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'''Note:  In Fall 2012 the course will be offered as Music 506 or 601 for 3 credits in a single semester'''<br>. First meeting is '''Thursday September 6'''For-credit students: please arrive promptly at 6:30 PM, Studio 27, FAB (see link below for directions). Community members: please arrive promptly at 7 PM.
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'''This course will be available for credit in Winter 2023.''' Enroll using [https://www.beartracks.ualberta.ca/ Bear Tracks].
New members [[MENAME prospective students | click here]] for more information.
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 +
 
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If you are enrolled (or on a waitlist) be sure to [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9Mm-cpD4ieph_aqbyNmKRiRQiji5j8b2tasVT-ZkV5c050Q/viewform fill out this form] by November 30 (ideally) but certainly prior to the first meeting (in 2022, we'll start on Jan 6)This first meeting will be for consent, when I will ask everyone to sing or play something. Only those enrolled for credit need attend. The second meeting (Jan 13) will be our first proper rehearsal.
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 +
Sign up for the '''[http://www.mailman.srv.ualberta.ca/mailman/listinfo/mename MENAME email list]''' here.
 +
 
 +
New members [[MENAME prospective students | click here]] for more information about the group.  We meet in Studio 27, in the Fine Arts Building, Thursdays at 6:30 - those not taking the course for credit can generally come at 7pm. [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/viewer?mid=1x6RfXWiHcvIw6DzghVTPBk6Ddow&ll=53.4173823883664%2C-113.5519028&z=11 Here's a map].
 +
 
 +
NOTE: for the first 3 weeks (Jan 6 - 20) of 2022 we're online. [mailto:michaelf@ualberta.ca Email me for the link]. After that we might be able to get back to Studio 27. Join the mailing list to be updated.
  
 
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MENAME (Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble)
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'''MENAME (Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble) (Music 148, 448, 548)'''<br>  
(Music 148, 248, 348, 448, 548)<br> '''[Fall 2012 only:  Music 506 for undergrads, Music 601 for grads]'''
 
  
short URL for this page: ''http://bit.ly/MENAME'' or ''http://bit.ly/mename''
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short URL for this page: ''http://bit.ly/MENAME'' or ''http://bit.ly/mename'' or "http://bit.ly/Mename"
  
 
= Overview =
 
= Overview =
  
The University of Alberta Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble (MENAME) is a University of Alberta course, a group for the study and performance of music from Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Berber, Hebrew, Nubian, Kurdish, Armenian, and other musical-linguistic communities of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as fusions thereof.
+
The University of Alberta Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble (MENAME) is a University of Alberta course and a community group for the study and performance of music from Arabic, Turkish, Persian/Iranian, Azerbaijani, Berber, Hebrew, Nubian, Kurdish, Armenian, Greek, and other musical-linguistic communities of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as fusions thereof. Our aim is to learn and appreciate aspects of these musical traditions, to use music as a gateway towards broader intercultural understanding, and as a means of forming and maintaining a harmonious intercultural musical community here in Edmonton, bridging all divisions, especially those of ethnicity, nationality, language, and religion.  The course combines academic and performance components. Our repertoire covers various gamuts, from specialized "high art" to participatory folk, from local to regional, from old to new. Besides studying pieces from the region (mostly songs), we also focus on regional musical concepts (tonal and rhythmic) in theory and practice, through a series of in-class exercises developing the ears in new directions.
  
Our repertoire covers various gamuts, from specialized "high art" to participatory folk, from local to regional, from old to new. Besides studying pieces from the region (mostly songs), we also focus on regional musical concepts (tonal and rhythmic) in theory and practice, through a series of in-class exercises developing the ears in new directions.
+
The group gathers diverse members: musicians interested in traditions of the region; university students studying the region's culture, society and history; members of language communities; and anyone else who wishes to participate. MENAME was founded by director Michael Frishkopf in 2005 as the Arab Music Group; its scope has gradually expanded to include the Middle East and North Africa.  
  
The group gathers diverse members: musicians interested in traditions of the region; university students studying the region's culture, society and history; and members of related language communities here in Edmonton. MENAME was founded by director Michael Frishkopf in 2005 as the Arab Music Group; its scope has gradually expanded to include the Middle East and North Africa.  
+
Technically the course is listed under University of Alberta's "open studies" program, and thus is accessible to anyone who wants to enroll.  And everyone interested is encouraged to do so. Neither musical training, nor knowledge of musical notation, nor the ability to play an instrument, nor fluency in regional languages is a prerequisite. All I ask is that you make a firm commitment to the group for one full year, and participate with energy and enthusiasm.
  
Technically the course is listed under University of Alberta's "open studies" program, and thus is accessible to anyone who wants to enroll. And everyone interested is encouraged to do so. Neither musical training, nor fluency in musical notation, nor the ability to play an instrument, nor fluency in regional languages is a prerequisite.  All I ask is that you make a firm commitment to the group for one full year, and participate with energy and enthusiasm.
+
Besides regular meetings, there are also various occasions to perform in public. Minimally, I expect all group members to participate in the final concert (see performances link, below).
  
Besides regular meetings, there are also various occasions to perform in public. Minimally, I expect all group members to participate in the world music sampler, and in the final concert (see performances link, below).
+
The course provides 3 course weights per semester and combines performance and academics, the latter including:
 +
* readings and films
 +
* weekly short lectures, films or analytical listening
 +
* a midterm and final, including performance  and academic components
  
'''NB:  As of Fall 2012, the course will deliver 3 course weights per semester instead of 3 for the year, and enrollments in fall and winter will be independent.'''  Corresponding with an effective doubling in course weights will be a corresponding rise in workload and expectations, including:
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= Meeting place and time =
* readings to read, films to watch on your own
 
* weekly short lectures or films or analytical listen
 
* a midterm and final, including performance and academic components
 
  
Please watch this space for a new course outline. You can peruse the old one using the link below.
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We meet every Thursday evening, fall and winter terms, usually from 6:30 to 9:30 pm (but sometimes we start later, or end earlier - join the [http://www.mailman.srv.ualberta.ca/mailman/listinfo/mename mailing list] to be in the know), in [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1x6RfXWiHcvIw6DzghVTPBk6Ddow&usp=sharing Studio 27], Fine Arts Building (FAB) of the University of Alberta campus (between the Timms centre and HUB mall, and next to the bus stop). [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1x6RfXWiHcvIw6DzghVTPBk6Ddow&usp=sharing Studio 27] is just north of the FAB central stairwell, on the second floor. It's on your left as you cross the breezeway from HUB mall to FAB. All are welcome!
  
[[Media:Outline 2011-12.pdf | Download the course outline for 2011-12]]
 
  
= Meeting place and time =
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[https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/viewer?mid=1x6RfXWiHcvIw6DzghVTPBk6Ddow MAP of key locations (Studio 27, Convocation Hall, etc.)]
 
 
We meet every Thursday evening, fall and winter terms, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, in [http://www.music.ualberta.ca/studio27.cfm Studio 27], Fine Arts Building (FAB) of the University of Alberta campus (between the Timms centre and HUB mall, and next to the bus stop). [http://www.music.ualberta.ca/studio27.cfm Studio 27] is just north of the FAB central stairwell, on the second floor. It's on your left as you cross the breezeway from HUB mall to FAB.
 
  
 
= For prospective members =
 
= For prospective members =
Line 40: Line 45:
 
= For members =
 
= For members =
  
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Modify subscriptions to our '''[http://www.mailman.srv.ualberta.ca/mailman/listinfo/mename MENAME email list]'''<br>
 
Join our '''[http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=23675020746 MENAME Facebook group]''' (Note:  log into Facebook before clicking)
 
Join our '''[http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=23675020746 MENAME Facebook group]''' (Note:  log into Facebook before clicking)
  
== Assignments for Fall 2012 credit students ==
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== Course outlines and schedules ==
  
Please complete readings and watch films prior to each class. Submit one paragraph of notes on each reading and each film via email to the instructor. 
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[https://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/ccewiki/index.php/MENAME_course_outline_Winter_2022 Click here for the winter 2022 course outline]
  
The midterm quiz will cover all readings through Oct 4, in short answer format. The midterm practicum will cover your abilities in modes and rhythms introduced through Oct 18.  
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[https://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/ccewiki/index.php/MENAME_course_outline_Winter_2020 Click here for the winter 2020 course outline]
  
=== Week 1: Sep 6 ===
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[https://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/ccewiki/index.php/MENAME_course_outline_Winter_2019 Click here for the winter 2019 course outline]
  
 +
[https://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/ccewiki/index.php/MENAME_course_outline_Winter_2018 Click here for the winter 2018 course outline]
  
 +
[http://bit.ly/mename16F Click here for the fall 2016 course outline]
  
=== Week 2: Sep 13 ===
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[https://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/ccewiki/index.php?title=MENAME_course_outline_Winter_2016 Click here for the winter 2016 course outline]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/329944 Hearing the Music of the Middle East]
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[[MENAME assignments and class schedule 2012 | Click here for the fall 2012 course outline]]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330282 Musical Instruments in the Arab World]
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== Repertoire ==
  
 +
'''[[MENAME repertoire | MENAME repertoire, by year (INCLUDING CURRENT REPERTOIRE) ]]'''
  
=== Week 3: Sep 20 ===
+
[http://www.fwalive.ualberta.ca/~michaelf/MENAME/NEE%20UCLA%20tapes%20-%20mp3s/ Near Eastern Ensemble tapes] (located off-wiki)
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330370 Overview of Music in the Mashriq]
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[[Repertoire content]] (located on-wiki)
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330383 Performance of Arab Music in Twentieth-Century Egypt: Reconciling Authenticity and Contemporaneity]
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[[Suggested repertoire | Suggestion box]]. Please feel free to add...
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330390 Musical Life in Aleppo, Syria]
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[[Middle Eastern Dance pieces]]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330389 Snapshot:  Sabah Fakhri]
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== MENAME performance programs: past and present ==
  
 +
Links contain schedules; each performance is linked to its program.
  
=== Week 4: Sep 27 ===
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'''[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mqsb11nPkApvLD-IdomFOVRpwIMiYHIJk1MJzuE2pZM/edit?usp=sharing ACCA performance]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/329964 The Eastern Arab System of Melodic Modes in Theory and Practice: A Case Study of Maqam Bayyati]
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'''[https://youtu.be/DdQG4ITC5Kw MENAME 2022 final concert: From  Tehran to Crete]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330016 Rhythmic modes in Middle Eastern Music]
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'''[[MENAME Final performance Winter 2019]]'''
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/329972 Music in Performance: 'ud Lessons with George Michel]
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'''[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ssp3fW6qEXihbAg1BxQ1g4GV-43Y6TSf Performance Winter 2018]'''<br>
  
 +
'''[[Announcements Fall 2012| Performances (Fall 2012)]]''' <br>
  
=== Week 5: Oct 4 ===
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'''[[Announcements 2011-012|Performances (2011-12)]]'''<br>
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330218 Institutionalization of Learning in Egypt]
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'''[[Announcements 2010-011|Performances (2010-11)]]'''<br>
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330417 Western Music, Colonialism, Cosmopolitanism, and Modernity in Egypt]
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'''[[Announcements 2009-010|Performances (2009-10)]]'''<br>
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330212 Music in Performance: A Rehearsal with Firqat al-Musiqa al-'Arabiyya]
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'''[[Announcements 2008-09|Performances (2008-09)]]'''
  
 +
'''[[Announcements 2007-08|Performances (2007-08)]]'''
  
 +
[[Waslas | Other past concert programs]]
  
=== Week 6: Oct 11 (Midterm quiz, 6:30 - 7:00) ===
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= Videos and audios online =  
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330071 Islamic Hymnody in Egypt: Al-lnshad al-Dini]
 
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330061 The Qur'an Recited]
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[https://youtu.be/DdQG4ITC5Kw?t=948 From Tehran to Crete] (2022 concert)
  
 +
[https://vimeo.com/album/5882561 Vimeo collection] (password: emanem)
  
=== Week 7: Oct 18 ===
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[https://vimeo.com/24799010 At the Winspear]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330424 The Performers of Muhammad 'Ali Street in Cairo, Egypt]
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[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbas8HeTEak&t=245s  A night (mainly) in Tunisia!] (the 2018 MENAME concert)
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330432 Dance in Egypt]
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[https://soundcloud.com/uofamusic/sets/2014-15-review-for-ckua/s-jMbnJ Soundcloud concerts]
  
 +
[https://harvardmusiclib.aviaryplatform.com/ Harvard's collection of Arab music 78 rpm recordings][http://blogs.harvard.edu/loebmusic/2022/01/19/early-arabic-sound-recordings-and-the-public-domain/ Blog][https://hollis.harvard.edu/primo-explore/search?query=creator,exact,%20Kahlil%20George%20Gibran%20Collection.,OR&query=creator,contains,Arabic%2078%20Collection.,AND&tab=everything&search_scope=everything&vid=HVD2&lang=en_US&mode=advanced&offset=0 ]
  
 +
= Other online resources =
 +
== MENAME recordings ==
  
=== Week 8:  Oct 25 (Midterm practicum, 6:30 - 7:00) ===
+
[[YouTube videos]] of MENA area songs
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330230 Learning Epic Traditions]
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Performances by MENAME:
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke-IndJ9Nm0 Benefit for Edmonton Interfaith, Jan 31, 2016]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z87_jOQPex0 Fall sampler 2013]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330455 Nubian music in Cairo]
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==  Regional music links (with audio, notations, bios, etc.) ==
  
 +
[[Arab music URLs]]
  
=== Week 9:  Nov 1 ===
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[[Turkish music URLs]]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330409 Stardom in Egyptian Music: Four Case Studies]
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[[Iranian music URLS]]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330416 Snapshot: Opening Night for a Star Performer—Umm Kulthum and Inta 'Umri]
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[[Kurdish music URLs]]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330136 The Impact of the Media on Egyptian Music]
+
[[Israeli music URLs]]
  
 +
[[Dance URLs]]
  
=== Week 10:  Nov 8 ===
+
== Theory, ear training, practica ==
  
=== Week 11: Nov 15 (with Ethiopian music courtesy of special guest artists from the [http://either-orchestra.org/ Either Orchestra]) ===
+
=== MENA music theory and practice ===  
  
=== Week 12:  Nov 22, Nov 24 (Concert) ===
+
MENA = Middle East and North Africa...what follows are the relevant links for music theory.
  
=== Week 13Nov 29 (Final Exam) ===
+
[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cJa88-6I1cfQT6P7DP7plCqyWn0CoSCd?usp=sharing Michael's resources]PDF files providing basic maqamat and iqa`at (rhythms) for Arab music of Egypt/Levant (with a separate folder for Maghrib)
  
Optional readings:
+
[http://www.maqamworld.com MaqamWorld]: extensive treatment of maqamat, instruments, forms, and iqa`at (durub) (for Egypt and the Levant only)
  
 +
[https://offtonic.com/theory/book/7-9.html Offtonic presentation of Arabic music theory]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330251 Music in Ancient Arabia]
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[http://maqamlessons.com/ Maqam Lessons]:  an excellent theoretical overview, with practical lessons and illustrative analyses
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330273 Classification of Musical Instruments in the Medieval Middle East]
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[http://www.alsiadi.com/maqamat.html Alsiadi maqamat]
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330257 Arabic writings on music, 8th to 19th centuries]
+
[http://www.khafif.com/rhy/ Ja's Middle Eastern Rhythms]: detailed treatment of rhythms (you'll find dozens!) featuring a [http://www.khafif.com/rhy/rhygen.html remarkable MIDI rhythm generator] that will play any rhythm notated using special symbols to indicate the various drum strokes
 
 
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330266 Theories of Rhythm and Meter in the Medieval Middle East]
 
 
 
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330237 The ''Kitab al-Aghani'']
 
 
 
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330185 Historical Issues of Gender and Music]
 
  
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330184 Snapshot: Sall?ama al-Qass]
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[http://www.shira.net/advice/learning/zills-44.htm Finger cymbal patterns]
 
 
[http://glnd.alexanderstreet.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/View/330191 Contemporary Issues of Gender and Music]
 
 
 
== Repertoire ==
 
 
 
'''[[MENAME repertoire|Things to be practicing]]''' for our next meeting.
 
 
 
[http://www.fwalive.ualberta.ca/~michaelf/MENAME/NEE%20UCLA%20tapes%20-%20mp3s/ Near Eastern Ensemble tapes] (located off-wiki)
 
 
 
[[Repertoire content]] (located on-wiki)
 
 
 
[[Suggested repertoire | Suggestion box]].  Please feel free to add...
 
