•  we learn a zill pattern, 
• a name is assigned to the pattern to facilitate learning, 
• the music rhythm is explained, and then 
• we zill drill to the appropriate belly dancing music.

 However, when the students go home and practice, they can’t remember everything. This is because it is new territory and the proficiency has not been acquired. Proficiency requires understanding, practice, and application until it becomes second nature. The good news is that once you reach proficiency, it is like riding a bike, you will never forget it.

The first 2 patterns we will focus on are related to The Chiftitelli

This rhythm has a lot of different interpretations as to how to play zills. It is one of the very basic beats, and very easy to play in its simple form. The rhythm has a deliberate beat and is a lot of fun to play! There are 2 parts to Chiftitelli, each made up of 4 counts. The first part can be embellished with a lot of variety in a 4 count series. The second part typically includes 3 beats and the 4th beat is silent.  You can use this phrase to improve your listening “Dum    Tek   Tek    Dum   Dum  Tek”

Simple Count (Part 1=First Half) 1-4                        Simple Count (Part 2=Second Half) 5-8

The first 2 patterns we will look at are a 225 Pattern and 13131 Pattern, which is used in Part 1 for the first set of 4 counts (1-4). Part 2 is the same for both patterns for the second set of the 4 counts (5-8) of these zill patterns. Again, the second part, count 8 is silent. The diagrams provided show the name of the zill drill pattern, the music rhythm and the hand position. I have attached the practice link so you can zill drill with me.

Chiftetelli 225 and 13131 Zill Practice with Neenah