Arabic Violin

This course will explore some of the most commonly used ornamental idioms that form the basis of the Arabic musical vocabulary. We will also explore the common ways in which these basic ornaments are combined to form more complex ornamental idioms.

We will focus on learning, analyzing and observing how these ornaments are used within the Arabic repertoire, and on applying these ornamentation techniques in pieces of the instructor’s choice, including introductions to several Ughniyaat (long songs). A variety of maqams will be explored, but maqam analysis will not be the focus.

By the end of this course, you will have learned the most common Arab ornaments as well as how to apply them in the repertoire. Although all violinists are welcome to attend, this class is ideal for those coming from a Western classical music background.

Instructor: Basma Edrees

Assistant: Laura Bohlander

Tradition: Arabic