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, expressive, cross-cultural playing.
Choose your instrument
Tambourine tradition
Riq
Jingle control, finger rolls, orchestral patterns, split-hand technique, and ensemble awareness.
Lessons
Balance is the foundation of everything you play.
Every lesson is built on mizan — the Arabic word for balance: steady internal time, relaxed technique, close listening, and the confidence to play with other people.
Setup, posture, grip, strokes, basic beats, and foundational rhythms.
Internal clock
Metronome work, pulse, and subdivision until you can hold time without tension.
Expanded vocabulary, odd-time feels, technique, and ensemble awareness.
Physical ease
Relaxed technique and limb independence that stay comfortable as you speed up.
Improvisation, soundscape, live confidence, and your own musical voice.
Listening and ensemble
Using music you already love as the model, then playing responsively with others.
How it works
Two ways to learn. One clear path.
Lessons are structured but conversational, and shaped around where you actually are.
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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.
About
Karl El Sokhn, aka Reckless Darling.
Karl is a Chicago-based musician and educator. He specializes in drums, riq, and guitar. His musical career started at the age of 15 in his home country of Lebanon, where he performed in heavy metal bands.
As his tastes matured, he expanded his knowledge to include maqam, rock, jazz, and funk.
Work
Performances, workshops, and sessions.
Beyond teaching, Karl performs and records across Chicago's music scene on drums, riq, and guitar.
Selected collaborators:
Clarissa Bitar, Ronnie Malley, Wanees Zarour, Funkadesi, Billy Joel Jr, Firas Zreik, Jamila and the Other Heroes, U of C Middle East Music Ensemble, Sumoud Collective, TAYF Ensemble.
Private lessons and courses
Drum kit and riq lessons, plus maqam and rhythm workshops.
Performance
Live and session work on drums, riq, and guitar for ensembles, bands, and cultural events.
Creative work
Film soundtrack work, including the award-winning short film Junction.
Past events & workshops
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Lorem Rhythm Workshop
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Ipsum Ensemble Night
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Dolor Percussion Clinic
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Consectetur Session
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Adipiscing Maqam Lab
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Upcoming
- 25 May
Tempor Music Festival
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- 16 Aug
Incididunt Drum Summit
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- 29 Sep
Labore Frame Drum Intensive
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- 11 Oct
Magna Ensemble Residency
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- 05 Nov
Aliqua Riq Masterclass
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You're not learning alone.
Every student gets a weekly plan, a practical recording assignment, and a clear next step that connects back to Mizan: balance in practice, body, listening, and ensemble awareness.
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 come back to you.