In this class we will compare two of the most common Maqamat, Hijaz and Bayati, exploring their differences and similarities in scale structure and sayr (melodic pathways). The class will include a combination of call-and-response singing of the typical melodies used in improvisation, and analyses of several songs in Hijaz and Bayati.

Saturday July 18th, 2020 3pm-4:30pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7092208181 Donations highly encouraged!

Sami has taught workshops on Maqam and Arabic Music at Yale University, Lincoln Center, Wesleyan University, The New School, the college of William and Mary, Lark Camp, Alwan for the Arts, Lotus Music and Dance, Global Youth Village, Folk Tours, and more. He is a violinist and vocalist based in NYC, founder and director of the ensemble Zikrayat, co-author of the new book Inside Arabic Music, creator of the website Maqam Lessons, and contributor to the website Maqam World. He studied Arabic music with many teachers including Alfred Gamil, Mohamed Qassas, Simon Shaheen, Yousuf Kassab, Abdel-Basit Bakkar and Abdel-Minaim Sinkary.