The Art of Makam: From theory to practice- Yvonne Melissa

Makam theory & practice, improvisation & repertoire on Makam-Modal Music

Hosted by: Yvonne Melissa


when: Meetings one Sunday per month starting in September
( 28.9, 2.11, 7.12, 18.1, 15.2, 15.3, 26.4, 17.5, 21.6 )
Duration: 4 hours (12.00-16.00 with short break)
Suggested contribution: 45€ pp( 30€ pp for students under 26 & jobseekers)

Open to all instruments (including singers) and all levels.

Minimum attendance: 2

Workshop description:

The Makam (مقام), as the word itself suggests in the Arabic language, means "place" or "path." It is the melodic system that defines the music of the East, giving it its characteristic microtonal quality. Each makam has its own unique personality, specific melodic progression, and distinctive tuning. The goal of these sessions is to introduce participants to this new musical world by learning the basics of its theory and building a new musical vocabulary through discussion, improvisation, and most importantly, enjoying the process of playing music from Greece, Turkey, the East, and the Balkans, all of which embody this tradition. The goal is to explore one makam or one makam family per session -first to learn the theory behind it, play it and tune on it, play pieces composed on this makam and, of course, learn how to improvise and create a “Taksim” following the path of the Makam.

After the final session, we will perform a concert featuring all the material covered throughout the year.

These sessions are open to musicians and anyone interested in exploring modal music, regardless of their background, as well as players of fretless and fretted instruments, singers, and composers. Reading sheet music is not required.

Art Base, 17/5/26 12-16h, 45E ( reduced 30E for students under 26 and jobseekers),
29 rue des Sables Zandstraat, 1000 Bruxelles, https://www.art-base.be.
For reservations send to to