BIOGRAPHY

Jalal Kimia, a talented Persian Percussionist, was born and raised in Iran. He started his musical journey by learning the famous Iranian frame drum, Daf, at an early age, guided by Meysam Afshin and Behzad Mahjoobi. Later, he felt compelled to learn the other main Persian percussion instrument, Tombak, and continued his training under Master Dariush Eshaghi and later continued his training with Master Pejman Hadadi, further developing his skills as a percussionist.

Jalal's passion for music education led him to start teaching Persian percussion in 2005, first at the Nima Music Institute in Iran and later in Washington D.C. He collaborated with various institutions, including Ava Music School, Studio Muse, and IACC Music Institute, teaching students of all ages and skill levels.

Additionally, Jalal regularly holds workshops at the University of Maryland's “School of Language” and Georgetown University's “Persian Study Program”, where he shares his love for the Daf and other Persian percussion instruments.

In 2018, Jalal founded the Rumi Daf Ensemble in the Washington D.C. area, combining his best students and other professional percussionists. The ensemble represents Jalal's passion and aspiration, aiming to promote the Daf as a cultural symbol to Iranian and non-Iranian audiences in the United States. Since its inception, the Rumi Daf Ensemble has performed at various prestigious venues, including the Carnegie Institute for Science, Virginia Tech University, and the FOPCA conference of Chicago. The ensemble's annual concert in 2022 was held at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater. Jalal's leadership of the ensemble inspires future generations to pursue their musical aspirations.

Jalal is also a dedicated community organizer and musician, organizing Daf circles since 2017. His focus on drum healing and building connections among people through music and rhythm has had a profound impact on the lives of those who have participated in his events. He shared his drumming expertise in various locations, including the Iranian American Community Center, The Beloved Yoga Center in Virginia, and the Thrive Yoga Center in Maryland. Jalal creates a space through his drum circles where individuals can come together to experience the transformative power of music, promoting mental and emotional well-being through community-based activities.

Moreover, Jalal has performed as a percussionist with various Iranian traditional ensembles, folk music groups, and non-Iranian bands, including Simorq, Koobang, Bamdad, Pejvak, Delshodegan, and DC Café Amon since 1999.

Performances:

Rumi Daf Ensemble concert at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater in Maryland - 2022
Performance with DC Café Amon band (led by Spyros Koliavasilis) at the Turkish Festival at WHARRF DC - 2021
Performance for FOPCA conference in Chicago - 2020
Concerts with Rasa ensemble in Virginia - 2018 and 2019
"From an Ancient Legacy" concert composed by Mehdi Bagheri - 2018
Participation in Baltimore Rhythm Festival - 2017
Concert with Pejvak Ensemble composed by Behfar Bahadoran at Richard Ernst Art Center - 2017
Concert with Delnawa Ensemble at NOVA in Virginia - 2016
Participation in Fiesta Asia Festival in Washington D.C. - 2016
Concerts with 'Delshodegan Ensemble" composed by Ramin Milani in Iran - 2010 and 2013
Participation in “Iran_Thailand Art & Cultural Festival” in Ayutthaya - 2012
Concert with Simorq Percussion Ensemble (led by Meysam Afshin) - 2008
Concert with "Poordastan Percussion Ensemble" - 2005
Concert with "Koobang Percussion Ensemble" composed by Dariush Eshaghi - 2005
Concert with Bamdad Ensemble in Iran - 2004
Concert with Hezardastan Ensemble - 2003
Participation in North Khorasan Maqams Festival in Bojnord - 2002
Participation in Piraan Changi Festival in Quchan - 2001
Performance with Hezardastan Daf Ensemble - 1999