Music CoursesMusic CoursesAcoustic Berber Music from Algeria | Summer 2022DescriptionOMG it’s official! We’re so honoured that the Amazi(n)gh duo Iness Mezel & Nora Abdoun are leading our 5-day workshop on acoustic Berber music. When: Mon 4th - Fri 8th July, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: RG01 at SOAS Delivery: in-person Being the largest ethnic minority of North Africa, the Berber follow a traditional oral culture incorporating their own language, script and music wherein women’s voices accompanied on bendir (frame drum) play a phenomenal role. Although women’s songs inspired many famous male singers in the region, they have been ignored in their own right. Innes & Nora offer a platform to the otherwise largely invisible world of female voices from Kabylie as a window to the power and beauty of Berber oral culture, which has long suffered oppression and invisibility. Hence they call their initiative "Tiwkilin", which translates to “the invisible world”. Feeling the buzz? 🎶 Well, tickets are going, going…almost gone! Buy yours now. Photo credit: Robert Les
Chinese Percussion | Summer 2022DescriptionJoin Beibei Wang, a genre-defying international virtuoso percussionist, in an exciting four-day course on Chinese drumming & percussion. Calling all levels of experience and equipment – bring your drumsticks and a practice pad or just wooden spoons and pan! When: Mon 13th - Thur 17th June, 18:30-21:00 BST Where: G52 on the ground floor of SOAS main building Delivery: in-person We'll be focusing on traditional drum techniques and learning fun percussion ensemble pieces, as well as introducing some of the many regional styles of percussion music and opera. Pdfs and relevant video links will be provided to help you continue your studies. With this workshop, you'll be able to: 🇨🇳 Pretty exponentially boost your sense of rhythm & structure 🇨🇳 Understand authentic Chinese rhythms & cool music patterns 🇨🇳 Use our fab ideas to guide your future composition & teaching Tickets for this workshop sell out the fastest... so sign up TODAY!
Circlesinging | Summer 2022DescriptionYou heard it here first: The collaborative four-day course on Circlesinging with Britain's leading Circlesinging facilitator Guillermo Rozenthuler is back. ⭕ When: Mon 13th - Thurs 16th June, 18:30-21:00 BST ⭕ Where: BG01 at Brunei Gallery SOAS ⭕ Delivery: In-person Being the earliest form of community singing, circlesinging is performed in countless different ways around the world. It can involve a lot of things: vocal improvisation, jamming, add-or-change-a-part, voicestra, a drum circle for singers, or simply make-it-up singing. In any case, circlesinging is beautiful and quite a mistake-free zone, so you don't need to worry about being a bad singer... It doesn’t matter how you sound – the rest of the group makes you sound awesome! Ready to tap into your inner artist? Tickets on sale right in front of you!
Classical Indian Singing | Summer 2022DescriptionMusical expression through the voice forms the foundation to the art of Indian Classical Music. We invited inspiring singer Mehboob Nadeem this summer to offer you the best vocal training in exactly this. When: Mon 13th - Fri 17th June, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: SOAS University of London. Room B104 Delivery: In-person Level: Suitable for all levels This course offers introduction to Classical Indian voice culture and singing styles, as well as the melodic concept of the raag, including composition and improvisation within a given raag (mode). There will be: 🇮🇳 basic theory 🇮🇳 traditional warm up exercises 🇮🇳 learning about the rhythmic structures 🇮🇳 in-depth practical work on two raags, and way more..... Tune in – tickets below!
Classical Rubab from Kabul | Summer 2022DescriptionOur 2022 rubâb workshop is now open for registration! Sign up today for a specialist in-depth course with one of the UK's finest proponents of the Afghan Rubâb. When: Mon 4th, Weds 6th, Thurs 7th and Fri 8th July, 18:30-21:00 BST Where: Room R201 in SOAS Main Building Delivery: In-person Level: Intermediate & Expert; attendees should bring their own instrument
The rubâb is Afghanistan's national instrument, and is often called “the lion of instruments”. The characteristic sound of this plucked, two-chambered lute can be attributed to its construction, consisting of a single block of mulberry tree wood and affixed with goat skin; the sympathetic strings, tuned to the notes of a given mode, give the rubâb its special tone. Earlier iterations of this instrument were used widely throughout the Persianate world in both court and Sufi contexts, including in Afghanistan, Iran, India, Kashmir, and Xinjiang. The instrument is also the ancestor of the modern-day Indian sarod. With Dr William Rees Hofmann (and Professor Emeritus Dr John Baily)
Composition Using Modes & Melodies of the World | Summer 2022DescriptionAre you an instrument player, vocalist, composer, or music producer? Wanna expand your playing, composition, and improvisation by learning the theory behind melodies, harmonies, and scales across the globe? Then come attend this 5-day course on international music composition theory that creative Latina musician Eliane Correa put together just for you! When: Mon 4th - 8th July, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: SOAS University of London Delivery: in-person Topics include but are not limited to: 🎵 Modes in Ethiopian music and their integration in jazz & improvisation 🎵 Microtonality in Arabic scales 🎵 Horn lines in salsa & Cuban music 🎵 Modulation in Brazilian music and gospel-style chord substitutions
So what are you waiting for? Snatch your ticket to a magical summer below! 10/10 you WON'T regret.
