Ruben van Rompaey became well known for his oriental percussion album trilogy "Eastern Expressions" within the international musical scenes of world music and bellydance. For more than two decades Ruben has developed and maintained a reputation among the international world music community as renowed drums and percussion master artist. After obtaining his master’s degree (cum laude) at Rotterdam Conservatory Holland, Ruben taught at the jazz and Turkish music departments at the same institute for several years. He is winner of the TAMA Drummer’s Award, Erasmus Jazz Award a.o. As a recording/touring artist and workshop leader, Ruben has performed and taught at a variety of national and international world music and dance festivals and institutes, which brought him to countries like China, Japan, France, Turkey and USA. Besides having released several acclaimed solo albums as a composer and percussion virtuoso (as well as being featured on various compilation albums) he is author of educational books and DVD's - among which his acclaimed book "Darbuka Rhythms" - and articles in professional magazines such as Modern Drummer Magazine (USA). Ruben currently endorses Turkish Cymbals and Agner Swiss Drumsticks.