A school of ethnic drums has opened in Irkutsk, where anyone can learn ancient Eastern rhythms and play the darbuka and djembe. The school head explains why drums help relieve stress, how the project began, and why these unusual instruments attract people of all ages.

It is known that the drum is a magical instrument for some peoples and is often used for carrying out various rituals. In the East, the drum is not just a musical instrument; it is a keeper of historical traditions and a constant companion of humankind. There are Asian and African rhythms that have sounded for centuries at weddings and funerals, lift the fighting spirit of warriors, mark the birth of children, religious ceremonies, the changing of the calendar, and other traditional celebrations. Drum rhythms sound fiery; they are energizing and even have a certain energy that affects a person positively and beneficially.
Now in Irkutsk, anyone who wishes will be able to visit a school of ethnic drums and learn to play this unusual instrument. The school opened quite recently, but as it turned out, there are more and more people who want to enroll in the groups. We decided to find out where our residents’ interest in this instrument comes from and what it actually is.
I met with the head of the school of ethnic drums, Natalya Vasevskaya, and she told me many interesting things about the history of the school’s opening, about the oldest and most popular types of drums, and about their influence on people.
- Natalya, tell us, how did the idea of opening such an unusual school in our city come about?
- In fact, our school is still very young; it is 2.5 years old. Its founder is considered to be Alina Erdur. At first, she founded a school of oriental dance. After visiting Turkey one day, she saw how dancers there danced to the rhythms of drums. It was much more spectacular and fiery. Soon Alina adopted this idea, and in her school she began using drums for dancing. That is how the idea of creating a school of ethnic drums gradually took shape. In general, it is worth noting that it is not a school in the commonly accepted sense of the word. Rather, it is a club of like-minded people and enthusiasts who, for one reason or another, are interested in ethnic music and the culture of Eastern countries. We are all different, but we are united by ancient rhythms that immerse us in a completely different atmosphere, far removed from everyday life.
- What is the average age of those who want to learn to play this ethnic instrument, and what are the reasons people come to you?
- People of completely different ages come to us. Often these are people who work from morning till night, tired of the monotony of everyday life. People come to our school for different reasons. Someone simply likes Eastern music, and drums do sound very fiery. Or, as I already said, someone works all day and gets tired. For example, after a whole day in the office at a computer, you want to switch off, clear your head, and do something unusual.
- And does playing the drums really help you switch off or even overcome stress?
- Yes, playing the drum really helps you relax and get away from certain problems. Psychologists say that while playing the drums, at the moment of striking the membrane with the hand, a person gets rid of inner tension and accumulated aggression. The Japanese have anger rooms where anyone can beat up a boss mannequin, but playing the darbuka is much better, because music is harmony, and therefore always positive. You dissolve into the traditional rhythms of the East and forget all negativity.
- You mentioned the darbuka. Is that a kind of drum?
- Yes. You can learn to play the darbuka here. It is a single-headed medium-sized drum with a strong and deep sound. The first darbuka appeared in the 14th century; in the East it is usually called the “Egyptian tabla.” From ancient times to the present day, darbukas with leather membranes have been tuned by heating them near a fire. The heat tightens the membrane, the sound changes, after which the darbuka can serve as a solo drum, traditionally sounding higher than other drums. You can learn not only the darbuka here. This summer, a djembe appeared at our school - a drum made in Indonesia from wood and natural leather. In general, there are many types of drums. They can be divided into groups, for example, by shape - frame drums, goblet-shaped drums (used in Asia, North Africa, and Eastern Europe), kettle drums (in Central Asia), and many others... But at our school in Irkutsk, instruction is currently offered only on the darbuka and djembe.
Well, all this is somehow new and unusual. To be honest, I decided to try learning to play this thing. If I don’t like it, I can always quit. Besides, as the school head explained, anyone can learn it; it is not difficult at all. Any course of lessons begins with hand positioning, with learning the basic strokes and how to notate them. Then the basic rhythms are studied, which gradually become more elaborate, and the speed of playing increases through improved coordination and freer hands.