This course is designed to assist students in understanding the makam system primarily through phrase material rather than through theoretical constructs such as scales and tetrachords/pentachords. Through this experiential approach, the nuance, sound and atmosphere of each makam will gradually become familiar, allowing them to integrate into our own musical understanding and experience. The compositions listed have been chosen due to their clarity and variety of phrasing. We will analyze them in detail, especially highlighting the phrase material which is characteristic of a makam. A medium level command of one’s instrument as well as a similar level of sight-reading ability is required to participate in this course.
Courses 1,2, and 3 do not necessarily have to be followed in order. They work at the same level, the only difference being that the makams discussed are different. Therefore a student could begin with either 1, 2 or 3 and continue with the other two as is most convenient. The same will be true for courses 4, 5 and 6, although, in this case, having knowledge of the material covered in the first three will be a prerequisite. Makams taught in this course will be: Bûselik, Nihavent, Sultaniyegâh, Kürdi, Saba, Acemaşiran, Segâh and Hüzzâm.