Welcome to the website of Tim Garside / Garsaaidi, (Garsaaidi is the name I have released most of my cds under,) I am first a percussionist who has specialised in Arabic Drumming since 1985. Over time I have also learnt to play Nay, Arghul, Simsimiyya, Setar, Dulcimer, Citole and many more {See instruments}, My studies have encompassed a broad range of influences from all over the Middle East and beyond which define my playing.
Tim J Garside
My style has been shaped, developed and inspired by the bond between dance and rhythm, I have played for dancers almost as soon as I could play the rhythms and continue to do so as it is an eternally creative process.

I have worked in schools all over the country for over 20 years, teaching primarily Egyptian hand drumming; and in that time I have taught over 30,000 children through a variety of projects.

In addition, I teach adult workshops with various drumming themes as well as private lessons. {See education}

I have taught at RADA, SOAS, Trinity College of music and the Guildhall school of Music. My work has included Film, TV, Radio, theatre, sessions, tours, functions, weddings, Haflas and countless dance and educational workshops.

My style of playing has also lent itself to Early Music/Medieval Ensembles, principally Joglaresa, who I worked with for over 18 years.

INSTRUMENTS

Iranian Daf

Iranian Daf
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Sufi hand drum with jingles, when you play these the sound bounces right in your face there is no escape but to succumb to the rhythm.

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Darbuka

Darbuka
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Egyptian hand drum, one of many I own, Cast aluminium with a plastic head, the old ones would have been ceramic with a fish skin stretched over the top, the size larger than this is a Sombati and the size larger than that is the bass Doholla.

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Tombak

Tombak
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Iranian hand drum, I myself use many finger techniques on this as its warm sounding skin is very responsive, it is sometimes called a Zarb.

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Frame Drums

Framed Drums
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A selection of a few of my frame drums, you can never have enough frame drums, each one has its own character, some of these drums have a gut string stretched inside across the skin {almost like a snare drum}, these drums are from north Africa and produce a trance like buzzing sound.

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Frame Drums With Cymbals

Tambourines
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Frame drums with cymbals and bells including Italian Tamburellos and Riq (small Arabic tambourine), the tambourine is the most underestimated instrument in the world and in the right hands they can produce as much complexity as a drum kit.

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Iraqi Kishba

Iraqi Kishba
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Small Iraqi hand drum, the head on these drums is only 8cm; they produce a deep cutting sound like a machine gun.

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Kajon, Udu and Kettle drum

Cajon, Udu and Kettle Drum
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A few of the larger drums, Cajon is the box which you sit on and slap for different sounds, udu is the small clay pot using fingers and palms to create many sounds and the large Indian kettle drum sometimes called a Naqqara.

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Nay and Kawala

Nay and Kawala
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Egyptian reed flutes, Nays to the right Kawalas to the left, Kawalas have one less octave and no thumb hole at the back, you hold these flutes at an angle to the mouth and blow.

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Arghul and Mijwiz

Arghul and Mijwiz
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A collection of Arghuls and Mijwiz from Egypt…Arghuls have a drone pipe , Mijwiz have two chanter pipes. They have two single reeds which work by blowing air over them and they vibrate, it is usually played using a circular breathing technique, creates a sound similar to a bagpipe. Like the Nays they have been around for a few thousand years.

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Home-made Nays

Home-Made Plastic Nays
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Some of my homemade Nays, if you would like to buy one similar to these let me know. They usually have about two and bit octaves.

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Kamanche

Kamanche
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Persian violin. Kamanche means little bow. It has a very ancient addictive sound.

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5 String Egyptian Simsimiyya

Egyptian 5 string Simsimiyya
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Egyptian Lyre, for these instruments you strum all the strings with a plectrum and dampen down the strings you don't want to hear. Often used by Bedouins in the desert as a social instrument.

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Large Simsimiyya

Egyptian large Simsimiyya
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Large Egyptian Lyre 11 strings, this one is from Alexandria.

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Rabab

Rabab
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Egyptian spike fiddle, made from horse hair coconut shell and luggage strap! The second string is made from metal. This one is from Luxor.

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Setar

Setar
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Iranian Lute with four metal strings, often used as a solo instrument. Up until two hundred years ago it had three strings, it originated in Persia before the spread of Islam.

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Iranian Santoor

Iranian Santoor
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The santoor is an ancient Babylonian stringed musical instrument. It is a trapezoid shaped hammered dulcimer often made of walnut, with seventy strings. The special-shaped mallets (mezrab) are lightweight and are held between the index and middle fingers. A typical santoor has two sets of bridges, providing a range of three octaves.

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Dulcimer and Dulcimette

Dulcimer and Dulcimette
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Appalachian Zithers, Sometimes called Mountain Dulcimer or a lap Dulcimer.. the Dulcimer is on the right .The Dulcimette is an octave higher and is on the left, A simple instrument which is so easy to get started on and progress. Sometimes plucked, sometimes strummed.

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Epinette des Vosges

Epinette des Vosges
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French Zither, Epinette des Vosges, this has three drone strings and two chanter strings, the European predecessor of the Dulcimer

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Citole

Citole
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12thC medieval Citole, a copy of a popular instrument from medieval times, it would have had gut strings but this one has nylon strings for ease of tuning.

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Kantele

Kantele
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Finnish Zither seven strings, Finland's national instrument.

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Indian Harmonium

Indian Harmonium
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This is essentially a keyboard that works by bellows at the back. I have two, one of which I had adapted to play Arabic quarter tones. Basically the air passes over a metal reed which vibrates a certain pitch; to change that pitch you need to file off a small piece of the metal. I can then emulate the Egyptian quarter tone accordion.

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Keyboard and Bass

Keyboard and Bass
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To add a bit of weight to my recordings I sometimes add a little of these basic instruments, always being mindful not to let them dominate the piece.

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MY CDS

Page12345About My CDS>
I-AK

International-Air Kontrol

Nay driven percussive tracks
> Nay driven percussive tracks Reflection Retrospect Manolyn Gozlerin Gozlerin II The Wingless Fairy Addeysh Kan Fi Nas Ya Teyra Teeri Akendiz Nod The Dog
Sons of Jabul

Sons of Jabul

> A collection of Middle eastern soups Into Abyss Lady Cry Ballad Et Al Praise Leylat Hob Peshrev Mahur Imp Bir Dayan Dur All By Oneself Sons of Jabul Yildizlarn Altinda Ele Gune
Lion

Lion

> Purely Percussive Afro Arabian inspired Ibis Idols Weasel Storm Brew Red Smile Waha Train Dog Kenyan Shuffle Art of Six Bazil and Time Throw Back Fish Temple of Joy
Moon in the 7th House

Moon in the 7th House

> Saut Dawning Blue Camel Hey Onbelsi Simsimiyya Delta Solitude The Partings Bet'ti Kanwayti Heaven is waiting
The Lonesome Swan

The Lonesome Swan

> Ajam Ajam Division Pentatonic Relationships Alnahl Miyakaim Kapildim Rast Irak Bir Gonul Ya Dar Ya Bijea Gzulerin
Viva Los Tambora

Viva Los Tambora

> Chumbia Tenament Merngue El Son Viva Los Tambora Monsturo de la moda 40 stix Merengue pop Afrobeat 7 Afrobeat 1 Charanga Chumbia Merengue Chumbia
Root Routes

Root Routes

> Dagla Dagla Piri Adawaya Dombra Beloved Eroussa Metcalf Gun Agarnica Obied Ask Masali
Karabasan

Karabasan

> Inleyen Nagmeler Ah Bu Sarkilarin Bir Kizil Tanri Istem Endless Rast Oyun Havasi Qatili Bi Ghunji L’ Kahali Sen Kimseyi Enta Fein Wa Houbbi Fein Uzun Ince Bir Yoldayim Bach’s Badinerie
Cyrus

