13th Annual Arabic Music Retreat with Simon Shaheen

(Description to come) From 2008 program:

Arab musician and composer Simon Shaheen invites
students, performers, and scholars of Arabic music to
the Twelfth Annual Arabic Music Retreat at Mount
Holyoke College. The Retreat is honored to present a
very talented and accomplished faculty roster including
Associate Director Dr. Jihad Racy.

The Retreat includes seven days of Arabic music
instruction in both chamber music and large orchestra
performance. The Retreat also offers private lessons and
classes in Arabic music theory, analysis, and ear
training.

The structured format, along with the relaxed academic
atmosphere of Mount Holyoke's beautiful rural campus,
makes the Retreat an ideal setting for the serious study
of Arabic music.

Classes
Seven days of instruction in Arabic music performance,
ear training, theory, and history. Two levels of theory
classes, beginners and advanced, will be offered. The
Retreat will concentrate on daily group classes in Arabic
chamber music. Each chamber group will consist of
seven to ten (approx.) performers coached by a faculty
instructor. These classes will help students experience
key elements of Arabic music performance such as
musical communication, dynamics, style, and
interpretation. Primary instruments of instruction will be:
the `ud (Arabic lute), violin, nay (end-blown reed flute),
qanun (Arabic zither), buzuq, voice, and percussion
instruments such as the riqq (tambourine), tablah
(goblet-shaped drum) and tar (frame drum). Private
lessons will be given every other day.

Students
Participants should be able to read western music
notation, or learn quickly by ear (with the exception of
those studying percussion). Advanced and accomplished
music students who are interested in Arabic music but
are relatively new to its instruments are also encouraged
to attend. Participants under 18 years old must be
accompanied by an adult family member. If you have any
questions, please contact us.