Hybrid kit practice
Drum Kit
Rock, funk, Arabic rhythm translation, timing, fills, dynamics, and musical decision-making.
Chicago · In person & online
Reckless Darling
Drum and Arabic percussion lessons for confident and expressive playing.
Choose your instrument
Tambourine tradition
Riq
Jingle control, finger rolls, orchestral patterns, split-hand technique, and ensemble awareness.
Lessons
Balance is at the core of what you learn.
Lessons are based on mizan — the Arabic word for balance. Learn to develop a steady internal clock, a sense of relaxed technique, and the confidence to play with other musicians.
Setup, posture, grip, strokes, basic beats, and foundational rhythms.
Internal clock
Metronome work, pulse, and subdivisions.
Expressiveness, odd-time rhythms, deeper technique, ensemble awareness.
Physical ease
Relaxed technique and limb independence. Learn to stay comfortable as you speed up.
Improvisation, soundscape, live confidence, and finding your own musical voice.
Listening and Sharing
Learn to play responsively and attentively with other musicians.
Work
Performances, workshops, and sessions.
Past Events & Workshops
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Raḥ Nibqa Sawa – رح نبقى سوا – Ziad Rahbani – Middle East Music Ensemble
Playing drums on the iconic track Rah Nibqa Sawa with the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble.
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Mais El Reem – Ziad Rahbani. Middle East Music Ensemble
Performing the intro to Ziad Rahbani’s soundtrack Mais El Reem. The Middle East Music Ensemble is an 85-piece orchestra at the University of Chicago, directed by Wanees Zarour. Mais El Reem is…
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Uncut Rhythm Workshop. BIYA BIYA Productions x Reckless Darling
Rhythm Workshop led by Reckless Darling focused on Khaliji swing conducted at Solidarity Studios on May 3rd, 2026. Creative Producer – @biya.biya.productions Location – @solidaritystu Filmed on location by Charlie Dykstal. Full,…
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Ayshe Wahda Balak – Ziad Rahbani. TAYF Ensemble Live at the Color Club.
Performing Ziad Rahbani’s famous tune Ayshe Wahda Balak. Playing on riq and vocals. TAYF Ensemble performs Ziad Rahbani’s Ayshe Wahda Balak, a comedic song about a lonely protagonist who overestimates his attractiveness,…
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Billy Joel Jr. Live Film at Sleeping Village
Live Film recorded and edited by Playground Social for Billy Joel Jr’s show at Sleeping Village. PGS Presents Billy Joel Jr. The Live Film Directed By Rudy Schieder Featuring Billy Joel Jr.Ari…
Upcoming events & Workshop
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24 Oct 2026
PAMA Evening of Unity and Impact
Join us for an Evening of Unity & Impact Come together with the PAMA community for a powerful evening of stories, progress, and collective action to strengthen healthcare systems across Palestine. Introduction by Dr. Majdi Abu Salih PAMA Impact by Dr. Maram Said Medical Mission to Gaza Report by Dr. Thaer Ahmad Performance by Wanees Zarour & Ensemble
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25 Oct 2026
Special Event: CPFF 25th Anniversary Gala! SOLD OUT!
Join us to celebrate 25 years of the Chicago Palestine Film Festival! An evening of dinner, music, and live performances.
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20 Dec 2026
Arabic Rhythms of the Levant with Karl El Sokhn Part II
Looking to learn new exciting rhythms from West Asia? Wrap up your winter session on a high note by joining other talented students for a deep dive into the beats that are played by percussionists from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and beyond! This lesson is designed to benefit beginner and advanced musicians by expanding their repertoire and helping them hone their musical craft. We will start with fundamental strokes and then develop ornamentation techniques with a few musical examples. Students who sign up will also receive a follow-up email with musical notations for all the beats studied in class along with a few video examples to continue refining their practice! Bring your own drum, bring your love, and let’s jam together! While this is a continuation of a previous workshop, prior attendance and no prerequisites are required.
About
Karl El Sokhn, aka Reckless Darling.
Karl El Sokhn aka Reckless Darling is a multi-instrumentalist musician on drums, riq, and guitar. He is also an educator based in Chicago and has collaborated with a variety of artists across the city. Karl began his music career at the age of twelve in his home country of Lebanon performing in heavy metal cover bands during his formative years as a musician.
Over the next twenty years, he has expanded his musical repertoire and influence to include maqam, rock, jazz, and funk. Since then, he has developed strong connections in the Chicago music scene working with award-winning musicians and touring acts.
Selected collaborators and projects:
Wanees Zarour, Clarissa Bitar, Ronnie Malley, Jamila and the Other Heroes, Tuvergen Band, TAYF Ensemble, Billy Joel Jr., Middle East Music Ensemble.
How it works
How lessons are structured.
Lessons are conversational and relaxed; designed to meet you where you are in your musical journey.
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Getting started
Send a short inquiry below and Karl follows up to find a time and plan your first lesson.
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In person or online
Lessons run in Chicago or over video — whichever fits your schedule and setup.
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Met where you are
Beginners start with touch, posture, and pulse. Experienced players work on phrasing, improvisation, and performance.
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After each lesson
You leave with notes, a practice loop to work on, and one clear benchmark for next time.
You're not learning alone.
Every student can sign up for jam sessions with other current students. They are also guided to events in the city that will expose them to playing with others. Every class has a recap that allows the student to keep track of their progress as they evolve.
What happens after class?
You receive notes, a practice loop, and a simple benchmark for your next session.
What if I am brand new?
Beginners start with touch, pulse, posture, and sound before speed or repertoire.
Can experienced players join?
Advanced students work on phrasing, improvisation, arrangement, and performance pressure.
Get in touch
Performances, sessions, workshops, collaborations, lessons, or something else entirely — send a note and Karl will get back to you as soon as possible!