Cyrus

> Sevenlar Anlar Sar Sirun Ya Penin Nilofar shul Rashiq-l-Qaddi Son of Cyrus Fikrimin Ince Gulu Mera Mikham Beerham Kooh Inidat Kahramana Afron
We Are Bedouin

We Are Bedouin

> Folk and classical interpretations, inspirations and improvisations from around the Arab world and beyond. Vintage Hob Yo La La Sallou Aley Broken & Fixed Massilla La Rosa Terre Madre Baladi Division Lorestani Abstraction Estampie Moonset
Soul Textures

Soul Textures

> Folk and classical interpretations, inspirations and improvisations from around the Arab world and beyond. Nahawand Longa Samai Kurd Peshrev Sand Tanz Ma Alli Wi Oultilu Los O Loss 4.57 Mawashah 6 Beat Salouni Al Nas Wadha Su La Riviera Soul Shadow Unknown Waltz Samai Hijaz
Soghati

Soghati

> Folk and classical interpretations, inspirations and improvisations from around the Arab world and beyond. Maraa Beboos Midnight in Moscow Turali Reng 7/4 Muwashahat Soghati Dronescape Samai Kurd Gule Gule Cecen Kitzi Shahzadeye Roya Zarni el Mahboub Sufi Moulid Maqsoum Gears El-Sayed
Counting 2 One

Counting 2 One

> Folk and classical interpretations, inspirations and improvisations from around the Arab world and beyond. Sons de Cloches Ya Habibi ya Taala Nightingale Sehnaz longa Well if I nay! Sihtu Wajdan Aala ad el-Shouq Raqsat Tahiyyat Old Azeri Dill Tesnif Zephur Nasim Peshrev Bouchaq Turkarabazeri
Omu Omu

Omu Omu

> Folk and classical interpretations, inspirations and improvisations from around the Arab world and beyond. Time is Linear {Part I} Time is Linear {Part II} Peninsular of Arghul Porteghale Man Fallahi of Sawts Balasi Medley Shamens Yea Le Ya Le Le Lee Myoh Myoh Myoh Omu Ponder
I-in-unity

I-in-unity

> Folk and classical interpretations, inspirations and improvisations from around the Arab world and beyond. Inta Inia Nyabingy Tak Tak Kawala Nine Stitches Alhozy Charlie Gulf Tango Maroc n Roll All is not Aulos Island Wadi Tarabonka Xandria Mijwizards
Ka Man Che

Ka Man Ché

> Folk and classical inspirations from around the Arab world. Kindi Hawa ya Hawa Mediterano Afra ya Dari Rababooo Le Fromage Isharaq Egyptian Folk Song The Kings Cafe Brazilian Escapade Sallou Al Nabi Love + Time = Hate Bailando Sobre La Pared
Heka

Heka

> A joyous blend of all styles. Perfect for dance. The Empire Alexandria Luxor Baladana Old Fez Lucky Seven Rahbani Dance Compassion The Baladi Vamp Severin Ben Phychanese Dub Saaid
The Unsuspected Element

The Unsuspected Element

> Mixing flavours and styles. Food for the ears inspiration for the feet. Sallem Alley Ya El Midan Alghoza Lama Nadani Law Tesmaani Hanif Salamaya Saaid Haniz Skylym Saaidi Didi Nasrudin Wasanee Talia Min Bait Abouha Yalla Yalla Go-Go
Overground

Overground

> Folk and classical inspirations from around the Arab world. Ahbabena Ya Aini Saaid Fallahin Arghul Nubian Swat Mesopotamia Nubian Groove Mawal Swat Malik Ya Hilwa Thingers N Fums Nubian Crocodile Trance Malik O Fortuna
Underground

Underground

> Folk and classical inspirations from around the Arab world. Trad Iraqi Dabka El Nora Nay N Mijwiz Sajida Weli Lebanon Je Suis Nobody Tunisain Zajal Syrian Maroc Medley
Ra Tarab

