ACEarts Arabic Rhythm and Music Program

Course

Curriculum

If you are in love with Arabic grooves and sounds, 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 train, explore and perform this rich and influential artform.


Darbuka

Percussion Class

The darbuka is one of the most popular percussion instruments in the world. In this course, we will 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 solo for dancers, or perform classical pieces with a Middle Eastern music ensemble.


Riqq

Percussion Class

Learn the world of the riqq, one of the most fascinating and versatile tambourines in the world, including grip and posture, common strokes on closed and open position, and popular rhythms. We will advance to explore the musicality and nuance of the riqq with popular classical zil fills, rolls on closed position, and shakes and trills in open position. 


Daf

Percussion Class

Explore the magic world of the daf or frame drum, one of the oldest instruments ever used by humans, used as a tool of music, meditation and trance. We will dive deeper into the world of the daf throughout the year, combining techniques of Indian, Middle Eastern, North African and Uzbek drumming styles.  Specifically, we will explore different lap and standing positions, fills, tricks and polyrhythms.

Muwashah

Performance Class

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.  All percussion, melodic instruments and voice are welcome.


Ensemble Class

Performance Class: In-Person Concert Rehearsal

Students gather monthly to perform coursework as an ensemble, and to practice and prepare concert repertoire. All instruments are welcome.

Taqasim

Theory Class

In this class, students will be introduced to the basics of the rich and intricate form of improvisation known as 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.’ Melodic instruments and voice are welcome.


Maqam

Theory Class

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 that will enrich their understanding of each maqam, from embodying the quartertones, to understanding the basics of modulations between scales to build the foundation of composition and improvisation. All melodic instruments and voice are welcome.

Ornamentation

Theory Class

In this class, we will explore ornamentation, one of the most defining aspects of Arabic music (and of all musics). Topics include common phrases, turns, tremolos and slides that give Arabic music its character - and what can transform a ‘non-Arabic’ melody into an Arabic melody. Percussionists can benefit from this class as well, as the percussion mirrors much of the same ornaments as the plucking melodic instruments.   All percussion, melodic instruments and voice are welcome.


Violin

Melodic Instrument Class

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. All bowed strings are welcome.


Oud

Melodic Instrument Class

In this class, students will learn how to embody playing the oud, or Arabic lute.  Topics include tuning, right hand plucking, left hand expressions, popular maqamaat (Arabic modes), and song analysis, utilizing western sheet music/notation.  As the course progresses, 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.

Nay

Melodic Instrument Class

In this class, we will study the nay or Arabic reed flute. Topics include common fingerings, breathwork and posture, common Arabic ornamentation, popular maqamaat (Arabic modes), and intro to song analysis.  Prior ability to produce sound on the instrument is recommended.

Voice

Melodic Instrument Class

In this class, we will explore Arabic vocalizing. Topics include diction for both Arabic speakers and non-Arabic speakers, breathwork and posture, mawaweel, common Arabic vocal ornamentation, popular maqamaat (Arabic modes), and intro to song analysis.  Prior singing experience is recommended but not necessary.



September 2024 (commencing 9/23)

  • 1x darbuka class

  • 1x riqq class

  • 1x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #1

October 2024

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #2

November 2024

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #3

December 2024

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • FALL CONCERT

January 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #1

February 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • WINTER RETREAT (No Ensemble)

  1. All classes are 1 hour, with the exception of Ensemble, which is 11-4pm on 1x Sunday per month.

  2. All classes are online with the exception of Ensemble.  At special times, a class may be hybrid (inviting in-person participation)- Notice will be sent out on the group chat.   All classes will be available on Zoom and will be recorded and shared with all students.

  3. The level of all classes combines beginner and advanced concepts and is designed to suite all students.  Any students needing support may reach out to the group chat or instructors.

  4. Ensemble classes / rehearsals will be in-person only.  Concert repertoire is prepared and rehearsed in Ensemble class. Students must attend at least half of all Ensemble classes in order to perform in each concert.

  5. Concerts occur twice per year, at the end of fall and end of spring. Additional concerts may be added throughout the year.

  6. Times and dates of each class are determined in August 2024, taking into account the schedules of all instructors and early-registration members.

  7. Retreats are not included in the membership fee. Members may register for retreats at special discounted member rates.

Monthly Schedule

March 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #2

April 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #3

May 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #4

June 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • SPRING CONCERT

July 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • 1x ENSEMBLE / Rehearsal #1

August 2025

  • 2x darbuka class

  • 2x riqq class

  • 2x daf class

  • 1x muwashahat class

  • 1x oud class

  • 1x violin class

  • 1x nay class

  • 1x voice class

  • 1x Theory class

  • SUMMER RETREAT (No Ensemble)