Maqam Mastery Made Simple with Sami Abu Shumays

Join this special class to learn the system of Arabic melodies and scales – known as maqam – from Sami Abu Shumays, a world-renowned master practitioner.

Sami’s approach is hands-on and practical: through call-and-response imitation, students will learn the core melodic vocabulary of the maqam, the key to improvising and composing in Arabic music. Students will also listen to and analyze Arabic songs in the same maqam, to continue to build their experience.

The class is open to students of any level, from complete beginner to advanced practitioner: because Sami presents the music in its raw form, everyone gets something out of melodic repetition. Singers, dancers, and players of any instrument are welcome.