Cuban Music Big Band Weekender | Summer 2022DescriptionWhatever your instrument, here’s a chance to play some classic Cuban styles: Son, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Latin Jazz… The course looks at rhythms, structure, arrangement & improvisation within those musical forms. Award-winner Sara McGuinness, and her supportive gang of musicians spanning all abilities, will give you the most immersive intro to Cuban Music you need. One of our most popular courses, sessions will be varied, hands-on and a LOT of fun! When: Sat 11th - Sun 12th June, 10-12:30, (lunch 12:30-1:30) 1:30 - 4pm Where: To be decided Delivery: in-person Level: All levels & instruments (arrangements customized to instruments present) The Cuban Music Big Band has been an important part of SOAS for over a decade now: From the annual Summer School, it spawned a weekly workshop. From a workshop, it led to Orquesta Estelar, one of the hottest live Latin bands in London. Come and join the band. Tickets are below, but won't be there for long – so register ASAP!
Flamenco Percussion (Cajón) & Rhythms | Summer 2022DescriptionAfter months of toiling away in our office, we’re so proud to announce that our spine-tingling workshop on flamenco rhythms is finally ready for sale! When: Mon 4th - Fri 8th July, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: RB01 at SOAS Delivery: in-person Level: All levels welcome; no previous experience required
**You need to bring your own instrument for this course, or contact us for hire options** This is a hands-on taster course introducing the flamenco rhythms (Buleria, Seguirias, Solea, Tangos, Alegria etc.) on the cajón. 'Cajón' (pronounced ca-hon) means drawer or box in Spanish. It originates from Peru where it is used in folk music styles such as Festejo. Legend has it that African slaves in Peru started playing their grooves on the fishing 6 packing boxes where they worked when slave-owners banned their African drums. The Peruvian cajón then found its way to the loving hands of Paco De Lucia, who developed the guitar string system to create a more snarey sound.
Maqam Ensemble | Summer 2022DescriptionSave the date! Our Maqam workshop is back on 20th June. Learn to play this Middle Eastern music, based of the melodic concept of maqam. The FOUR-day course (please note there will be no session on the Thursday) will cover the principles of improvisation, Introduction to Middle Eastern music Maqams (modulations), Arabic music forms and selected pieces from the Arabic music repertoire. When: Mon 20, Tue 21, Wed 22 and Fri 24 June, 18:30-21:00 BST Where: Room 4429 (except Weds which is in L67) at SOAS Delivery: in-person Level: All instruments and levels welcome
The musical heritage spread from North Africa to Central Asia, generally referred to as “maqām”, unites the region, regardless of territorial, linguistic and religious differences. Iranian and Arab music traditions have long been two of the most important pillars of this vast shared culture, always keeping in time with the present while rooted in the past.
Middle Eastern Percussion (Darbuka) | Summer 2022DescriptionThe moment you've been waiting for is here... tickets now on sale for our Darbuka weekender! The course will introduce basic playing techniques, essential rhythms, overview on Middle Eastern percussion. When: Sat 25th - Sun 26th June, 10-12:30, (lunch 12:30-1:30) 1:30 - 4pm BST Where: G52 on the ground floor of SOAS main building Delivery: in-person Level: all levels welcome
The darbuka, a hand-drum common throughout the Arab cultural sphere, originated from the Middle East around 2000 years ago. A skilled player can tease a complex range of sharp and deep sounds from this goblet shaped drum. It is an easy instrument to learn and yet has a surprising emotional range.
Mongolian Throat Singing | Summer 2022DescriptionThe lineup is here 🎤 Grab a ticket to partake in a weekend workshop on Mongolian Throat Singing with Britain's most experienced Khöömii singer, Michael Ormiston and the forever-phenomenal, Candida Valentino! When: Sat 18th - Sun 19th June, 10-12:30, (lunch 12:30-1:30) 1:30 - 4pm Where: G52 on the ground floor of SOAS main building Delivery: in-person Honoured by the UNESCO, Khöömii is a style of overtone/harmonic singing where one sings multiple distinct pitches simultaneously. It originates from the central Asian plateau, particularly the Altai & Sayan mountain regions of Mongolia and Tuva. The nomads of these parts have discovered how to sing melodies initially inspired by the imitation of their intimate connections to their natural surroundings: mountains, streams, animals, lakes, and the harsh winds of the steppe... both physically and within their belief systems. This workshop enables you to listen to your own overtones, discovering unknown depths and heights of your voice through these enchanting sounds. So if you're curious to explore your vocal harmonics this way, you don't wanna miss this event.
