| Instrument | Daf |
|---|---|
| Length | 30 / 45 / 60 minutes |
| Age | +8 years |
| Locations | In-Person in Richmond Hill & Online |
| Start Date | Throughout The Year |
| Term | 4 Lessons/12 Lessons/24 Lessons |
| Admissions | Open admission |
| Genre | Traditional, Folk |
The Persian Daf is a powerful and expressive frame drum, played by hand and rich in cultural history. Found in Persian classical music and regional traditions across Kurdistan, Iran, Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Greece, the daf is both a solo instrument and a rhythmic foundation for ensembles.
At Melorin Music School, we offer private Daf lessons in Richmond Hill and online across Toronto and the GTA, designed to help you master technique, rhythm, and musical expression—no matter your level of experience.
Our daf program offers personalized one-on-one instruction in:
30-minute
45-minute
60-minute sessions
Lessons are available in-person at our Richmond Hill Music School or online, with flexible scheduling. Parents are welcome to observe their child’s lessons to stay involved and supportive.
We also offer group workshops and cultural percussion programs throughout the year.
Our goal is to help students of all ages and backgrounds achieve their highest potential. Each lesson is customized to match the student’s skill level and interests. You’ll learn:
How to properly hold and control the daf
Finger placement and striking techniques
Reading rhythms and basic music notation
Traditional Persian rhythms and rhythmic cycles
Techniques like snaps, rolls, flicks, and strokes
Rhythm reading and counting
Improvisation, musicality, and phrasing
Rudiments of theory and memorization techniques
As students progress, they learn more complex patterns and performance skills drawn from traditional, Sufi, and contemporary Iranian music.
Melorin Music School welcomes:
Complete beginners with no prior music experience
Intermediate and advanced players refining rhythm and articulation
Children (recommended age: 8+), teens, and adults
Musicians of all backgrounds interested in exploring Persian percussion
We match each student with a qualified instructor based on their level and learning style, offering a pathway for continuous improvement.
Our repertoire reflects the depth and diversity of Iranian and regional music. Students will explore:
Classical Persian rhythmic cycles
Sufi and devotional music rhythms
Folk and traditional Kurdish and Azeri patterns
Modern compositions and improvisational frameworks
Original rhythm studies for developing technique and endurance
Our instructors also help students learn to improvise, compose rhythms, and build performance-ready pieces.
No prior experience required—beginners are welcome
Students must have a daf for practice (instructor can help with recommendations)
Regular home practice is essential for improvement
A curious and open mind is your most valuable asset!
What age is best for starting Daf lessons?
We recommend age 8 or older for optimal hand development and rhythmic comprehension.
Can I take DAF lessons online?
Yes. Our online Daf lessons serve students across Toronto, Canada, and internationally.
Do you teach rhythmic improvisation and soloing?
Absolutely. As students progress, we include improvisation and solo technique, including advanced rolls and transitions.
Can I learn Daf if I don't know how to read music?
Yes. We teach note reading and rhythm from the ground up—no prior theory required.
Experience the rhythm of Persian culture through the dynamic power of the daf. Whether you're in Richmond Hill, Toronto, or learning from home, Melorin Music School is ready to guide you through every beat.
Call (905) 237-9877, or fill out the Free Trial Lesson Form below to get started today.
Let your hands tell the story of tradition, energy, and expression—one rhythm at a time.