Group Maqam Singing Classes: Arabic Music for All 7pm-8:30pm, Tuesday September 22nd, 2026 Brooklyn School of Music - 126 St Felix St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

This fall we continue with another batch of maqam classes led by Sami Abu Shumays! As usual, each class is stand-alone and focuses on one maqam. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged, while those who take multiple classes will develop a more layered understanding. The focus of the next three classes are as follows:

September 22nd: Maqam Kurd October 20th: Maqam Lami (with special guest instructor Zahra AlZubaidi November 17th: Maqam Hijazkar-Kurd

3-class bundle available at a discount!

Learn Arabic Music from master musician and educator Sami Abu Shumays, co-author of the acclaimed book Inside Arabic Music and creator of the YouTube series "Maqam Lessons." The group call-and-response singing format of these classes creates a non-judgmental environment that makes learning enjoyable. Non-musicians, beginner musicians, and experienced practitioners will all benefit from the insights and pragmatic approach Sami offers.

Maqam is known as the unique (microtonal) scale system of Arabic Music, but in its essence it is a melodic practice rooted in the shared vocabulary of the Arab community. Each Maqam tells a particular story, and together we will explore this melodic practice in improvisation and composed songs, through collective singing and listening to repertory.

Each class is stand-alone, and will focus on one maqam. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged, while those who take multiple classes will develop a more layered understanding.