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Taqsim: Improvisation & Arabic Maqam

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L/A Arts, 168 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, Maine

What are the the three kinds of taqsim? How much of a taqsim is improvised? What role does rhythm play in Arabic improvisation? What is a qaflah and what are four parts of it? 

In Arabic music, taqsim encompasses a not just the concept of improvisation, but a shared vocabulary derived from familiarity with centuries of musical practice stemming from the maqam tradition.  In this workshop, you'll learn practical techniques for deepening your approach to improvised music more generally, as well as structural elements of the taqsim genre, including important identifying vocabulary and cadential phrases (qaflat). 

Some background in Arabic maqam helpful but not required - much of the content is applicable to any level of familiarity and is applicable to other genres of music. 


Open to singers and musicians on any instrument. The workshop will be participatory so bring your instrument!

Price: by donation
Register Here
 

 

About Brian Prunka

Over 25 years ago, Brian Prunka began his oud-playing jouney and has since become sought-after teacher and performer.   After many years of study with Simon Shaheen, Najib Shaheen, Bassam Saba, and others, he became the first American invited to teach oud at Simon Shaheen’s annual Arabic Music Retreat, and has decades of teaching experience on various instruments.  In addition to working with the New York Arabic Orchestra, he has toured with Simon Shaheen’s ensemble Qantara and has extensive performance experience including Samer Ali & Takht al-Nagham, Zikrayat, Nano Raies, and the Bil Afrah Project, as well as his own groups Nashaz and Sharq Attack. 
(more info here)

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