RA TARAB

> Shaabi Classical and Baladi , a rich melting pot just waiting to be danced to. Eh Rah Menek Ya Ai Wa Hayet Alby Wa Afraho Sir Bina Qitar Watermans Sabah Breaks Nassam Alayna el Hawa Al Jeel Habaytak Bisif Layla Ehr Ha Meeni Bitadini Ya Banat Iskanderia
Ra Baladi

RA BALADI

> Eleven highly fuelled energy driven tracks all with a Baladi theme now. Edella Ya Rashida Taht Il Shibbak Ricotrib Baddi Shoufak Balead Al Trash Kouli Nubian Anthem Nostra Baladi Rahbani? Clubadi Edella Ya Rashida II
Wood Skin and Consequence

Wood Skin and Consequence

> A delicate landscape to explore. Tallou Hbabna Samai Nahawand Egyptian Folk Tune Ziads Folk Darboogaloo Balad el Mahboub Taksim Santour Awel Marra Saaidi Nine Four Hijaz Bayati Doulab Zaar Attar Zaarghul
The Indifference of Possibilities Versus The Possibilities of Indifference

The Indifference of Possibilities Versus The Possibilities of Indifference

> A contemporary take on the classical Muwashahat form with poetry and interspersed with mindful pieces altogether makes this a unique collection of tunes. Dionysus Ya Sitta Ya Khityarah Saba Nibtidi Bayati Samai Rast Nubian Simsimiyya Baladi Nay Darwish Hijaz Kawala Nahawand Ya Citole Tamrihinna
Outer Dimensions

Outer Dimensions

> The long Sufi piece dominates this collection the other tunes and improvisations just add to the experience that is Outer Dimensions. Akhud Habibi D'ana Yamma Affility Aswany Train to Upper Broken Sitar Desert Curse on a Future State Roots of Masnavi Longa Riyadh The Commanding Self Bejtullah
The Rise and Fool

The Rise & Fool

> 12 tracks of pure dance inspired gems; some traditional, some home-grown, all dance floor killers, garunteed to get you moving. Ya Halawa Skanking Nay Funky Blip Raqs Gamal Arghul Ska SamKom Bina Soul Order Bashraf Simsimiyya Sweet Laina Darbuka Mix Platform Seven
Itis Asis

Itis Asis

> A percussive explosion drawing influences from all over the middle east featuring warm sounding drums. Fallahi Seat 9 Over 6 Laha Ha 7 in 14 Maqsintazar Taraudu Cassa Stepanca Farafazah Random Rose Nyabonga Amucke Maqam Daf Sufi Swell
Lament of the Underworld

Lament of the Underworld

> Very folk inspired with the odd curve ball, lots of arghul, inc trance classical, Dance Dance Dance. Petit Arghul Taksim Intro Petit Arghul Wanda Wa Nos Lament of the Underworld Saba Nay Saba Grande Arghul Taksim Intro Grande Arghul Saaidi I Believe in Maqsoum Space Has Been Informed Open Hands Grande Arghul Wahda Wa Nos Yashdi el Alhan Eye in the Sky Petit Arghul Saaidi
The Delicate Trance of Amina Smith

The Delicate Trance of Amina Smith

> Trance inspired music and rhythm inviting you to get up, move and sway. Lebanardo Spiritual Crossroads Sub Equatic 11 Idiom Zaar Setari Ishtmek Dance Amina Dance AslemelsA
to the power of one

to the power of one

> An earthy folk and Baladi theme based CD with some suprises along the way, perfect for dance. Malfuf Marshaal Baladi Nay Rabab One Arghul Tanz El Ameh An-dulcian Baladi Mashaal Persian Mashaal Rabab Two Baladi Baladi Baladi Drums Silk Route Sam-Buka
Desert Maze

Desert Maze

> A collection of folk, Baladi, contemporary, Nubian and lively pieces. A mood for everyone to dance or listen to. Ma alli wi oultilu New wedding song Lost in Sinai Kaft Nubian Banderi Sufi Arghul Shaabi Samra Ya Samra Setar Nubian Nahawand suite
Dance Doulab

