Arabic Music Workshop Series

Arabic Music Workshop Series

This workshop provides an accessible and engaging overview of Arabic and other SWANA music, designed for everyone.  

Together, we will explore:

- Intro to Maqam Music (23 January 2025): Gain a foundational understanding of maqams, the scales that form Arabic music’s emotional backbone. Explore stylistic and regional variations from eastern Europe all the way to central Asia, examine the essential differences between Western and maqam-based traditions, and discover traditional instruments like the qanun, oud, and darbuka, learning about their cultural significance and role in SWANA music. 

- Dive into Maqams and Rhythms (30 January 2025): Explore the structure of maqams and the rhythms that shape Arabic music. This session includes listening exercises, performance examples, and a look at how these elements work together to create the distinct emotional and cultural feel of Arabic music.

- History of Arabic Music (8 February 2025): Take a journey through the historical and cultural evolution of Arabic music, from its ancient roots to its role in contemporary society. Learn about its connections to other traditions, its transformation over time, and the impact of colonisation on its development

The workshop will be very interactive and includes performance snippets to illustrate key concepts, allowing participants to experience these elements in action.

This workshop will be facilitated by Camille El Feghali, a Lebanese multi-instrumentalist and music producer based between Beirut and Melbourne. As the founder of Tarabeat, Camille blends traditional Middle Eastern music with electronic sounds, bringing a modern perspective to the music of his heritage. His expertise draws from his work with the AMAAR Foundation (Arabic Music Archiving and Research), dedicated to the preservation of Arabic music records.

*(22% off If you attend all 3 sessions)