I am a new member. I am excited to be here. I studied with Udi John Bilezikijian for 5 years before he sadly passed away earlier this year. He left me
with an introduction to Maqam - specifically Husseini. I am curious to know what others think about what the best way is the begin to learn the maqam
system. What are some strategies you recommend for a non-beginner of oud, but beginner of the maqam system.
Thanks!
Art in Los AngelesBrian Prunka - 9-20-2015 at 09:14 PM
Really the only way to learn maqam is to learn taqasim, samais and other repertoire by ear. Sing as much a possible.
It's like learning a language.
Most of the theoretical resources describe the equivalent of grammar and larger compositional structure, not vocabulary and phrases.
As far as resources go:
maqamworld.com
maqamlessons.com
The Maqam Book by David Muallem (Arab Maqam)
Modal Practice in Turkish Art Music - Karl Signell
Turkish Music Makam Guide - Murat Aydemir
These are the best resources available in English to my knowledge.
Does anyone know if the scales in The Maqam Book by David Muallem have their descendings, like suznak, mahur the sub familys maqams not only the main?
Thanks
Yes, and it goes into some detail. Unlike your example, though, he rarely extends much above the octave. He also fails in many cases to describe the
notes below the tonic of each jins/maqam, which is a significant issue in my opinion (thinking that rast C goes C D E/b F, without considering the
leading tones A B/b, is incomplete).
Overall the book is a more complete treatment than I've seen elsewhere, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its flaws.
Sami Abu Shumays published a great (though academically oriented) article in the journal "Music Theory Spectrum", if you have library/journal
privileges it is worth a read: Maqam Analysis
Johnny Farraj (creator of MaqamWorld.com) has been working on a book that I expect to be a fantastic resource for Arabic maqam. But he has a day job
and two kids, so it is a labor of love and who knows when it will be available.
Jono Oud N.Z - 9-26-2015 at 03:28 PM
Quote:
Sami Abu Shumays published a great (though academically oriented) article in the journal "Music Theory Spectrum", if you have library/journal
privileges it is worth a read:
Maqam Analysis
He has another article available for free here:
Intonation in Arab Music
