...When the wise prophetess Miriam danced through the desert with her frame drum, inspiring courage in her people on their path to freedom.
Composed by Marla Leigh in honor of this legend, now you can learn the secrets of “Desert Prophecy”. Discover the magic of long-time cycles, odd meters and improvisation in The Frame Drum Academy’s new live training.
“Desert Prophecy” is an exhilarating soundscape, with mystical rhythms and enchanting melodies by the ney flute, that celebrate life and liberation.
Come drum with the legend and free your soul...
Photo by Laary Cemel
In this special LIVE 4-class small group training, you'll learn:
✦How to play two rhythms in long, odd-meter time cycles (challenging but fun!)
✦New upright frame drum skills
✦New warm-up exercises to strengthen technique and coordination
✦The confidence to play intricate, multi-layered compositions
✦The ability to improvise in challenging meters (a rare and powerful skill)
Plus, you’ll have direct access to Marla for questions, guidance, and personalized feedback on your playing!
DRUM STYLE:
We will learn to play “Desert Prophecy” in the upright style.
If you prefer a different playing style, you’re welcome to adapt the material in a way that works for you—just know that all instruction will be demonstrated in the upright style.
Drum Recommendation:
Marla recommends a 14-16” frame drum for students of this class, as they are more comfortable for upright style, but any frame drum will do.
PRE-REQUISITES:
A solid foundation in basic upright strokes is essential.
This is an intermediate-level training and is open to students with approximately 2+ years of frame drum experience.
CLASS 1
CLASS 2
CLASS 3
CLASS 4*
* If you cannot attend Class 4 live, or are uncomfortable playing in front of your classmates, you can record the song and send it to Marla for private feedback
💪 PLUS + WARM-UP EXERCISES:
Each class also includes focused warm-ups to strengthen technique, coordination, and endurance.
“I consider Marla to be the one of the very top percussion performers in the US of today. She is well known in the community for her virtuosity and artful skill with hand drums.”
~ Glen Velez, 4-time Grammy-winning percussionist & Marla's mentor
DATES:
Saturdays at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET
*Note: There will be a one-week break between Classes 3 and 4 to allow time for practice.
INCLUDES:
PLUS: Cooperman Drum Discount (value $50+)
All students receive 5%-10% off one Cooperman drum. Thank you to Cooperman for this generous offering.
Fee:
With Early Bird pricing: $197
(Tuition increases by $50 on June 12, 2026)
This is a small-group, live training designed for focused, hands-on learning.
Across our 4 classes together, you’ll receive over 6 hours of guided instruction, along with direct access to Marla for feedback and support throughout.
Because of the small group format, each student has the space to ask questions, work through challenges, and be seen in their process.
Busy?
No problem. All classes will be recorded and available for you to enjoy at your own pace.
You’ll also receive lifetime access—so you can return to the material anytime, from anywhere, on any device.
AND TO FURTHER TEMPT YOUR RHYTHMIC SOUL…
HERE’S A GIFT FOR YOU!
AN EXCLUSIVE FDA COOPERMAN DISCOUNT*
All our students receive a 5%-10% discount off
ONE Cooperman Frame Drums of their choice.
*Discount code will be given once you register.
Hello, I'm Marla — I am an internationally acclaimed musician and one of the few female frame drum specialists in the world.
Having studied music since I was three years old, music is my first love and greatest passion! I hold a BFA & MFA in Percussion and have been fortunate to study with some of the most world-renowned, inspiring teachers and leading masters in frame drum, Indian and West African drumming (as well as flute and composition).
Delighted to pass on what I’ve learned, I’ve now been teaching for over 30 years. I have seen, first-hand, the amazing power of music to help heal and bring joy. Over 15 years ago, I first started helping students online, when that kind of learning was a strange new world.
The Frame Drum Academy online is my dream child. Born in 2015, we currently have hundreds of happy students and are growing by the day! I hope you will join us in class.
DEEP Gratitude to my teachers, without whom I would not be where I am today!
My drum training includes:
