Taught by Sami Abu Shumays of Zikrayat

Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00pm, starting January 19th, running through May

$15/class or $50 for 4 classes. Students may pay at each class by cash or check. (More information on payment will be given at the class.)

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Alwan is proud to announce a series of music classes on the Arab "maqam" (Arab melodic mode, similar to Raga in Indian Music). These drop-in classes will sharpen the skills of musicians, and enrich the musical experience of enthusiasts and are open to people with any level of music experience.

Sami leads the class in singing and playing melodies in a particular Maqam. Students imitate in a call-and-response fashion on their preferred instrument, or by singing, learning the building blocks of Arab music in a way similar to how people learn language, by repeating common phrases. Sami makes these classes accessible to all by presenting musical phrases that are short and clear enough for beginners to imitate, but which have subtleties and details that only the most advanced students will grasp.

Each class will focus on one maqam, and over the course of several classes students will gain an understanding of several different "maqamat" and an appreciation for the breadth of the maqam system.

Please visit Sami's Maqam Lessons website for more information on the class content. For any other information email Jamal Rayyis at jamal@alwanforthearts.org

Last updated: 2010-01-11 02:31:14