Fundamentals of Singing and Drumming: Maqam Rast
This is a 4-week in-person course that aims to teach students how to sing and drum to a set of 2-3 songs (qasidas), in Maqam Rast. By the end of the course, students should feel confident singing and drumming to this set without any assistance and should understand how to approach learning subsequent songs and composing additional sets.
Special attention will be paid to
Memorization: Students will be expected to memorize a few lines from each qasida so that their hands are free to drum. The goal is to be able to sing the set we’re learning at will without needing to reference a sheet of paper or, worse still, a smartphone.
Maqam literacy: Maqams form the basic building blocks of traditional Arabic music. Students will learn to identify the essential notes of the maqam and learn how to use it in other contexts, such as reciting Quran or performing the adhan.
Ear Training: This is especially important in choral singing. A munshid needs to be able to identify and match the pitch of the other singers present. A good singer is a great listener.
Rhythm: Students will learn how to determine the tempo of a song and identify the appropriate drum beat for it. They will also learn how to structure sets so that the tempo builds steadily. Finally, they will learn how to maintain the tempo of a song in the absence of a drum.
Starting Pitch: Students will learn how to consistently start each set at the correct pitch.
In short, the goal of this course is not simply to learn a few songs, but to learn the principles that govern this genre of music and to acquire the fundamental skills that you will need to succeed in this journey.
Prerequisites
Ability to read and pronounce Arabic comfortably.
Ability to carry a basic tune while reciting Quran or singing a simple nursery rhyme.
Schedule & Location
This class will meet in-person on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00PM EST at the following location:
Tanwir Institute, Classroom # 2
4401 Fair Lakes Ct.
Unit 301
Fairfax, VA. 22152.
Classes will begin on June 3rd, 2026 and end on June 24, 2026.
This class is open to men and boys (10+). Registration is required.
In addition to the class meetings, students will be given access to a course page, where they will have the opportunity to ask questions and request feedback during the week.
Materials
Students are expected to purchase their own drums. All other materials will be provided.
Class Size
Class size is limited to 5 students to ensure adequate time for practice and feedback.
Refund Policy
Refunds will not be provided for missed classes. Instead, a recording of the missed class will be shared.
This is a 4-week in-person course that aims to teach students how to sing and drum to a set of 2-3 songs (qasidas), in Maqam Rast. By the end of the course, students should feel confident singing and drumming to this set without any assistance and should understand how to approach learning subsequent songs and composing additional sets.
Special attention will be paid to
Memorization: Students will be expected to memorize a few lines from each qasida so that their hands are free to drum. The goal is to be able to sing the set we’re learning at will without needing to reference a sheet of paper or, worse still, a smartphone.
Maqam literacy: Maqams form the basic building blocks of traditional Arabic music. Students will learn to identify the essential notes of the maqam and learn how to use it in other contexts, such as reciting Quran or performing the adhan.
Ear Training: This is especially important in choral singing. A munshid needs to be able to identify and match the pitch of the other singers present. A good singer is a great listener.
Rhythm: Students will learn how to determine the tempo of a song and identify the appropriate drum beat for it. They will also learn how to structure sets so that the tempo builds steadily. Finally, they will learn how to maintain the tempo of a song in the absence of a drum.
Starting Pitch: Students will learn how to consistently start each set at the correct pitch.
In short, the goal of this course is not simply to learn a few songs, but to learn the principles that govern this genre of music and to acquire the fundamental skills that you will need to succeed in this journey.
Prerequisites
Ability to read and pronounce Arabic comfortably.
Ability to carry a basic tune while reciting Quran or singing a simple nursery rhyme.
Schedule & Location
This class will meet in-person on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00PM EST at the following location:
Tanwir Institute, Classroom # 2
4401 Fair Lakes Ct.
Unit 301
Fairfax, VA. 22152.
Classes will begin on June 3rd, 2026 and end on June 24, 2026.
This class is open to men and boys (10+). Registration is required.
In addition to the class meetings, students will be given access to a course page, where they will have the opportunity to ask questions and request feedback during the week.
Materials
Students are expected to purchase their own drums. All other materials will be provided.
Class Size
Class size is limited to 5 students to ensure adequate time for practice and feedback.
Refund Policy
Refunds will not be provided for missed classes. Instead, a recording of the missed class will be shared.