Student's testimonials

"Yshai is an amazing artist and teacher !!!! he’s sharing so much during each lessons ; it has been such an inspirational journey since we started almost 2 years ago the riqq group ! highly recommended !!"

I start playing drum-set professionally in 1981 and never stop since, working for tv show, movies soundtracks, jazz and world music festival and also teaching around the world.

I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1983 and learn from the best teachers around.

I lived in Africa and Brazil for years, always seeking for inspiration. I never stopped practicing, since I believe music is an endless exploring experience.

I tell you this not for an ego-trip but to let you know that my thoughts on Yshai’s teaching are based on many years of practice and playing.

When I decided to deepen Middle East percussion, is when I met Yshai.

By far, the best teacher I have ever had. 

Not only he is a mesmerizing musician but very rare combination, is also an amazing teacher.

The learning path with Yshai, although based on traditions, is not a study of the traditions themselves but a serious study of the rhythmic language and techniques applied to a specific drum.

He perfectly knows how sublime can be playing music. He talks about the poetry of music and at the same time continuously craft the tools of expression.

He developed a very functional practice system, which he offer to you with no secret. 

Everything is explained in a very clear way. He really cares about your learning and your progresses. 

So I strongly recommend that whoever wants to have a dive into rhythm awareness, enroll with Yshai.

Just two suggestions: 

Practice seriously and regularly, because you get out as much you put in.

Cultivate opportunities to play with others because that's the ultimate goal of practice, play Music

Yshai is a outstanding musician and an amazing teacher! His teaching methods are gradual, logical and easy to follow! Studying with him has changed my outlook on drumming and dramatically improved my technique!

Studying frame drum lapstyle with Yshai Afterman has been a deeply enriching experience. His meticulous approach, his commitment to the art form, and deep musical insight have significantly expanded my skills - even after many years of drumming. Yshai combines the rare qualities of a world-class musician and an exceptional teacher. He is fully present with his students, offering sharp observations and feedback that is truly invaluable. I feel profoundly grateful to learn from someone of his caliber.

Learning from Yshai has been a truly transformative experience. As both a master musician and a gifted teacher, he brings the soul of Oriental music to life with every beat of the darbuka. His passion is contagious, his knowledge is profound, and his ability to inspire is unmatched.
As a beginner of darbuka and as an experienced conga player looking to deepen my understanding of percussion I joined the Darbuka Group last year. Yshai creates a supportive, joyful, and deeply enriching learning environment for us. His unique blend of traditional technique, cultural context, and personal warmth makes every lesson an exciting journey into the heart of music.
 
I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a dedicated mentor. Studying with Yshai has not only improved my musical skills, but also connected me more deeply to the spirit and history of Oriental music. Highly, highly recommended!

Yshai's classes are fantastic. I really look forward to and enjoy every class! He teaches just like he plays - with depth, precision and artistry. Before meeting Yshai, I did not expect to find an online group program with so much depth. The curriculum is extremely well-structured, with each class building elegantly on previous classes in so many areas - including technique, independence, and compositions of increasing complexity. You can tell that Yshai has thought deeply about his approach both philosophically and practically. One of my favorite aspects of the training is the composition exercises. Yshai is always striving to stretch our rhythmic vocabulary and create more and more freedom and flexibility from habitual limitations. I'm also impressed by the other students, many of whom are professional musicians - certainly a testament to Yshai's quality as a teacher.

So far, I’ve taken four group lessons and four private lessons, working with a total of eight musicians. Among all of them, Ysa has been the best musician and teacher I’ve had. He explains technique, composition, and everything else in a very clear and integrated way. Even though my English is not very good and I struggle to ask questions the way I want, this has been my most productive and enjoyable course.