Dance Doulab

> A great follow up to the now popular 'new sounds of the old pharonic', very dancable with plenty of inspiring ideas for movement Doulab Nahawand Rast Fallahi Classical Khlas Yaffaubia Tarameya Mazamir Veil Rumba Samai Bayati Nosmoudi Khatwet Habib Nay Kebira Che Mali Wali Parisianubia Al afrah
New Sounds of the Old Pharonic

New Sounds of the Old Pharonic

> Lots of rich deep sounds with large hints of Baladi. Bye-Bye Baladi Amara ya Amara Mawlid Nour Bint Al Baladi Aliskithbar Kawala Saaidi Leyla Elkoon Kolloh Beydoor Zikrayati Darbuka solo Zarani el Mahboub
Mukhamis

Mukhamis

> A little of everything here, contemporary, folk and old classical. Amay Yabol Fanoos Nine Beat Classical Adir Lana Gulf Contemp Aal nadda Maqsoum Funk Nay Itneen Ai Ai Oosa Sami Hijaz El Leyla Hilwa Nauwket Zarafat Telli Iya Heniya Er Boogie Malfuf Nay Ayoub
River n Blues

River n Blues

> Lots of Nay and percussion all performe in a folk and classical style. Qasukka el-Mayyas Palestine Fallahi Arghul Fini Syrian Muwashahat Clave Fogh-e-Nakhl Iraqi Sufi Desertwood Lamabada Cubana 20 beat Malfuf ect Wma Baaref Aziza {lazy} Cev Kebir Nami
Kemet

Kemet

> A very dance friendly CD with steady rhythm and Nay. Bayati Egyptian folk tune I Kemet Folk tune 8/4 Ya Ya Ya A'ni Maqsoum Darb Hijaz Nay Taksim Saba Daywoo Hasni Rast Samai Arghul 'Sayed Bayati Egyptian folk tune II Salamaya
The art of Bedouin

The art of Bedouin

> A very bouncy affair, groovy haunting and inspiring. Bedouin #1 Henky Badawi Spirit chaser Mighty Egypt Aten the sun God The old Kingdom Sand storm North Star Pharonic Tabla set Domtaka Imhotep
The Moon Prince

The Moon Prince

> Levant inspired masterpiece... well I like it. The Village life The Midnight market The Bedouin abduction The Prince's proposal The Village girls The Calling of Spirit The Woman's awakening The Discussion The Agreement The Fighting Horses The Laments The Moon feast
My Little Hafla

My Little Hafla

> Fun time collection of up beat danceable tracks, great for a little hafla. Egyptian Reggae Rumba Sultan Silver Fallahin Aze Baladi'sco Frank Zaffa Latin Laze Silver Fallahin 2 Un-Paris Daisy pusher Gulf Xtreme Reclaim the beats
Spiral

Spiral

> Traditional contemporary and rare Arabic rhythms. Nubian hybrid Karachi Jerk Heavy Saaidi Samia Karachi Sombati Maqsaaidi Rhythm hybrid Shadia Shadia rhythm Jazzaar
PM

PM

> 4 fifteen minute tracks quite even paced, great for listening to or jigging about, moody and calming. Stone Wood Sky Flower
Snake Spell

Snake Spell

> Very earthy sounding CD, quite folk based but with some good breakdowns of the traditional rhythms. Malfuf - Percussive Murraba Saaidi Riq Vox Luxor Nubian Omen Maqsoum Initiation Malfuf - Flowing Ancient Amiy
Basic Combinations

Basic Combinations

> The main rhythms, but this time combined togeather chopping and changing to keep you on your toes. Nay upper Egypt style Relaxed Maqsoum Fallahi Nay Impro based on Atini-An-nay Classical combination Karrachi Zaffa combination Baladi Arghul Maqsoum Masmoudi Malfuf Nubian Fallahi Saaidi Baladi Nay and classical ending Egyptian and gulf combination Fallahi and Rebab Nay taksim Baghdad, Dulcimer over an Iraqi rhythm
Basic Forms

