Online Group Lessons

The Percussion
Groups

A long, deep and thorough process designed to transform every aspect of your playing — from first principles to advanced artistry.

A different kind of teaching

When I opened the groups, my vision was to create the same process I have been teaching my private students — but in a group format. No more isolated workshops that give only a small taste of the instrument and the teacher.

Instead: a long, deep and thorough process that will metamorph every aspect of the students' playing. I took a whole year to write and compose countless compositions, technique exercises and independence challenges for this process.

Having taught over 1,700 group lessons since 2021, I can say with complete confidence: this process works — and it works deeply.

Many students come to me having studied percussion elsewhere — in other online programs, workshops, or with private teachers. What they consistently discover, after a few months here, is that something fundamental is different: not just the content, but the system behind it, the depth of the musical thinking, the progression. I built this to address a gap I saw clearly — and there is still nothing else like it available for these instruments online.

1,700+ Group Lessons Taught
4 Instruments
Since 2021 Group Format
Yshai Afterman

"I developed this method because I wanted to give students what I was looking for myself — a complete path, not just a collection of lessons."

— Yshai Afterman
Lap Style Frame Drum lesson
Frame Drum

Lap Style Frame Drum

The lap style position has become the most popular frame drum playing style. It places the frame drum on the lap, giving the musician more control on the drum.

Suitable for both beginners and experienced players who are looking for a deep methodical structure of knowledge that will ensure a rapid and stable evolution in all aspects of their playing.

1.5 hours per week · 10 min break
Beginners and experienced players welcome
Online via Zoom · All countries welcome
New groups open September · registration required
Darbuka lesson
Goblet Drum

Darbuka

Also known as Doumbek or Tabla, the Darbuka is one of the most popular percussion instruments in the world. Metal or clay instrument, its high energy and rich technique are hypnotizing.

The lessons cover technique, musical understanding, rhythmic phrasing, coordination, and — most importantly — spirit.

1.5 hours per week · 10 min break
All levels — methodology starts from foundations
Online via Zoom · All countries welcome
New groups open September · registration required
Riqq lesson
Tambourine

Riqq

Also known as the Egyptian tambourine, the Riqq is a small and yet very powerful instrument. It is the only tambourine that has both playable jingles and skin, making it very diverse, rich and complex.

Its mastery demands precision, independence, and a deep feel for Middle Eastern rhythm — all central to this group's study.

1.5 hours per week · 10 min break
Beginners and experienced players welcome
Online via Zoom · All countries welcome
New groups open September · registration required
Upright Frame Drum lesson
Frame Drum

Upright Frame Drum

The upright position holds the frame drum up in the air with both hands. Being the most ancient form of drumming in human history, this position has been used across cultures and is traditionally related to mystical ceremonies incorporating dance.

The 2026 Upright Frame Drum group is now open for registration — a rare opportunity to join this extraordinary path.

1.5 hours per week · 10 min break
Beginners and experienced players welcome
Online via Zoom · All countries welcome
2026 group now open — register today
How it works

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.

01

Live on Zoom

Weekly 1.5 hour group lessons held live on Zoom. Can't attend? Every lesson is recorded and sent to you within 24 hours.

02

Full support package

After each lesson you receive: full video recording, lesson summary, notation sheets, and short technique demo videos.

03

Personal feedback

Every two weeks students are invited to submit a video for private feedback — Yshai's way of staying close to each student's evolution.

04

Month-to-month commitment

Commitment is one month at a time. You decide each month whether to continue. Groups typically run for 12–24 months.

05

No notation required

You don't need to read Western notation. Yshai uses custom notations that are simple and immediately readable.

06

What you need

Your instrument, a foot bell, a reliable internet connection, and the dedication to practice between lessons.

One on One

Private Lessons

Giving private lessons online since 2011, Yshai has mastered the online teaching method and has helped countless students on their musical path. Private lessons are suitable for all levels — from complete beginners to professional musicians.

Each lesson is tailored entirely to where you are and where you want to go, with the same depth and rigour of the group methodology applied to your individual journey.

A note before reaching out: Yshai is looking for students who are committed to a genuine, ongoing musical journey — not one-off sessions. If you are serious about developing your playing over time, he would love to hear from you.

Fully personalised Curriculum designed around your specific goals and level
Direct feedback Real-time guidance on technique, independence, and musicality
All levels From absolute beginners to professional musicians seeking new dimensions
Current Timetable

Weekly lesson schedule

All lessons run 1.5 hours via Zoom. New students can only join at the start of each group cycle — registration is required in advance.

This schedule reflects the current academic year and changes annually. Times shown are UTC+3.
Group lesson
Private lesson slot
Day 1
Sunday
Private Lesson
3:30 PM
Private Lesson
4:30 PM
Private Lesson
5:30 PM
Private Lesson
6:30 PM
Day 2
Monday
Private Lesson
3:15 PM
4:30 PM
Darbuka
1st year group
6:30 PM
Lap Style Frame Drum
2nd year group
Day 3
Tuesday
Private Lesson
3:30 PM
4:45 PM
Darbuka
2nd year group
6:00 PM
Lap Style Frame Drum
1st year group
Day 4
Wednesday
Private Lesson
3:30 PM
Private Lesson
4:30 PM
6:00 PM
Riqq
1st year group
Day 5
Thursday
3:40 PM
Riqq
2nd year group
Private Lesson
4:30 PM
6:00 PM
Upright Frame Drum
1st year group
Day 6
Friday
Private Lesson
1:00 PM
Private Lesson
2:00 PM
Private Lesson
3:00 PM
Private Lesson
4:00 PM

New groups open once a year — register your interest early to secure your place.