Join BIYA BIYA for our inaugural Maqam Workshop! In this interactive session, musicians will learn the language and basics of maqam.
This beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of maqam theory, including key concepts such as scale structures, ajnas (building blocks of maqamat), modulation, and improvisation (taqsim). Taught by musicians Karl El Sokhn (aka Reckless Darling) and C Mikhail, you’ll learn and jam in a low-stakes environment.
🌹 ABOUT THE WORKSHOP 🌹
No prior knowledge of Arabic music is required! This workshop is ideal for musicians curious about the expressive depth of maqam. The ability to either read sheet music or learn by ear is strongly encouraged. Please bring your preferred instrument: Eastern, Western, fretless, microtonal— it doesn’t matter. Come with an open mind and be ready to jam and share music with your workshop partners!
WARM-UP: 6:30pm
SESSION: 7pm - 9pm
🌹 ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS 🌹
Karl El Sokhn aka Reckless Darling is a Lebanese multi-instrumentalist. His approach to musical performances is fluid, open-minded, and versatile. He is the drummer for the Chicago Reader’s best emerging band of 2024 Billy Joel Jr., the guitarist for the Middle East Music Ensemble, and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist with TAYF.
C Mikhail (they/them) is an Assyrian-German-American musician and audio engineer based in Chicago. With a speciality in the Arab music tradition of maqam, they have become a coveted upright bassist in ensembles across the city like the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra and Sumoud Collective, and TAYF, which they founded.
Lite refreshments and sheet music provided!