Raquy Danziger is an internationally acclaimed dumbek player who performs all over the world. Her infectious enthusiasm for Middle Eastern drumming has made her one of the most sought after dumbek teachers in the USA. Raquy also writes for Drum! Magazine.



In a world where Middle Eastern drumming has traditionally been the realm of Arabic males, Raquy Danziger is an anomaly. Audiences are not only surprised by this young woman from America, but captivated by her virtuosity, profound musicality and the passion she brings to performances. Her varied repertoire includes traditional Middle Eastern music as well as her own compositions.



The highlight of her career was in March 2005 when Raquy was invited by the most famous drummer in Egypt, Saiid El Artist to perform as a soloist with his troupe.



A classically trained pianist, Raquy first discovered hand drumming during her travels in Varanase, India where she immersed herself in the study of Indian rhythmic cycles. Later, in Israel, Raquy was drawn to the dumbek (otherwise known as tabla) and the groove of Middle Eastern music.



In the last few years, Raquy has found her own voice as a soloist, group leader and composer. She writes compositions for ensembles comprised of her students as well as master players from the Middle East. She also formed Raquy and the Cavemen, a group in which she also plays the Iranian kemenche, a rare and exotic bowed instrument.



Raquy’s infectious enthusiasm for Middle Eastern music has made her one of the most sought after teachers of Middle Eastern drumming in NYC. An inspiration to scores of students locally and hundreds more at drumming camps and retreats around the country, Raquy is single–handedly responsible for the wave of “Dumbek Fever” sweeping the metropolitan area. Her Dumbek Instructional Kit "Dumbek Fever" including a book, a DVD and a CD is coming out in April, 2005.



Raquy Daziger has made three CD’s, “Jordan” (2005), “Dust” (2003) and “Masmudi” (2001). “Dust” has received nationwide recognition, reaching the top 20 on the CMJ world chart for multiple weeks.