Tolkin is performing his instrument Uzbek hand drum Doira. He is able to perform five doiras simultaneously. The roots of Uzbek music goes back to the 4th century BC Archaeological discoveries have proven the existence of tribal song and dance in the region of what today is Uzbekistan. Following are the Uzbek National folk instruments that Tolkin studied while on the conservatory. These instruments are found as accompaniment to the epic poetry of wandering musicians as well as in orchestras: Doira, a hand drum with attached jingles. Naghara, the kettle drum. Dul Naghara, a large kettle drum that gives a low and loud sound, "tum." Rez Naghara, a small kettle drum that gives a high and loud sound, "tak." Kosh Naghara, small paired kettledrums, a pair of clay pots with goatskin tops. Safail, an instrument made with two sticks and two large rings with many smaller rings attached, played by shaking them or striking them against ones shoulder. Kayrok Tosh, two pair of flat sharpened stones which give a jingling sound when held in the hands and shook. Tar, sitar-like 9 stringed instrument. Nai, all kinds of flutes. PUBLICATIONS Compositions: Patterns of Ghana, ensemble for 6 percussionist Tahitian Patterns, ensemble for 7 percussionists (marimba 1, marimba 2, vibraphone, bells, timpani (4), drum set with tam-tam, ocean drum & tambourine) In the Style of the Mambo, ensemble for 7 Percussionists (timpani, drum set, congas, bongos and timbales, cow bells, marimba, vibraphone), Contemporary Rhythms, ensemble for 6 Percussionists (snare drum, piccolo drum and bass drum with the pedal, hi-hat and shaker, bongos and woodblock, tom-toms and timbales, timpani) Arrangements: Labamba, arrangement for Percussion Ensemble (marimba 1, marimba 2, drum set, shaker and tambourine, timpani (3), conga (2)) Two Lappars (old Uzbek folk songs), arrangements for Ensemble Singing Percussionists (bass drum and vocal, bongos and vocal, nagara and vocal, doyra and vocal, tambourine and vocal, shaker and vocal) Transcriptions: Maurice Ravel, Bolero, transcription and arrangement for Percussion Ensemble (bells, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, xylorimba, chimes, timpani, snare drum, drum set (5 bongos, 4 tom-toms, tam-tam, cymbals, hi-hat), and grand piano Niccole Paganini, Campanella, written for violin, transcribed for xylophone or marimba Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Cant d'Autumn, written for piano, transcribed for vibraphone with 4 mallets Method books: The Drum Set Lessons, (a methods book with the Solos and CD) The Methods of Playing Asian Rhythms for the drum set, (a special methods book for playing Asian rhythms and accompanying Asian music on the drum set. This book includes the structure of Asian rhythms, time, examples of Asian rhythms and handing). Modern Methods of Doyra Playing, (a method book for playing a variety of rhythms using modern techniques on doyra. This book includes the structure of Uzbek rhythms, time and examples). Drum set tabs: Zeppelin, Nobody墳s fault but mine Jimmy page, Robert Plan Since I墳ve been loving you Green Day, Holiday Tool, Lateralus, Schism, The Pot, Vicarious,, Jambi, Stinkfist Herbie Hancock, Chameleon, Maynard Frguson (version), Goo Goo Dolls, Name Led Zeppelin, The Ocean Earth Wind and Fire, Serpentine Fire The Story of the year, Until the day I day Creed, Six feet from the edge Nirvana, Come as you are The Used, The box of the sharp objects The Beetles, Come Together Pink Floyd, Money Thanks for The Memories, Fall Out Boy

Portrait of a Master by Gretchen Tomazic "Tolkin Isakov, gifted artist extrordinare and new immigrant to the United States from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is currently residing in St. Louis. He brings to his new home an outstanding record of accomplishments. He has been a percussionist with the National Symphonic Orchestra of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the senior teacher of percussion and the Dean of the orchestral faculty at Tashkent State Conservatory in Uzbekistan. As senior teacher of percussion, soloist for orchestra and concert performer, Tokin's performance skills and pedagogical practices are of the highest level. He has been a solo percussion performer for international concerts and festivals, an ensemble soloist for international concerts and competitions and a teacher of music clinics and workshops at universities and colleges throughout the Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Turkey, Russia, the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Austria, France Germany, Switzerland, Greece and the United States... ...Tolkin has worked as musical director and performer with "Yalla," the National Ensemble of Uzbekistan. He has also served as arranger for and audio engineer for the internationally renowned Ensemble. As a performer, Tolkin plays percussion instruments, bass guitar and does vocals. ...In his work as audio engineer, arranger, studio folk percussionist and musical programmer for Studio Audio Records, a private recording studio in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Tolkin made recording masters and arranged music. As arranger and musical director, he worked for various Uzbek and Turkish Folk groups and soloists. He has a recording contract with Imagina Production for Yalla, the State Honor Ensemble of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Their compact discs and tapes are distributed internationally through Tower Records. Some of the more popular releases are: Jinouny, Imagina Productions, Seattle, Washington,The Beard of the Camel, Imagina Productions, Seattle, Washington..." Tolkin is currently teaching at St. Charles Community College, Mosingo Music and hard at work forming a percussion ensemble called "Rhythms of the World." If you are a percussionist and interested in playing in an ensemble with world rhythms as a focus please contact Tolkin. For further information on available master classes, Doira lessons, method books, music score or tabs contact Tolkin at 636-343-3703 or e mail: tolperc@sbcglobal.net