to seeing where, under Yshai's expert and encouraging guidance, this exciting journey takes me. I thoroughly recommend Yshai's classes!

A few months of classes with Yshai Afterman opened my mind to the world of rhythm. Lessons are clear and organized and the progression follows a musical journey that flows deeper and deeper into the magic of the drum.

Yshai is a very attentive instructor. He provides great feedback for each student, while also introducing many concepts useful for frame drummers who want to expand their rhythmic vocabulary.

I am extremely pleased with my experience in the Darbuka and frame drum classes. The Yshai's knowledge and passion for the art form are evident, and he creates a positive and engaging learning environment. His teaching methods are effective, allowing me to explore more complex rhythms. I feel motivated and inspired after each lesson, and I've already noticed significant improvement in my skills. I highly recommend these classes to anyone interested in percussion!

I've had a really positive experience with Yshai's approach to teaching. He shares his knowledge online with a lot of authenticity and clarity, and his sessions feel focused, thoughtful, and well structured. If you're looking to develop as a musician in a deeper way—beyond just instrumental technique—this is definitely worth exploring. The key is to TRUST his process and fully commit to the journey under his guidance.