The week-long Arabic Music Retreat includes full days of private lessons, lectures, group classes and faculty-coached chamber group sessions.
The morning sessions start with a daily ear- training class led by Simon Shaheen, introducing the maqamaat (modes or scales) of Arabic music as well as prominent rhythms. Next is an hour-long theory class. Currently the Retreat offers two theory levels. On some days the morning session ends with a lecture, a master class, or a lecture/demonstration.
After lunch, participants take private lessons and meet for group classes in various instruments. The afternoon is capped off by daily rehearsals of chamber groups. Each participant is assigned to a faculty-coached chamber group that rehearses two pieces to be performed in a recital at the end of the Retreat.
Evenings include optional events like jam sessions and open mic sessions.
We present two concerts that are open to the public. The first is a faculty concert. The second features all participants performing in chamber groups.
