Bendir (Oriental frame drums)
Frame-drums form a large family of percussion instruments found all over the world. They are probably amongst the most ancient instruments and have developed in various forms and sizes, with our without jingles. Many traditions have developed a rich pallet of sounds and rhythm on these drums. This has only grown richer with modern developments, combining and adapting techniques and rythmic concepts from all over the world.
The framedrum used in the classes is called bendir/duf/mizhar, depending on the region, and we will mainly play lap style, resting the drum on one leg. We will focus on sounds, techniques and rhythms from different traditions, with an emphasis on the Middle East and North Africa, as well as discover new developments in technique and rhythmic composition.
The instrument
Some instruments will be brought by the teacher to be used, but bringing your own is very welcomed. We can help with purchasing decently priced quality instruments.
Robbe Kieckens, a versatile percussionist who refuses to be put in a box, has been focusing primarily on Middle Eastern percussion for over a decade. He is passionate about rhythm, sound, and playing together — about sensitivity and fire, complexity and simplicity. A devoted autodidact, he gained most of his knowledge and skills through many rich collaborations and by learning via YouTube.
He also took part in workshops with inspiring percussionists such as Zohar Fresco, Fahrettin Yarkin, Aleix Tobias, and Itamar Doari. He plays in numerous projects, but is currently mainly involved in Spëcht (a percussion trio), Halva (Klezmer and Balkan music), and his collaboration with Shahab Azinmehr (Persian music).
In his project “Op de Koffie”, he performed in 21 YouTube videos, each time in a duo with a different guest.
Information
Schedule
Inscriptions open on August 11 2025!
Come and discover this course during the free session on Wednesday 24 September 2025 from 7:45 pm to 8:45 pm.
Collective course (10 courses/cycle)
Wednesday:
- 5:30-6:30 pm: beginners
- 6:30-7:30 pm: intermediate
- 7:30-8:30 pm: advanced
Registration is required from the second course of the cycle.
Place
Price
To register for a course, membership of Muziekpublique is mandatory.
Do you not have a membership card yet? Click here to add a membership card to the shopping cart.
If necessary the teacher can vary the calendar in consultation with the course members.
Subscribe
€ 165,00 – € 415,00