Yshai's teaching method has helped me to improve my technique and gain a deeper understanding of how to play the instrument more freely. The lessons have provided me with loads of ideas for practicing in a structured way, with a multitude of useful drills and rhythmic exercises. Besides advancing my technique, all this has also taught me to explore the ways in which I can make my playing more interesting.
The lessons are exactly what I was looking for. I love how well-structured they are, guiding you one step at a time towards a long-term goal of proficiency. Highly recommended

Studying with Yshai Afterman, in his lap-style frame drum group, has been a transformative experience. As an educator, Yshai is in a class of his own. He teaches with a rare combination of precision, patience, and deep musicality. His method is incredibly detailed and systematic, yet always oriented toward the helping students internalize the rhythms so fully that they become second nature—tools for true creative expression.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced percussionist, Yshai’s approach to rhythm is invaluable. In my experience as a singer who often plays and sings at the same time, his emphasis on developing independence and fluidity between hands, feet, and even voice has opened up new dimensions in my music. His focus on embodiment and intuitive feel has deepened not only my playing, but my singing as well.
I can honestly say I’ve never encountered a more thoughtful or effective approach to rhythmic fundamentals. Yshai is a master teacher and a true artist of the drum.

I’ve finally found a course that offers a structured and dedicated approach to learning the Darbuka. The teacher/ Yshai Afterman shares his knowledge in an authentic and passionate way, which makes a real difference. What I appreciate most is that the course goes beyond just technique or rhythms – the teacher/ Yshai  also shares his personal experiences, which adds a deeper dimension to the learning process. Even when it’s hard to attend the live sessions, the high-quality materials make it possible to follow the course at my own pace. This course has truly made a lasting impact on my musical journey.

Yshai is a great teacher, I’m so thanksfull having been studied with him. He is methodical and well organised, the classe ´s structure help to learn easily with, at each lesson, new materials, technic, solo, composition, independance exercices… Classes start and finish exactly at the precise time. He is exigeant, analytical and help each one of the group with personal advices. The rythme of practice asked to keep the rythm is challenging & push to a good level. 

Little did I know a video I saw on Instagram would start me on the journey of learning framedrum, and continuing in my 3rd year now. Yshai is an amazing teacher, the methodology he designed guarantees you a solid foundation while constantly improving. I am lucky to find Yshai to be my teacher, and grateful for the relationship we have.
 
I have this as my testimony of my experience, really Yshai, thank you so much for the teaching. 

I enjoy a lot learning the Frame drum with Yshai. What stands out most is his deep love and genuine connection to the drum—it’s something you can feel, and it’s truly inspiring.

He has developed a clear and thoughtful system for teaching, which makes the learning process easier and accessible. You don’t just learn grooves and patterns, but also the logic and musicality behind them.

Yshai is a wonderful teacher who is encouraging, giving useful advices when you really need it and caring for the student’s progress. Also, the group setting will motivate you and make you feel you are not alone in this learning journey.

This is the best gift I’ve given myself this year. If you are interested in the drum, give it a try!

As a teacher, I cannot imagine a more impactful framework for learning an instrument. Yshai manages to provide all of his students with a vast quantity of information with an undeniable clarity. He is truly an invaluable resource!

I am writing this to anyone who is debating whether or not to study with Yshai. I have been studying with him for almost 4 years now and I feel so lucky for the day I started! Beyond the fact that he is an amazing person and a gifted musician, he is truly the best teacher I have ever had, and I have been studying music my entire adult life so I have had many teachers along the way. Anyone who starts will discover how organized and simple everything is. Yishai takes you step by step from the basics to the highest level. It was important to me to write this with all my heart. Thank me later.

Studying with Yshai has been the turning point in my music career! He has opened up my spirit and understanding to a whole new dimension in music and rhythms. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to get to know him and study with him. His love and dedication for music and teaching have always inspired me.
 
Yshai is a rare combination of a master percussionist and a great teacher, which is really hard to find. Whether you are a beginner or already have some experience in music and you are serious and dedicated to practice, i highly recommend Yshai's lesson !!! 

“Yshai is one of the most dedicated teachers that I have ever had. I started studying the riqq as a beginner in 2022 and Yshai has offered me a clear, step-by-step pathway to improve my skills. His teaching methods, together with a disciplined approach to practicing, equips you best for the journey into studying this beautiful instrument."

