9/8 Romani Groove Mastery

Learn the Traditional Turkish Romani Groove, Modern Variations & Split-Hand Applications

The 9/8 rhythm is one of the most iconic grooves in Turkish music — heard in folk songs, Romani celebrations, weddings, street performances, and even modern arrangements.

Across cultures, it carries different identities: played with asma davul in Turkey and Tapan (Tupan) across Balkan countries.

This rhythm also carries a deep dance tradition. The Romani dance begins with a heavy and expressive ağır aksak feel and gradually accelerates into the lively karşılama.

In this course, Hakan guides you through this entire rhythmic journey with clarity, structure, and musical insight.

Every lesson is demonstrated together with Anton, offering both teacher and student perspectives — progressing from slow, clear explanations to fast, energetic performance. Slow-motion breakdowns are included for all technical moments.

Skills You Will Gain

• Confidence and control in playing 9/8

• Understanding of Turkish Romani groove structure

• Improved Split-Hand coordination & strength

• Better timing, clarity, accents, and phrasing

• Musical adaptability with other instruments

• The ability to perform both slow and fast Romani phrasing

• Expanded rhythmic creativity and vocabulary

This course is ideal for intermediate and advanced players who want to understand the cultural depth, musical character, and technical demands of the 9/8 groove.

By the end of the program, you will be able to apply the 9/8 groove musically, confidently, and expressively — whether you are playing solo, in an ensemble, or creating your own compositions.

You can watch the first lesson, the introduction, for free!

Curriculum

1 Section
10 Lessons
Lifetime

Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections

Section 1
10

Instructor

Hakan Kaya

Born into a musician family in Istanbul, Hakan Kaya began his musical journey at an early age within the rich rhythm traditions of Anatolian folk music. He received his first percussion training from İzzet Kızıl and Şenol Cümbüşlü, and at the age of 16 studied Indian rhythms and Tabla in Varanasi, India. For many years, Hakan Kaya has performed with leading musicians and taught Darbuka, Riq, Frame Drum, and Def to students from around the world. In 2013, he became the first Turkish percussionist to release an instructional darbuka DVD. Today, his teaching blends tradition, technique, and musical expression, shaped by over 25 years of playing and teaching experience.