  
[[Middle Eastern Dance pieces]]
+
[http://babayagamusic.com/Music/oriental-dance-rhythm-diagrams-and-descriptions.htm Rhythms]
  
== Performances ==
+
[https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1KoxrTDYG0VBM-MEJpnJ1Cn_Tt4ojrdVw&ll=25.83264822920758%2C34.79211332712407&z=4 Maqam places]. The word maqam can mean:  a literary genre, a saint's shrine, a musical mode, or a place or rank. And in fact many maqam names come from places. This map shows some of them.  (Others -- along with the names of scale degrees -- are derived from the Persian numbers, coming ultimately from Indo-European:  yek, doh, se, chehar...)
  
'''[[Announcements 2011-012|Performances (2011-12)]]'''<br>
+
=== Western music theory training ===
  
'''[[Announcements 2010-011|Performances (2010-11)]]'''<br>
+
[http://musictheory.net/ introductory music theory], simple introduction to Western music notation, for those who'd like to learn.
  
[[Waslas | Past concert programs]]
+
[http://www.teoria.com Tutorials in music theory]:  more advanced training in Western music notation and music theory.
  
= Media on the web =
+
=== Instruments ===
  
'''[[YouTube videos]] (NEW)'''
+
[https://oudmigrations.com/ Oud Migrations]
  
= Other URLs =
+
[https://issuu.com/elmasrylatif/docs/encyclopedia_of_the_nay_in_egypt All about the nay (reed flute)]
  
[[Arab music URLs]]
+
[http://www.georgedimitrisawa.com/the-qanun George Sawa's qanun (plucked zither) page]
  
[[Turkish music URLs]]
+
[http://www.oudforguitarists.com/ Oud for Guitarists], a site designed to teach oud and Arab music to guitarists
  
[[Iranian music URLS]]
+
[https://danielpaulschnee.wordpress.com/2017/08/07/saxophone-quarter-tone-charts/ Microtonal saxophone fingerings from Dan Schnee]
  
[[Kurdish music URLs]]
+
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCX6Aq5AEd4 Amazing "oriental" piano style performed by Magdi al-Husseini]
  
[[Israeli music URLs]]
+
=== Tuning ===
  
[[Dance URLs]]
+
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A440_(pitch_standard) A440 tuning fork]
  
= Theory =
+
[https://www.alexdemartos.es/wtuner/ Microphone tuner] (use it to practice singing quartertones!)
  
[http://www.fwalive.ualberta.ca/~michaelf/MENAME/Theory/ Michael's resources]:  PDF files providing basic maqamat and iqa`at (rhythms) for Arab music of Egypt/Levant
+
[https://www.onlinemictest.com/tuners/pitch-detector/ another tuner]
  
[http://www.maqamworld.com MaqamWorld]: comprehensive treatment of maqamat, but nice coverage of instruments, forms, and iqa`at as well - Arab music of Egypt/Levant
+
=== Ear work ===
  
[http://www.khafif.com/rhy/ Ja's Middle Eastern Rhythms]:  detailed treatment of rhythms (you'll find dozens!) featuring a [http://www.khafif.com/rhy/rhygen.html remarkable MIDI rhythm generator] that will play any rhythm notated using special symbols to indicate the various drum strokes
+
http://trainer.thetamusic.com/
  
[http://musictheory.net/ General music theory], simple introduction to Western music notation, for those who'd like to learn.
+
https://www.onlinemictest.com/tuners/pitch-detector/
  
[http://www.teoria.com/tutorials/index.htm Tutorials in music theory]:  more advanced training in Western music notation and music theory.
+
and this new one :  http://www.meludia.com/en/
  
= Past performances =
+
=== Transliterating Middle Eastern / North African languages ===
  
'''[[Announcements 2009-010|Performances (2009-10)]]'''<br>
+
[https://ijmes.chass.ncsu.edu/docs/TransChart.pdf  International Journal of Middle East Studies standard]
  
'''[[Announcements 2008-09|Performances (2008-09)]]'''
+
==== Arabic ====
  
'''[[Announcements 2007-08|Performances (2007-08)]]'''
+
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Arabic Summary of Romanization standards]

Revision as of 14:19, 16 August 2022

This course will be available for credit in Winter 2023. Enroll using Bear Tracks.


