This course caters to students from the age of 6 to 18 years old.

The Arab Music Department’s Academic Music Programme is designed for students who are serious about studying music and for those who aspire to study in specialized or higher institutes of music internationally. The course is ideal for students who have a passion for music and would like to learn an Arab musical instrument. Our main objective is to inspire and produce capable musicians and preserve Arab musical heritage and pass it on to future generations.

The Programme is structured in a way that tailors to the specific educational needs and age of our students and is based on instrument instruction, Western theory and solfege, group classes in music theory and history, and ensemble group classes, all scheduled after school hours.

Preparatory Levels

The Academic Year is divided into two terms. Except for Preparatory Level 1, all Students are required to sit for an evaluation exam at the end of the first term and for the practical Sharqiyyat exams at the end of the second term. Students at all levels will also be required to perform in two solo recitals over the course of the year and two ensemble recitals when ensemble classes are applied (except for Preparatory Level 1).

Preparatory 1 (Recommended for 7 — 8 Year Olds)

Students in Preparatory Level 1 learn to play these instruments over the course of the academic year:

Our instruments

Oud
Qanun
Nay
Arab Percussion
Kaman

Studies will comprise of the following each week:
(Each Instrument will be taught for 8 weeks in a group setting)

  • One group instrumental lesson for 45 minutes
  • One group musicianship and theory lesson for 45 minutes
  • One Choir Ensemble lesson for 45 minutes: “Baraim Junior Jawqa”

At the end of the academic year, parents will be invited to meet with the Head of the Arab Music Department to discuss their child’s Preparatory 2 instrument recommendation (based on their teacher’s feedback).

 

Preparatory 2(Reccomended for 8 — 9 Year Olds)

Studies will comprise of the following each week:

  • One 30 minutes individual instrumental lesson. Kaman lessons are for 45 minutes.    
  • One group musicianship and theory lesson for 60 minutes
  • One Choir Ensemble lesson for 45 minutes: ‘Baraim Junior Jawqa’.

Grades 1 to 6(Reccomended for 9 – 15 Year Olds)

Grade 1

At this Grade, studies will comprise of following each week:

  • One 45-minute individual instrumental lesson. Kaman lessons are for 60 minutes.
  • One 60-minute theory lesson covering music history, aural training, solfege, notation, music reading and analysis.
  • One 45-minute Choir Ensemble lesson: ‘Baraim Junior Jawqa’.
  • One 60-minute Junior ‘Arab Percussion Ensemble’ for percussion students only.

Grade 2 + 3

At this Grade, studies will comprise of following each week:

  • One 45-minute individual instrumental lesson. Kaman lessons are 60 minutes.
  • One 60-minute theory lesson covering music history, aural training, solfege, notation, music reading and analysis.
  • One 60-minute group performance class. Entrance into each ensemble is through audition and through teacher recommendation only. Percussion and Kaman students must join at least two ensembles.

Grade 4 + 5

At this Grade, studies will comprise of following each week:

  • One 45 or 60-minute individual instrumental lesson (at the teacher’s discretion). Kaman lessons are for 60 minutes
  • One 90-minute theory lesson covering music history, aural training, solfege, notation, music reading and analysis.
  • One 60 or 120-minute group performance class. Entrance into each ensemble is through audition and through teacher recommendation only. Percussion and Kaman students must join at least two ensembles.
  • One 60-minute ‘Maqamat’: Arab music theory covering Arab music history, analyses, rhythms, maqams, and Music technology.

Grade 6

At this Grade, studies will comprise of following each week:

  • One 60-minute individual instrumental lesson.
  • One 90-minute theory lesson covering music history, aural training, solfege, notation, music reading and analysis.
  • One 60 or 120-minute group performance class. Entrance into each ensemble is through audition and through teacher recommendation only. Percussion and Kaman students must join at least two ensembles.
  • One 60-minute ‘Maqamat’: Arab music theory covering Arab music history, analyses, rhythms, maqams, and Music technology.

Grades 7 to 8 + Diploma(Reccomended for 15 - 18 Year Olds)

These grades are designed as an intensive, academic program for children aged between 15 and 18 who are preparing to study music at university level. This course will help the students prepare for an audition to secure them a place at university to study music.

Some courses are taken over a two years period depending on the background of the student.

Grades 7 to 8 + Diploma

At this Grade, studies will comprise of following each week:

  • One-90 minute instrumental lesson on your principal instrument or two 45-minute instrumental lessons.
  • One 120 minutes theory and musicianship lesson covering: history; four-part harmony; figured bass; composition; and analysis.
  • One 60 or 120-minute ‘Music in Practice’ ensemble session. Percussion and Kaman students must join two ensembles.
  • One 60-minute ‘Maqamat’: Arab music theory covering Arab music history, analyses, rhythms, maqams, and Music technology.