For those of you new to the site, start with the free lessons:
Introductory Lesson
Maqam Nahawand on C
Maqam Rast on C
Maqam Hijaz on D
Maqam Bayati on D

For more detailed information on the topic of microtones in Arabic music, try this Podcast Lecture

Once you've tried the free lessons, you can purchase further lessons via paypal, below
Good luck, and Enjoy!

Maqam Classes in New York City

Spring 09 classes:

Mondays 7:30-9:00pm
May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6
* No Class May 25th (Memorial Day)

Rates:
$15/class; $50 for 4 classes;
$100 for all 9 classes.

@ Joria Productions
www.joriaproductions.com
260 W. 36th Street (7th/8th),
3rd floor

Classes open to all instrumentalists and vocalists with any level of music experience. Sami leads the class in singing or playing melodies in a particular Maqam (Arabic melodic mode, similar to Raga in Indian Music). Students imitate in a call-and-response fashion on their preferred instrument, or by singing, learning the building blocks of Arabic music in a way similar to how people learn language, by repeating common phrases. Sami makes these classes accessible to all by presenting musical phrases that are short and clear enough for beginners to imitate, but which have subtleties and details that only the most advanced students will grasp. Each class will focus on one maqam, and over the course of several classes students will gain an understanding of several different maqamat and an appreciation for the breadth of the maqam system.

Lessons for Purchase

I have set up standard Paypal Add to Cart buttons for each lesson. Rather than being able to download immediately, after I receive confirmation of your payment, I will email you the link to the lesson. Each lesson will have its own linking code. If you have any problems please email me at abushumays@hotmail.com with "Maqam Lessons" in the subject heading.

For those wishing to purchase lessons via check (rather than online), please correspond with me directly. The same principle will apply: once I receive the check (please specify which lessons you want), i will then email you the linking codes for the lessons you've requested.

Here are the lessons available for purchase:

Eight Major Ajnas (a summary of those covered so far)

Kurd A 02 01-31-07

Kurd A 01 01-31-07

Ajam B-Flat 01 01-05-07

Ajam B-Flat 02 01-05-07

Sekah B-Half-Flat 01 01-05-07

Sekah B-Half-Flat 02 01-05-07

Saba on A 02

Saba on A 01

Bayati on D 02

Hijaz on D 02

Nahawand on C 02

Rast on C 02

Kurd on G 01

Thu, 2 November 2006 Bayati on D Direct download: Maqamlessons_008_2006-11-02.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 11:32 PM Comments[39]

Mon, 23 October 2006 Hijaz on D Direct download: Maqamlessons_006_2006-10-23.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 1:20 PM Comments[1]

Thu, 12 October 2006 Rast on C Direct download: Maqamlessons_004_2006-10-12.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 6:50 PM Comments[47]

Wed, 4 October 2006 Nahawand on C Direct download: Maqamlessons_002_2006-10-04.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 12:40 PM Comments[51]

Tue, 3 October 2006 Introductory lesson Using samples from a class I recorded in August at Lark Camp, I explain the structure of the maqam lessons and how to use them.  If you haven't taken any lessons from me before, please listen to this one first. Direct download: Maqamlessons_001_2006-10-03.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 1:55 PM Comments[2]