I studied frame drum with Yshai. I have been a professional musician for 35 years and have studied with numerous great teachers and I am also a teacher. My teachers have all been inspiring and knowledgeable but what sets Yshai apart is his ability to show you what is possible when you don’t believe it yourself. It is one thing where you know you can learn x skills through practice and study but it is an entirely different thing when your teacher gives you vision that you did not previously have. His relentless pushing and cajoling gave me vision and skills I did not know I was capable of. He will teach you to find your own voice, which is a priceless thing. I urge you to study with this master teacher.

I've enjoyed studying with you very much. You are an amazing generous masterful teacher. I've learned an immense amount in such a short time. The first months my mind was blown open in a good way with rhythmic possibilities. Each time new things you share just is expansive and exciting. I'm so grateful for the skills I've learned with you and look forward to integrating them more in my playing. Your classes have been a significant highlight in my frame drum journey!! So my gratitude to you for opening more possibilities for me around drumming!

"Yshai is a great teacher! He leads his students   on a methodical path full of inspiration. Studying with him took me a few meaningful steps forward both technically and musically. Go for it!" 

"Yshai embodies the rarest combination of being a master drummer and a genuinely caring pedagogue. His thoughtful approach to each lesson strikes a perfect balance between technique work and fun solo pieces, tailored to enhance our progress while always maintaining a strong connection to the music. As a visual learner, I greatly appreciate the recorded lessons, which have been incredibly helpful. The weekly group classes are eagerly anticipated, and I find myself excited to practice the new skills, learn the latest solo, and tackle the composition challenges where I get to explore and discover my own musical ideas. Studying with Yshai has been the most enjoyable and effective learning experience I have ever had, and I am deeply grateful for the transformative impact it has had on my musical journey."

"Yshai is the real deal. He has a very systematic approach to technique, independence, and musicality that makes it accessible for beginners and challenging for experienced players."

"Yshai is, by far, the most accurate and dedicated teacher that I have known!
He not only focuses on the technique but also shares his concept to understand music deeply.
His self created method is very well designed with a strong base of exercises and compositions.
World class musician with a high standard pedagogical method. 
I strongly recommend him!"

"Yshai is the way to dream big and really mastering these instruments. His system is methodical, original and inspiring. A true master musician and educator!"

"Yshai's lessons are, speaking from a student's and also from a university lecturer's and tutor's perspective, very well prepared, logically structured and they also bring pleasure.
Although I have almost lost the thread the last few months due to personal circumstances, I stay on the ball because Yshai's lessons are irreplaceable. Without exaggerating, his lessons are likely to be the best and most didactically sophisticated in the whole world." 

"Afterman has a beautiful language for his rhythm. A fluent language with its own alphabet and grammar.
Whether you know the musical notes or not, it's impossible not to understand Afterman's grammar and rhythm math.
After the alphabet, you learn to read and write. Then building sentences, then being able to write paragraphs.
Whether you are a author, write a story. Whether you use the sentence of the words be a poet. Whether you want to be an announcer, read what is written well. it's entirely up to you.
Afterman is the right master to learn the grammar of rhythm. The rest is up to you."

"I have been studying in Yshai's Darbuka and Riqq groups for almost two(!) years now. 
I can say without exaggeration that this is the most efficient and effective musical education I have ever participated in. 
Yshai's system is extremely well thought through and well organized, and Yshai is a truly gifted and inspirational teacher and musician. He has also mastered his online teaching setup, and everything just works. I would highly recommend these courses to percussionists at any level who are committed to practicing.
if you put in the work and follow the systems your mind will be blown!"

