The Buzuq Performance program is a recurring year-long course (20 lessons) designed for students who wish to develop both technical mastery and a comprehensive understanding of the buzuq’s role within the Arabic musical tradition. It is suitable for musicians from both Arabic and Western musical backgrounds. The course combines instrumental technique with maqam, rhythm, repertoire, improvisation, and musicianship.

This long-necked, fretted lute, with a bright resonant tone and flexible fret system, is traditionally a folk instrument from the Bilad Asham region (currently Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and parts of Jordan). Its physical qualities make it well-suited for the melodic richness and microtonal nuances of Arabic music. Throughout the course, students develop the technical proficiency, musical skills, and confidence required to perform traditional and contemporary repertoire as a soloist or part of an ensemble.

Beginner
Students establish a solid technical foundation by learning supportive posture, efficient movement, instrument tuning, basic plectrum technique, left-hand positions, hand coordination, and tone production. Fundamental maqamat, common rhythmic cycles (iqa’at), and level-appropriate ornaments are introduced through carefully selected repertoire and exercises. Basic theory and ear training are integrated from the beginning to ensure well-rounded musical understanding.

Pathway I
The intermediate level expands the student’s command of the instrument through more advanced right- and left-hand techniques, exploring the full range of the fingerboard, controlling dynamics, and building greater confidence in uncommon rhythmic cycles. Students learn all the primary maqam families, modulation between related maqamat, ornamentation, and stylistically informed phrasing while building a broader performance repertoire. Guided improvisation (taqsim) becomes an integral part of weekly study.

Pathway II
Advanced students refine their unique artistic voice by developing variations on classic and contemporary repertoire, expanding phrasing possibilities, and advanced ornamentation. The course uses transcription and analysis of classic compositions and taqasim by the great masters as a method to explore and understand complex maqam relationships, challenging modulations, phrasing, and ornamentation. Students will develop a better sense of stylistic differentiation among ensemble interaction, vocal accompaniment, and solo performance.
The course encourages personal musical expression rooted in the stylistic language and aesthetics of the Arabic musical tradition, while guiding students to develop their own artistic voice beyond it.

Across all levels, the course integrates technical development, ear training, maqam studies, rhythm, repertoire, improvisation, and performance practice, enabling students to become confident, expressive, and stylistically informed musicians.

The 6 Core Pillars of Buzuq Mastery

• Learn through lessons tailored to your goals, experience, and learning style.
• Develop through a teaching approach that combines traditional time-tested practice methods with contemporary learning tools.
• Strengthen your musicianship through a holistic approach that develops the whole musician, including body awareness, ear training, singing, rhythm, and instrumental technique.
• Build the confidence and musical understanding to perform at your best at every stage of your development.
• Apply practical musical principles that can be adapted across styles and musical settings.
• Discover how storytelling and the flow of tension and release bring music to life beyond the mechanics of music-making.