Basic Forms

> The main rhythms that are used in egyotian music. Maqsoum Masmoudi Saaidi #1 Vox Wahda Kebira Saaidi #2 Saaidi #3 Hindi Fallahi Khlas Zaar
Iraqi Rhythms

Iraqi Rhythms

> This is a very traditional sounding CD from 2001 of just rhythms from Iraq using Iraqi Percussion. B'tahyi Jeenobi 1 Heecha Choobi 2 Hiwah Choobi 1 Jeenobi 2 Jurjuna Badawi Jeenobi 3 Samrii {zurna} Samaah Rouba
The Myth and the Stag

The Myth and the Stag

> French and English tunes for Dulcimer and Epinette. All of me playing on this, yet very nice if I may say so. Valse en Limousin Symbolotic Fred Pigeons polka Spring song Le Moissonneurs Bouree d'Auoroe sand Queen of May Temp du pan/Myth Abbot's Bromley Marcels Valse Loves damn fool En Passant la Riviere Pencarrow The vine tree An dro/Amoureuse Miss Gaytons hornpipe Stag valse
Ancient Echoes of Egypt

Ancient Echoes of Egypt

> French and English tunes for Dulcimer and Epinette. All of me playing on this, yet very nice if I may say so. Hopnar'din ya huptsa J'arne heter hetar Hasosra 'achen ta Paren dil'yia Ana bin sentan atori
My creative process:

I am influenced by what I hear, what I see and what I feel. My approach of recording may take many different steps. Sometimes I have a clear idea, a concept, be it for an album or a track. Sometimes I have no idea and allow them to come out as I layer over each track. Sometimes I acquire a new instrument and have a desire to explore the new sounds.Instruments

I admit I am no perfectionist, instead I lean towards the power or feeling of a performance rather than total accuracy; for me I think this produces a much better overall piece. I do not use a computer to tinker with the tracks, I record them on a digital hard drive recorder and mix them by hand as I see fit.

I produce on average two CDs a year, to keep costs down I design and print the covers myself, burn the CDs and slip them into a PVC sleeve.

All my Garsaaidi CDs are in some ways shaped for dancers and listeners alike.
If you would like to buy 10 or more of the same CD for your dance group or for presents then please contact me for a discount.

When you have time, browse through my work
keep an open mind and enjoy!

Thank you

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Back

EDUCATION

SCHOOLS
I have worked in schools all over the country for over 20 years, teaching primarily Egyptian hand drumming; and in that time I have taught over 20,000 children through a variety of projects. Follow these links for some school projects I have heavily been involved with over the years. ( I also have full up to date CRB check ).

The Nile School Shakers

Or teachers you can contact me if you have any queries to tie in with school projects. For example Ancient Egypt, the Tudors, Africa, Middle east, music or dance

WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS
I have been teaching Arabic drumming for many years, maybe if you have an existing drumming group or corporate event you may be interested in booking myself for further development or just for fun in any area you wish.

Here are some workshop themed ideas
Basic Arabic/Egyptian drumming All levels
Darbuka All levels
Frame drum All levels
Riq {Arabic tambourine) All Levels
Classical rhythms
Baladi rhythms
Folk rhythms
Iraqi rhythms
Nubian rhythms
Working towards a performance piece.
Understanding rhythm for dancers.

PRIVATE LESSONS
Is your drumming stuck in a rut?
Maybe you want to start drumming..
Maybe you want to develop your technique or even branch out onto some of the other percussion instruments..
Either way I am sure I can help..

ACCOMPANIST FOR DANCE WORKSHOPS
I can also be hired out as an accompanist for dance workshops {Raqs Sharqi, Belly Dance, Contemporary, Fusion or other} . I like to believe I have a sensitive approach to accompanying movement and dance with over 24 years experience. Often I can play my instruments on their own or if required with a backing track.

drums

CONTACT

drums

Email: garsaaidi@hotmail.com

Mobile: 07791 704 085