"I've been a professional percussionist for 20 years and have studied with some serious masters in many styles.
Yshai's method has opened my ears to a whole new world of rhythm. 
I've been studying with Yshai now for almost 2 years in frame drum, riqq and darbuka. 
His group  moves at a quick pace and I always feel inspired to practice more after every class.
Yshai refines your technique, expands your independence, and composes musically rhythmic etudes for each class. 
The icing on the cake... he writes out the parts, records each lesson, and makes mini videos of each topic discussed so you have it forever!
Cherry on top ... he's a great guy.  He's funny, kind, inspiring, and thinks deeply about rhythm and music.
Do yourself a favor, and enroll in one of his classes."

"Yshai has a systematic approach. 
Each lesson builds on the previous and each lesson is packed with knowledge; technically, musically and philosophically. 
Each lesson links to the previous fluidly, nothing is random or fragmented.
If you are serious about learning then this is definitely the course to do. 
For me (as a former martial artist) Yshai is a martial artist of percussion"

"Yshai is an amazing teacher, classes are very detail with endless digestible warms-ups, exercises and solos in the groups classes, you’ll never go hungry. 
I couldn’t be happier with my time spent studying with Yshai expertise, you can feel his passion for teaching and love for music.
Thank you for the opportunity to study!" 

"For anyone who wants to take a deep dive, with well thought out methodical classes that will take you on a wonderful journey, I highly recommend studying with Yshai Afterman. I often feel elated and excited by his teachings. Give yourself this gift."

"The opportunity to learn from Yshai Afterman is an irreplaceable gift, Yshai's method makes the world of rhythm So logical and approachable What remains to be done is to hold on tight and enjoy the beauty of knowledge."

"Meeting Yshai and his teaching has been like a new door opening in my life. His pedagogy and his love for music are a great source of inspiration and make me want to go as far as I can along the path he so generously proposes. Thank you Yshai, I'm very grateful! "

"Engaging and effortless, working with Yshai is a delightful experience. The methodology is highly structured and intuitively understandable, aimed at ensuring natural progress in practice."

"Yshai is a great teacher with a system in place to help students reach their goals. The way information is presented and the tools that accompany each lesson set you up to accomplish the tasks for the week but also open the door to go deeper. If you are looking to study an instrument in great detail, this is the place to do it!"

"I’m Valerie, I live in Paris. I studied Darbuka for two years and lap style since last year.
I’m very impressed by the method, by all the tips we get to practice, to create and to understand music better and better. Notations, recordings and generally speaking, the organization of the lesson are so clear and helpful. 
From week to week, I always know what to do. Precise goals help me to stay focused. But we also get a great material for a deeper learning, according to each one needs and possibilities.
Very important talks happen during the lessons - they mean a lot and sometimes I feel like they changed things deeply. I’m not a professional musician, and so I need to learn not only the instrument itself, but also how to build a healthy practice, how to approach art and feel that it is part of my life, even in a very modest way.
Yshai remembers exactly every step of the process, what is to learn an instrument and he shares everything of his own experience that can help. It’s so precious and exciting to share all of that with other students."

Yshai is a remarkable musician and an equally impressive teacher. His unwavering commitment and generous spirit are truly praiseworthy. As someone with a background in Flamenco Dancing, I was familiar with rhythm on an instinctual level, but understanding and articulating its theoretical aspects were beyond my grasp. Yshai has profoundly deepened my understanding of rhythm. Thanks to his instruction, I am now able to comprehend and describe musical concepts effectively—something I had previously struggled with. Yshai provides abundant materials and notes, and his classes always leave me eager to practice. He masterfully blends discipline and creativity, weaving together emotion, logic, and inspiration. He doesn't just teach drumming; he teaches artistry.
Before meeting Yshai, I attended various workshops without finding the structured progression I needed. Yshai has provided that stability, method, and solid foundation essential for my growth. Above all, he is a humble, wise, and genuinely kind person, making him a remarkable mentor and guide in the music world.

