Darbuka Method

Go deep into split hand technique

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Welcome to the world of Split Hand Darbuka!

Split Hand is a new style from Turkey that gives you beautiful sounds, speed and dexterity like never before.

After training with Bünyamin Olguncan Istanbul for the last nine years, Raquy created this course that makes this style accessible to all drummers. The techniques are broken down in a fun and methodical way into easily digestible sections with the help of videos, notation and mp3s.

This Method Includes:

  • Video instruction and demonstration by Raquy and Bünyamin
  • Introducing the Periodic Table of Sounds
  • Bending, Sliding, and Muting
  • New rolls such as Laughing Roll and Drunk Roll
  • How to play the traditional rhythms using this technique.
  • Meet Baby Dum and Dirty Dum
  • Split Hand for Metal Drum
  • Breakdown of 3 important darbuka compositions - Monkey Mind, The Brooklyn Darbuka Anthem and Istanbul.
  • Time Exercises
  • Life at the Darbuka Ofis
  • Etiquette in a Turkish Drum Jam

Bünyamin Olguncan is the source of most of this material. It is a real treat that in this course you see his beautiful hands demonstrating the techniques.

After This Course You Will:

  • Know the main the techniques used in split hand darbuka
  • Be able to get a rainbow of sounds out of the drum
  • Know many of the main darbuka rhythms
  • Be able to play some compositions for solo darbuka
  • Be able to solo

Click Here to get unlimited access to this living school!


Your Instructor


Raquy Danziger
Raquy Danziger

Hi, I'm Raquy and welcome to my Darbuka School!

Playing the darbuka is the love of my life.

Since I discovered this drum over 20 years ago, I've devoted myself to it in every aspect - practicing, performing, teaching, composing, even decorating my own drums! I have experience playing in traditional Middle Eastern ensembles, accompanying belly dance and my current projects features the darbuka as a shining solo instrument fit for a concert hall.

In the beginning of my darbuka journey I played traditional Arabic style. Then 10 years ago I saw what was happening in Turkey with this new "split hand" technique. I made my first pilgrimage to Istanbul to learn from the masters. I ended up moving to this magical city and opening the Darbuka Ofis in downtown Istanbul where you can still find me training daily with my Hocam, Bunyamin Olguncan and other Turkish drumming masters.

I'm passionate about teaching darbuka. I have devoted students all over the world who are now performing and teaching themselves. I have traveled far and wide, spreading joy and excitement for darbuka. I have developed an innovative teaching system, using an easily understood notation key which many darbuka players these days are using.

I'm thrilled to be able to present my teachings in this elegant platform. I love the fact that this is a living school that I can constantly update with the latest stuff.

May the darbuka bring you joy, inspiration and magical experiences as it has for me!


Course Curriculum


  PDF of Instruction
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  Seating Holding & Posture
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  Closed Hits
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  Congratulations!
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  Pops and Snaps on Metal Drum
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  Ins and Outs of the Darbuka Scene in Istanbul Today
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  Congratulations!
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!