Daff Workshop

Important information about the event:

Daff Workshop: An Intensive One-Day Course

Language: English

Study Mode: Onsite

Audience: Brothers only

Age: 16+

Teacher: Ustadh Abdurrahman Smith

Join us for a comprehensive and immersive one-day intensive course designed to introduce you to the beautiful world of the Daff. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to deepen your understanding, this course will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to play this ancient frame drum.

Course Material

The course will be delivered via a presentation.

Do you have a Daff? Please bring it along! (Please contact us if you would like a recommendation)

For attendees interested in an additional resource to build upon what's learned in the workshop, a copy of 'How to Play the Daff with Nasheeds' can be purchased for the discounted price of £10 at checkout.

Course Highlights:

Beyond the Beat: Explore the spiritual intentions behind playing the Daff.

A Rich History: Delve into the fascinating history of the Daff, its various forms, and its significant role in Islam.

Foundational Techniques: Learn proper holding positions and master the main strokes to produce clear and resonant sounds.

Unlocking Rhythm: Gain a deep understanding of rhythms and timing, including how to verbalise and transcribe them.

Practical Application: Learn and play easy Daff rhythms, then progress to captivating Middle Eastern rhythms.

Play Along & Embellish: Discover how to play along with famous Qasida’s/Nasheeds, embellish rhythms with intricate strokes, and fluidly change rhythms within a Qasidah/Nasheed.

Ensemble & Expression: Develop your skills in playing the Daff with others, explore improvisation, and confidently perform solos.

Brief Instructor Biography

Having studied music in his youth and after accepting Islam in his teens, Abdurrahman Smith taught himself how to play the daff and was able to understand the theory behind its use in Islamic settings. In addition to teaching the daff in person and online, his book How to Play Daff with Nasheeds is one of the first in the English language to explore the subject of the daff, helping readers to learn the daff on their own. He also has a popular YouTube channel on which he demonstrates how to play the daff and the various rhythms that can be used to accompany some of the world’s most famous nasheeds.