Daff Workshop: Learn to Play with Al-Nur Nasheed Choir

Learn to Play the Daff

In this five-week workshop, Arshiya Razvi will teach you to play the daff, and then you’ll take the stage with Ilham Collective’s Al-Nur Nasheed Choir at the Annual Ilham Showcase on January 9.

Why the daff

The daff is the sound of joy in our tradition. In the time of the Prophet ﷺ it was played to celebrate weddings and Eid, and it has carried nasheeds, celebrations, and remembrance ever since. Tradition tells us the people of Madinah welcomed the Prophet ﷺ with Tala’ al-Badru ‘Alayna and the beat of the daff. Now it’s your turn to carry that rhythm.

What you’ll learn

• How to hold the daff and the core strokes: dum, tak, and the ring
• The rhythms that carry our nasheeds
• How to play with a choir and keep time together
• A performance piece for the Showcase

No experience needed

No music background required. Come as you are and grow in a warm, faith-centered space made for women.

Bring your own daff

Drums are not provided, so please bring your own frame drum to every class. We recommend the Remo Fiberskyn 16″: Guitar Center · Amazon · Sweetwater. Order early so it arrives before November 12.

Want a drum that’s truly yours? Join Ḥubb on the Daff (Oct 31 & Nov 7) and choose the drum option. You’ll decorate your daff with Arabic calligraphy, then learn to play it here.

Details

• Classes: 5 Thursdays: November 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17 (no class Thanksgiving week)
• Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
• Rehearsal: Friday, January 8 with the choir (required to perform)
• Performance: The Annual Ilham Showcase, Saturday, January 9
• Location: Burr Ridge/Hinsdale area (exact address shared after registration)
• Instructor: Arshiya Razvi
• Who: Women 18+
• Price: $85 early bird (through Sunday, Oct 25) / $99 regular

Performing at the Showcase

To perform at the Showcase on January 9, you must attend at least 4 of the 5 classes, plus the Friday, January 8 rehearsal with the choir. The rehearsal is our longest practice and the only one with the full choir, so it is required for everyone performing.

Only 15 spots. We keep this group small so Arshiya can work with each of you. Once the 15 spots are gone, registration closes.

Presented by Ilham Collective, where women grow, explore, and share their creativity for the sake of Allah.