Lessons
Maqam Lessons Online
Online lessons to understand the Arabic maqamat by ear and in performance, for singers and oud players. We work on ajnas, maqam paths (sayr), quarter tones and cadences, step by step and with the oud.
Why study maqam?
Maqam is the foundation of Arabic music. Understanding it helps singers tune accurately and feel the phrase, and helps players improvise and play taqasim with confidence. But maqamat aren't learned from tables alone; they need a trained ear and guided practice.
What the lessons cover
- Ajnas: the small note groups a maqam is built from, and the character of each.
- Core maqamat: Rast, Bayati, Hijaz, Saba, Nahawand and Kurd.
- Sayr: where a melody starts, rests, moves and returns to the tonic.
- Quarter tones: tuned by singing over a drone and with the oud.
- Analytical listening: recognising the maqam in recordings and noticing cadences (qafla).
- Application: singing or playing short phrases in each maqam, then simple improvisation.
Who it's for
Singers who want more accurate maqam singing, oud players who want to understand what they play and improvise on it, and musicians from a Western background who want to understand quarter tones. Maqam can be the focus of every lesson, or part of Arabic singing lessons or online oud lessons.
Start by reading an introduction to Arabic maqamat for singers to get to know each maqam before your first lesson.
Length and prices
Lessons are online by video call, or in person in Dubai. Each lesson is 40 minutes: the 8-lesson course is AED 2,000, paid upfront, or a single lesson is AED 300.
What a lesson looks like
A lesson usually focuses on one maqam or jins: we listen first, then sing or play its notes over a drone, then short phrases and a cadence, and finish with listening suggestions for the next lesson. Over a course you build a clear map of the core maqamat.
About your teacher
Wael Salah is an Egyptian Arabic singer, oud player and music educator who has lived in the UAE for about three years and has taught in Egypt, Oman and Kuwait. He holds a BA in Music Education, a Diploma in Music, a Diploma in Art Therapy and an MBA, and founded Rouh Dubai Choir, which has performed at Dubai Opera and at government and Ministry of Culture events. Read more about Wael.
How to book
- Choose a single lesson (AED 300) or the 8-lesson course (AED 2,000).
- Send the booking form or a WhatsApp message with your level, preferred days, and whether you want online or in-person lessons.
- Your time and place are confirmed on WhatsApp; payment is by bank transfer or cash.
FAQ
Do I need to read music to study maqam?
Not necessarily. We start with listening and singing, and use notation when helpful.
Which maqamat do we start with?
Usually Rast, Bayati and Nahawand, then Hijaz, Kurd and Saba, depending on your level and goal.
Are the lessons for singers or oud players?
Both. We apply each maqam with the voice or on the oud, depending on what you are learning.
How much are maqam lessons?
An 8-lesson course (8 × 40 minutes) for AED 2,000, or a single lesson for AED 300.