Rhythmic Elements of the World | Summer 2022DescriptionReady to tick off a bucket list item? Tickets for Rhythmic Elements of the World are now available! This workshop makes you understand every essential concept & device of rhythm you've ever heard in international music. Percussion instruments will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you want. When: Mon 4th - Fri 8th July, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: RB01 at SOAS Delivery: in-person Level: intermediate/experienced players of any instrument
In this workshop, we explore rhythm as a compositional tool inspired by world music styles: timeline, layering, polyrhythms, cross rhythms, moving bass, and more. Improve your sense of rhythm and structure, apply the patterns in your own instrument, or use these ideas as a tool in composition and teaching. Some examples of what we will be covering: 🌍 rhythmic compositions, shapes and phrases in South Indian music 🌏 long rhythmic cycles from Ottoman music 🌎 multi-layered grooves from Brazil & Morocco 🌏 how to play Sandansko Horo in 22/8
Roma Music | Summer 2022DescriptionWe're beyond excited to have our very own world-music singer Júlia Kozáková back for a FREE four-day Roma music workshop this year. The fantastic virtuoso Roma cimbalom player, Lubomir Gaspar will be leading the workshop with her, and all workshop participants are invited to join Julia on stage for her performance as part of this SOAS Concert Series event. Register today to save your spot. When: Mon 13th - Thu 16th June, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: Room B103, First floor of the Brunei Gallery building, SOAS University of London Delivery: in-person What could possibly make this workshop even better? The option to perform with Júlia as part of the SOAS Concert Series, happening Friday 17th June in the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre! Supported using public funding by Slovak Arts Council.
Senegalese Sabar Drumming | Summer 2022DescriptionThe summer you’ve been waiting for is fast approaching with a golden five-day opportunity to try your hand at Sabar Drumming with Senegalese master drummer Modou Diouf! When: Mon 4th - Fri 8th July, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: RB01 at SOAS Delivery: in-person Level: All levels welcome; no previous experience required
Instruments will be provided 🥁 Carved from Dimb wood with a goatskin head attached by seven pegs and a clever lacing system that allows for tuning, Sabar drums are played with a stick in one hand and the palm of the other. A form of drumming once exclusively reserved for Senegalese royalty, Sabar music is today found at all kinds of social events including weddings, birth ceremonies, and most especially wrestling matches! The thrilling rhythms define the jaw-dropping Mbalax sound played by popular artists like Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal.
Down to learn everything Sabar you need to know? Tickets on sale right below!
Tunes and Grooves from Northeast Brazil | Summer 2022DescriptionHere's a chance to learn Brazilian melodies, songs and rhythms from the Northeast of Brazil, with Rachel Hayter and Jansen Santana When: Mon 20th - Fri 24th June, 18:30-20:30 BST Where: SOAS Main Building (meet in G52 on the first day) Delivery: In-person Level: Open to all The Northeast of Brazil is home to some of the most rich musical traditions of the country. Come and learn some tunes and songs from the regions of Bahia and Pernambuco to create our very own SOAS band of catchy melodies and killer grooves! This course will be led by flautist Rachel Hayter joined by Brazilian percussionist Jansen Santana, from Bahia, to head up the groove section. The course will explore music from the traditions of the Orchestra de pífanos (bamboo flute and percussion bands) and Forró (a lively style of music and dance now popular worldwide). We will look at the rhythms of baião, ciranda, marchinha, maracatú and ijexá to accompany melodies and songs, and learn a few dance moves Open to all instrumentalists, percussionists and vocalists. Notated music will be provided for those who prefer, but we will concentrate on teaching the tunes by ear. Improvisation will be strongly encouraged!
West African Kora | Summer 2022DescriptionCome to a captivating 4-day Kora course with Kadialy Kouyate When: Mon 13th, Weds 15th, Thurs 16th 18:30 - 20:30 BST Fri 17th 16:00 - 18:00 BST Where: G51 on the ground floor of SOAS main building (meet in G52 on the first day) Delivery: In-person Level: Beginner & Intermediate
The Mandinka kora is a unique instrument with 21 strings that classy people play. Although it sounds like a mix of lute and harp, its intricate playing style is closer to flamenco guitar.
Zimbabwean Mbira (Thumb Piano) | Summer 2022DescriptionGood news – the Mbira workshop for 2022 is here! Your teachers Linos Wengara and Tim Lloyd have a lifetime's experience with Zimbabwean traditional music and spiritual culture. When: Mon 20th - Fri 24th June, 18:30 - 20:30 BST Where: G51 on the ground floor of SOAS main building Delivery: In-person Level: Beginner, but offers progression & deeper insight for intermediates Mbira, the national instrument of Zimbabwe, is used in Shona spiritual ceremonies to call upon the spirits passed down through generations, through a repertoire of ancient songs. More recently, it has also found its way into popular music. In this wonderful course, you will: 🇿🇼 learn some of those ancient songs, progressing to add vocals & variations 🇿🇼 study new ways of hearing melodies & polyrhythms 🇿🇼 discuss the spiritual meanings & culture of Mbira music
Original instruments will be available for use or purchase.
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