First-Timer’s Guide: Daf Drum Circle
Once a month, the Museum is filled with a steady, heartbeat-like rhythm. It's not just music; it's connection. The Daf Drum Circle invites people from all walks of life to gather in a shared beat, guided by the rich and ancient tradition of the daf, a Persian frame drum made of wood.
Led by musician and educator Jalal Kimia, this program is more than a drumming lesson. It is a meeting ground for cultures, energies, and people of every background and ability. In a single circle, strangers become collaborators, and rhythms turn into conversations without words.
The Sound of the Daf
The daf is an ancient instrument, warm and resonant, with a sound that can feel both grounding and uplifting. Jalal introduces the instrument's history and techniques in ways that are easy to follow, making space for everyone from first-time drummers to those with years of experience.
It's an inclusive space where your only task is to show up with an open mind. Every beat you play adds to the collective rhythm, building a shared energy that feels both joyful and calming.
More Than a Drum Circle
Participants often describe the experience as a form of drum therapy, a way to release tension, express creativity, and feel part of something bigger. It is also a chance to learn about a centuries-old tradition while meeting people who are curious and open to new experiences.
Instruments are provided, so you can just bring yourself (and maybe a friend or two). The program is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect activity to share with family or friends.
In Rhythm, Together
When the circle begins, something subtle happens. The air seems to move with the same rhythm, and the beats begin to weave together. You might glance at someone you've never met, and without speaking, you both know you're in the same moment. Smiles appear, shoulders relax, and the room feels lighter.
By the end, the rhythms you've played together linger not just in your ears but in your chest. It's the kind of energy you carry home, long after the last note fades.
Did You Know?
Museum members enjoy a reduced admission price for the Daf Drum Circle. Beyond the savings, your membership helps keep community programs like this thriving, creating spaces where people can meet, share, and discover together.
Ready to Join the Circle?
The Daf Drum Circle is waiting for you. Come for the rhythm, stay for the connection, and leave with a beat in your heart that lasts long after the night ends.
For details or questions, email Brigid Miller or call 301-774-0022.