"Yshai's teaching is highly generous. 
A practice where curiosity and rigorous discipline, light-hearted and professional approach meet, perhaps serious fun. 
The lessons follow his didactic method, a transmission of technique, tools, modes of listening while giving a frame for progression. 
Yshai is a bit like a driving instructor for time-travel vehicles, later the keys stay with me to hit the road. 
A frame with which I am enabled to develop a cheerful spirit of acquiring a new mastery. 
It is a great pleasure to explore the infinite dynamic relationships with this primal instrument drum"

"I'm grateful I met Yshai. His method has helped me understand and improve my playing greatly. I appreciate his encouragement and willingness to give individualized feedback. The concepts and techniques he shares open up possibilities to keep on expanding.  I have learned a lot more than just playing an instrument. Lessons for life!"

"Not all the great percussion Masters offer online classes, but fortunately Yshai is one of them.
In the last year I started online group classes in Tar (frame drum Upright position) and Darbuka. The classes are very high quality, Afterman is a very methodical teacher, with very clear objectives and a very precise and enjoyable methodology.
His technique is impeccable and in the classes he presents you with good exercises and compositions to achieve a better understanding of all the meters, besides including coordination exercises to integrate hands and feet in your practice.
Of course nothing is free, you have to practice, and a lot, but if you do you will see that your level increases day by day and your understanding of percussion will reach levels you never imagined.
If you are a percussion teacher (me) you will find a lot of new tools to teach your students and level up their practice.
I am very fortunate to learn with one of the best and most complete percussionists in the world"

“I started learning to play the frame drum as part of Yishai's online class 4 months ago, arriving with no past experience on percussions.
Yshai's very systematic and clear approach has enabled me to develop confidence and thoroughly enjoy these months to date.
All lessons are recorded, as well as short videos, music sheets, and clear instructions for weekly practices that are sent to each pupil after each class.
Yshai's approach is extremely professional and motivating, which has enabled me to really look forward to lessons.
I would strongly recommend for anyone to start.”

"Yshai's teaching skills stand up to his playing skills. He has created a methodic system that, even in group lessons, helps each student grow according to his needs and goals"

I'm studying with Yshai on the upright style. What I love about his way of teaching is the incremental way. You learn something every week and you're challenged. So it really feels you're learning and getting better. You also learn to create your own rhythms, which is great. But the steps are in such a way that it's doable and suddenly you can do things you couldn't before.

Yshai is one of the best teachers I have ever experienced.  Not only has he created a beautiful comprehensive system for the development of skills and techniques, but also through his teaching, empowers us to become better musicians, to learn to listen, to develop a feel, and a keener sense of time, and the inspiration to improvise and to compose. He provides incredible support, sending us videos of our classes and the new techniques we are exploring, along with the pdfs and recap of the content of each lesson, and is always open to questions and offering feedback.   He also has been successful in getting me to practice consistently, and that’s no small thing

"I've really been enjoying the past 5 months learning upright frame with Yshaithe plan is so well-built, every lesson is built on top of the other and the progress is unbelievable + the lessons are super fun! strong recommendation!"

"I started studying with Yshai years ago, when my knowledge of darbuka, frame drum and riqq were next to zero. His methods and compositions have allowed me to find my connection with these instruments like never before, and I always have loads of fun practising for lessons. As a result, I have truly fallen in love with the artistry of playing these instruments. These days, I am able to apply what I have learnt to playing as part of an instrumental trio. I am deeply grateful for all the knowledge he has so selflessly imparted."

I have studied three drum styles with Yshai—the riq, frame drum upright, and frame drum lap style. Yshai is an amazing musician and teacher who is passionate about helping others learn and improve their skills. I look forward to class each week. His teaching method is meticulous and well-planned, taking you through everything step by step. The weekly homework assignments help me focus my practice and improve. I also enjoy hearing his musings during class on topics such as practice, inspiration, presence, performance, and much more. I have taken some wonderful short online programs with other teachers previously, but I eventually reached a point where I wanted to go beyond what those programs could offer. If you are wanting to dive deeply into the art of drumming, Yshai is one of the best teachers to study with!

