ACEarts Arabic Rhythm and Music Program
Course
Curriculum
If you are in love with Arabic grooves and music, stop scrolling. You have reached your destination.
Welcome to ACEarts Arabic Rhythm and Music (AARM), member-based online training program in Arabic percussion, melody and music theory. Join a community of like-minded musicians that meet year-round to explore this rich and influential artform.
Darbuka (beginner)
30 minutes, 2x per month
Learn the basics about one the most popular hand drums in the world, the darbuka, including common strokes, popular rhythms and play along songs!
Darbuka (intermediate)
30 minutes, 2x per month
Unlock the magic sounds on the darbuka, including popular trills and fills, solo concepts, and exciting embellishments on popular rhythms. Sound like a pro, whether you want to play solos for dancers or parties, or classical pieces with a Middle Eastern music ensemble.
Riqq (beginner)
30 minutes, 2x per month
Learn the basics about the riqq, one of the most fascinating tambourines in the world, including grip and posture, common strokes on closed and open position, and popular rhythms.
Riqq (intermediate)
30 minutes, 2x per month
Explore the musicality and nuance of the riqq with popular classical zil fills, rolls on closed position, and shakes and trills in open position. Play along with popular songs and unlock the mysteries of riqq legend, Michel Merhej Baklouk.
Frame Drum (beginner)
30 minutes, 2x per month
Explore the magical world of the frame drum, one of the oldest instruments in the world. Learn basic strokes, sounds and Middle Eastern rhythms. Experience the frame drum as a tool of music, meditation and trance.
Frame Drum (intermediate)
30 minutes, 2x per month
Dive deeper into the world of frame drum, combining techniques of Indian, Middle Eastern, North African and Uzbek drumming styles. Explore different lap and standing positions, fills, tricks and polyrhythms.
Ensemble Class (in-person only)
1 Sunday per month, 11am-4pm
Students gather monthly for Sunday intensives to perform songs, solos and course work together!
Maqam
30 minutes, 2x per month
In this class, we will explore the beautiful Arabic system of scales, or maqamaat. We will review each of the 10 most popular maqamaat through ear training (singing). Students will receive fun exercises to follow during class.
Muwashah
1 hour, 1x per month
In this class, we dive into the rich world of Arab-Andalusian music dating back over 1000 years to southern Spain, once a hub for Arab tradition, music and language. Muwashah specifically relates to music written to poetry. This interesting direction of composition resulted in fantastic rhythmic meters. Some of these rhythms became so popular that they formed a music genre of their own, inspiring composers to write music specifically to these amazing rhythmic meters. We will go over these most quintessential muwashah rhythms. Riqq, darbuka and daf players are welcome.
Arabic violin (beginner)
30 minutes, 2x per month
We will explore the magical art of Arabic music upon the standard violin. Topics include Arabic tuning, bowing concepts, common Arabic ornamentation, the 5 most popular maqamaat (Arabic modes), and intro to song analysis. Prior experience with violin is recommended but not necessary.
Oud (beginner)
30 minutes, 2x per month
We will explore the wonderful world of the oud, or Arabic lute. Topics include tuning, right hand plucking, left hand expressions, the 5 most popular maqamaat (Arabic modes), and intro to song analysis. Students will also gain a necessary foundation of reading and interpreting sheet music.
Oud (intermediate)
30 minutes, 2x per month
In this course, we will begin to explore the wide world of ornamentation in the context of song analysis. Ornamentation is the ‘dressing’ of notes which give the oud its distinct sound. We will touch upon some of the most popular uses of ornamentation, such as tremolo, slides and turns. Students will come away fully learning several popular Arabic pieces which they can perform with ensembles or with friends/family, and will become better readers of sheet music.
Taqasim
1 hour, 1x per month
In this class, students will be introduced to the basics of taqasim, or the art of Arabic improvisation. We will explore modulation, or the precise movements between maqamaat which give distinct flavor to the art of Arabic taqasim. Lastly, we will study the various expressions, analyzing popular phrasing, sequences, and qaflat or ‘endings.’
All classes in blue, orange and red are online. Classes will be recorded and shared with all students. For an in-person experience, VIP members can enjoy bi-annual performances, or special public showcases for friends and family, taking place each spring and fall. Additionally, VIP members can enjoy in-person immersions (colored pink), called Ensemble. These are day-long opportunities once a month where students can enjoy Arabic cuisine, studying and playing songs together, and friendship.
Monthly Schedule
Sample: September 2024
