he Tombak is a percussion instrument originating from Iran. Despite its simple construction, it provides the performer with an array of performance possibilities and complicated techniques, which sound and seem pleasant and appealing. In the 1960s and the 1970s, the instrument was introduced to other countries of the world, and today, particularly in Europe, it is loved and brilliantly played by many and can also be heard in the works of non-Iranian musicians. The present book is the interactive version of the first, and the best-selling, Tombak coursebook, which was compiled by a group of the greatest contemporary Iranian musicians nearly 40 years ago. One of the reasons the book has been so well-received is the presence and collaboration of Hoseyn Tehrani (1912-1974), the renowned musician and Tombak player, in the process of composing the drills part of it. He is considered the most outstanding master and the initiator of a new period in the history of Tombak playing in Iran.

Hossein Tehrāni (1912 – February 25, 1974) (Persian: حسین تهرانی‎) was an Iranian musician and tonbak player. He is regarded as the father of the modern tanbark. He was born in Tehran, Iran. At an early age he was going to Zurkhaneh -زورخانه (an Iranian gymnasium) and was impressed by the big clay vase covered on open bottom with skin called Zarb- ضربZurkhaneh. At age if 13 Hossein found a similar type of Zarb Zurkhaneh in a smaller size which was called tonbakتنبك and began practicing by himself.