EDUCATION
Photo by Carola Thieme
MASTERING RHYTHM WITH KONNAKOL
Asaf enjoys a variety of educational work; private lessons, lectures, workshops, seminars, online teaching as well as being a principal lecturer at the Leeds College of Music and Trinity Laban College of music (London). In the last decade, he has been studying the art of Konnakol - the South Indian Vocal percussion under master mridangamist Paramasamy Kirupakaran and various other teachers.
Asaf has found an easy and clear, step-by-step method of teaching this complex art in a western context helping many students and professionals overcome rhythmic challenges and develop a strong awareness for rhythm.
What is Konnakol?
Konnakol - the south Indian vocal-percussion system is a 5000 years old rhythmic language. It is one of the most effective, direct and quick ways to understand, internalize and master rhythm. Konnakol opens a door to another dimension in rhythmic thinking. This amazing technique uses a natural and clear approach for the perception of subdivisions. It will greatly improve physical-mental focus and coordination for any instrumentalist or singer.
The rhythmic concept of Konnakol exercises can be practiced anywhere and anytime with or without an instrument: whether you`re touring with your band, traveling by bus or train or sitting on the bench in the park.
Asaf runs an active YouTube Channel about Konnakol, drum tutorials as well as blog posts and music videos. CLICK HERE to watch the new Mastering Rhythm With Konnakol tutorial series. Videos are uploaded weekly.
In recent years, Asaf has been studying drum technique with California based drum teacher Bruce Becker. Bruce shared with Asaf many of the insights from his approach to drum technique as well as his study with legendary educator Freddie Gruber. Asaf now teaches his own version of this technique approach to drummers around the world; helping students of all levels to create a sense of fluidity and ease in their playing.
available types of educational work:
*MASTERING RHYTHM WITH KONNAKOL WORKSHOP: THE BASICS OF KONNAKOL AND UNDERSTANDING RHYTHM
*BREATHING RHYTHMS WORKSHOP: BREATHING TECHNIQUES WITH SYLWIA BIALAS & MASTERING RHYTHM WITH ASAF SIRKIS:
*KONNAKOL - PRIVATE LESSONS (ONLINE OR IN PERSON)
*DRUM LESSONS PRIVATE LESSONS (ONLINE OR IN PERSON)
Asaf at a typical 'Mastering Rhythm' workshop at the Brighton Jazz School (Photo by Rachel Zhang)
“This masterclass was an excellent introduction to the Konnakol system.”
student testimonials
“To my mind, Asaf is a superb drummer whose focus is very much on musicality and what the song requires, rather than blistering displays of technique for its own sake. Aged in my 50s, I've been playing drums for about 25 years since 1977, with a gap in between to develop a professional academic career. Having seen Asaf playing on the BBC (young jazz muso' of the year), I'd nervously approached him for lessons to develop my jazz playing. I've been studying with Asaf for about six months, during which time we've covered a wide range of subjects including technique, exercises to develop grip, phrasing, musicality, timekeeping, vocalising drum parts and even tuning tom-toms for jazz (tune 'em high). It's been a fascinating and enjoyable experience, where the focus is on your individual playing and style, and approaches to developing this through specific exercises, tailored to your current ability ('refurbishing your technique', as Asaf said after hearing my playing - gulp!). There's also been some discussion about drumming philosophy, conceptual approaches and getting the best from practice sessions. Asaf does set the bar high, and seeks quality in all aspects of practice and playing, but this is essential for progress. Asaf is very generous with his time (some sessions are over two hours!) and sharing knowledge and experience, which is really appreciated. His easy, approachable manner (and deep patience) is also appreciated (I'm not the easiest student!). I suggested to Asaf that I wrote this testimonial, not least to say that whether you're a beginner or advanced, there's much to learn from him. Garry Campion (PhD)”.
A lesson with Asaf Sirkis, a feature on London jazz News online magazine (July 8th, 2019)
“Singing is an inside-out learning process. It’s giving a voice to something that is already inside of you. In the 25 years I’ve been teaching. I’ve never seen two students use the same rhythms, nor the same syllables.” Asaf Sirkis explained his teaching process to Luke Franc (*):