"I have been studying with Yshai: Frame Drum, Riq and Darbuka over 3 years. The lessons are very well structured and methodical so that each step in the progress is achievable, taking the student gradually from beginner to advanced in a smooth way. Lesson notes and videos are clear and allow the student to understand the material well and practice efficiently. 
Yshai’s ability to analyse and explain technique, movement and rhythmical concepts is clearly at todays highest level. If you are serious about study I highly recommend the lessons"

Everybody knows me as the perpetual percussion student. I've taken group lessons from some of the top people, but there is nobody like Yshai. I was blown away at his lapstyle class at Frame Drums Italia, and came back the next year for more. Now, no travel is needed to immerse yourself in his extraordinary step-by-step methodology. All you have to do is show up at your computer or iPad for 1.5 hours at the same time every week, practice diligently, send videos, occasionally demonstrate your homework or solo in class, and get detailed feedback from him. Although they're group classes on Zoom, they feel like one-on-one in person. I started with his riqq class and am now doing upright frame drum. Wish I could do all four.  

"To find a great musician and a teacher together is as close to finding a pearl in the Ocean and I was so lucky find this gem of a person.
His teaching methodologies and curriculum is so disciplined and organised that you could always catch-up over time but certainly requires dedication :)
Coming to solos which he composes spontaneously for every class are so soulful and intellectual . These would not only satisfy the needs of a musical nerd  but also would  let a cave man dance happily :)
There are also some insights which he talks about music but those principles i apply to my day to day life and yeah there are some quick witted jokes too which keeps the atmosphere so lively. I was fortunate to learn from him and if you are ready to invest time and be dedicated years down the lane i promise you would  be a maestro and your music would speak for itself"

Searching since a lot of time a way to study the frame drums, one day i found Yshai and his online courses. I was always skeptical about online lessons, but now i can say without any doubt that the Yshai's method works great!
He's a deep musician and crystal clear methodical teacher. Starting from the fundamentals, Yshai grows your learning and skills day by day and every lesson is a new brick on the top of the previous one, building a rock-solid technique and rhythmic awareness. I'm so glad to be his student.

I have been learning Darbuka with Yshai since September’23. When I started, I already had about a year of experience playing and learning the instrument. Because of this, I wasn't intimidated by the idea of online lessons—I thought my previous offline learning experience would help. And it did, but I also ended up completely retraining my technique, which now allows me to do things I couldn't do before. It turned out that video lessons, which can be rewatched as many times as needed, offer more than a single live lesson ever could.
But the most important thing is the structure and plan of the lessons, which have completely reassured me. I now understand how to practice systematically, and I have stopped being interested in all those one-time seminars and master classes. I feel confident that if I consistently follow the guidance given in the lessons, I will succeed. Yes, it will take time, and I'm okay with that. I now have a sense of confidence that everything will work out eventually; it all depends on me, and Ishay has provided the roadmap to follow. I'm happy I decided to enroll in this course.
Thank you!

I have been taking online Upright Frame Drum classes with Yhai for six months and I highly recommend him as a teacher.
His organizational skills and methodical teaching style have made the practice easy to follow and quite rewarding.  
I am very pleased with the progress I have made in such a short time and am looking forward to what the next six months brings.

Usually great instrument player  may not necessarily be good at teaching, but Yshai is that guy!!!
I am so lucky to have discovered Yshai and joined Yshai's rhythm course. Professional, informative and systematic learning, how lucky I am to be able to go from beginner to advanced. Thank you Yshai for establishing the teaching system and being willing to share your expertise.❤️

“I found Yshai's classes serendipitously after wanting to dive into a deeper study of the frame drum for a few years. I am so glad that I did. Yshai is a one-of-a-kind teacher. He teaches a very precise and thorough technique, but he is equally invested in teaching a deeper understanding of rhythm. 
 
In addition, his style of teaching is focused on injury prevention. As someone who has struggled with pain in my arms and hands, I found that his style not only prevents injury but has actually helped me to reverse the problem. 
 
This is not an easy path but it is 100% worth it! “