The Arabic Music Semester Intensive (AMSI)

Monthly Arabic Music Workshops with Master Instructor and Director of the NYAO, BASSAM SABA

San Francisco Workshop REGISTRATION

The Arab Cultural & Community Center
2 Plaza Street
San Francisco, CA 94116

Spring 2010 Schedule

Class Schedule

Day 1 - Friday
12:00-8:00 PM: Private Lessons (purchased separately with limited availablity)

Day 2 - Saturday
12:00-1:00 PM Maqam & Muwashshah (vocal repertoire)
1:00-1:45 PM Rhythm
1:45-3:00 PM Improvisation
3:00-4:00 PM [Break]
4:00-6:00 PM Ensemble

Registration and Fees

Student Rates (w/ Valid ID) 
NO private lesson: $100.00
With 40-minute private lesson: $140.00
With 60-minute private lesson: $160.00

Regular Workshop Rate
NO private lesson: $150.00
With 40-minute private lesson: $200.00
With 60-minute private lesson: $225.00

Private instruction without workshop
40 minutes: $75.00
60 minutes: $95.00

For more information:

Contact Lulu Azzghayer -
(415) 664-2200 x 15 or lulu@arabculturalcenter.org

www.arabculturalcenter.org

About the Instructor

Bassam Saba is one of the nation's leading figures of Arabic music. Saba is a world-renowned nay virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist, performing on oud, violin, buzuq and saz, and holds a Masters in Western Flute Performance and Education from the prestigious Pedagogical Institute of Moscow. He has worked extensively with the biggest stars of the Arab world, including Fairouz (the diva of Lebanon) Marcel Khalife, Ziad Rahbani, Simon Shaheen, Wadi El-Safi; and artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Alicia Keys, Quincey jones, Santana and Herbie Hancock. As a soloist, Saba has appeared with symphonic orchestras in the U.S. and Europe. As one of the most sought-after teachers of Arabic music, Saba has led numerous Arabic workshops, lectures, orchestras and ensembles worldwide. Since 2007, Saba has directed the prestigious 30-member New York Arabic Orchestra, and tours with his septet the Bassam Saba Ensemble, premiering music from the newly-released album "Wonderful Land." www.bassamsaba.com -- www.cdbaby.com/bassamsaba

Please make your payment below:

Options

Student Rate (must present ID) $100.00 Student Rate w/ 40-min Private Lesson $140.00 Student Rate w/ 60-min Private Lesson $160.00 Regular Rate $150.00 Regular Rate w/ 40-min Private Lesson $200.00 Regular Rate w/ 60-min Private Lesson $225.00

Course Descriptions

Maqam & Muwashshah - Learn maqamaat (Arabic modes) through the practice of solfage (singing). Each semester will focus on the full embodiment of a particular Muwashshah (vocal repertoire). 

Rhythm - Study the essential iqa'at (rhythms) of Arabic music through the learning of the frame drum, ideal for the vocalist and melodic instrumentalist who wish to improve his or her rhythm; better understand Arabic ornamentation; and learn the art of accompanying a percussionist. Participants will eventually pair up as duets with percussion, prepare a piece at home, and perform together in front of the class for the final workshop of the semester.

Improvisation - The complex art of taqasim (improvisation) simplified through the rare study of pre-notated melodies composed by Bassam Saba, fine-tuned patchworks that lead students effortlessly to the appropriate destinations and modulations within a maqam, while offering multiple options for direction and growth.

Ensemble - Participants learn repertoire together as an ensemble, tying in the many teachings and practices of the program, namely maqam, ornamentation, rhythm and improvisation. Vocalists will have an opportunity to participate as a chorus,  with the possibility to perform as a soloist.  Participants will enjoy the rare experience of these monthly sessions to fine-tune each piece as an ensemble, and will have the opportunity to perform at the conclusion of the semester. The continuity of the program promotes participants to practice together as an ensemble and prepare for each workshop throughout the semester.