Arabic Songs & Percussion Workshops in Los Angeles

Beginning on September 20th and all the way to November 29th, I will be offering a course of ten sessions on learning Arabic songs, the structure and history of Arabic music and basics of Arabic rhythms. We will also learn some Arabic vocabulary and learn and practice the enunciation of the Arabic language.

The classes will be offered in a studio in Downtown Los Angeles in order to accommodate those coming from the West side or the East side of Los Angeles county.

The length of each class is two hours and will last from 7:30 to 9:30. You can sign up for the series of 10 classes at the cost of $250 ($25 per class) or individual classes at $30. This class can be especially helpful for dancers who want to understand the music more personally. Lyrics, transliterations and translations of the songs will be provided.

Drums will be provided at the class (mainly frame drums), but you are welcome to bring your own. I recommend either of these drums from Remo as beginner drums.

Program:

• Sept 20th: The theory and forms of Arabic Rhythms
  Begin learning song #1
• Sept 27th: Practice rhythms
  Work on song #1
• October 4th: Walk through the Rhythms of the song Amar 14. (Understanding the switching of
  rhythms)
  Work on song #1
• October 11th: Practice Rhythms with Amar 14. Learn new rhythms.
  Begin Learning 2nd song.
• October 18th: A special session on the history and Aesthetic of Arabic music.
• October 25th: Practice Rhythms.
  Work on song #2
• November 1st: Understanding Tarab in the Qasida. A walk through an Umm Kulthum song.
  Work on song #2
• November 8th: review theory and Aesthetic of rhythms. Practice rhythms.
  Begin song #3.
• November 15th: practice rhythms.
  Work on song #3
• November 29th: Final class: practice rhythms and songs.
  Sing and play the songs together.