Doholla or Darbuka is a traditional Arab percussion instrument with a specific restricted

secondary role. My project aims to challenge this role and expand the possibilities and

horizons of this instrument by using it as a solo instrument breaking the norms and

expectations ruling the instrument. My research focuses on answering the following

question: can I present this instrument as a solo or main instrument?

I used different methods to experiment with the instrument, including but not limited to,

exploring sounds on parts of the instrument’s body that were not used before to create

new sounds, or switching the classical loop role of the instrument with a new more varied

one. In addition to using techniques that are from different cultures and others that are

specific to other percussion instruments in general.

As a result, I came to find a wide collection of new sounds that can be used in different

contexts, which can be utilized in composing vibrant compositions. I was also able to

compose and perform solo compositions with doholla/ darbuka that are written

specifically to present the instrument’s richness as well as compositions where doholla

had the main changing part while another melodic instrument was providing the

background loop role. And finally I managed to prove that this instrument could exist

successfully outside its traditionally known boundaries.