If you are enrolled (or on a waitlist) be sure to fill out this form by November 30 (ideally) but certainly prior to the first meeting (in 2022, we'll start on Jan 6). This first meeting will be for consent, when I will ask everyone to sing or play something. Only those enrolled for credit need attend. The second meeting (Jan 13) will be our first proper rehearsal.

Sign up for the MENAME email list here.

New members click here for more information about the group. We meet in Studio 27, in the Fine Arts Building, Thursdays at 6:30 - those not taking the course for credit can generally come at 7pm. Here's a map.

NOTE: for the first 3 weeks (Jan 6 - 20) of 2022 we're online. Email me for the link. After that we might be able to get back to Studio 27. Join the mailing list to be updated.


MENAME (Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble) (Music 148, 448, 548)

short URL for this page: http://bit.ly/MENAME or http://bit.ly/mename or "http://bit.ly/Mename"

Overview

The University of Alberta Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble (MENAME) is a University of Alberta course and a community group for the study and performance of music from Arabic, Turkish, Persian/Iranian, Azerbaijani, Berber, Hebrew, Nubian, Kurdish, Armenian, Greek, and other musical-linguistic communities of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as fusions thereof. Our aim is to learn and appreciate aspects of these musical traditions, to use music as a gateway towards broader intercultural understanding, and as a means of forming and maintaining a harmonious intercultural musical community here in Edmonton, bridging all divisions, especially those of ethnicity, nationality, language, and religion. The course combines academic and performance components. Our repertoire covers various gamuts, from specialized "high art" to participatory folk, from local to regional, from old to new. Besides studying pieces from the region (mostly songs), we also focus on regional musical concepts (tonal and rhythmic) in theory and practice, through a series of in-class exercises developing the ears in new directions.

The group gathers diverse members: musicians interested in traditions of the region; university students studying the region's culture, society and history; members of language communities; and anyone else who wishes to participate. MENAME was founded by director Michael Frishkopf in 2005 as the Arab Music Group; its scope has gradually expanded to include the Middle East and North Africa.

Technically the course is listed under University of Alberta's "open studies" program, and thus is accessible to anyone who wants to enroll. And everyone interested is encouraged to do so. Neither musical training, nor knowledge of musical notation, nor the ability to play an instrument, nor fluency in regional languages is a prerequisite. All I ask is that you make a firm commitment to the group for one full year, and participate with energy and enthusiasm.

Besides regular meetings, there are also various occasions to perform in public. Minimally, I expect all group members to participate in the final concert (see performances link, below).

The course provides 3 course weights per semester and combines performance and academics, the latter including:

  • readings and films
  • weekly short lectures, films or analytical listening
  • a midterm and final, including performance and academic components

Meeting place and time

We meet every Thursday evening, fall and winter terms, usually from 6:30 to 9:30 pm (but sometimes we start later, or end earlier - join the mailing list to be in the know), in Studio 27, Fine Arts Building (FAB) of the University of Alberta campus (between the Timms centre and HUB mall, and next to the bus stop). Studio 27 is just north of the FAB central stairwell, on the second floor. It's on your left as you cross the breezeway from HUB mall to FAB. All are welcome!


MAP of key locations (Studio 27, Convocation Hall, etc.)

For prospective members

MENAME prospective students click here.

For members

Modify subscriptions to our MENAME email list
Join our MENAME Facebook group (Note: log into Facebook before clicking)

Course outlines and schedules

Click here for the winter 2022 course outline

Click here for the winter 2020 course outline

Click here for the winter 2019 course outline

Click here for the winter 2018 course outline

Click here for the fall 2016 course outline

Click here for the winter 2016 course outline

Click here for the fall 2012 course outline

Repertoire

MENAME repertoire, by year (INCLUDING CURRENT REPERTOIRE)

Near Eastern Ensemble tapes (located off-wiki)

Repertoire content (located on-wiki)

Suggestion box. Please feel free to add...

Middle Eastern Dance pieces

MENAME performance programs: past and present

Links contain schedules; each performance is linked to its program.

ACCA performance

MENAME 2022 final concert: From Tehran to Crete

MENAME Final performance Winter 2019

Performance Winter 2018

Performances (Fall 2012)

Performances (2011-12)

Performances (2010-11)

Performances (2009-10)

Performances (2008-09)

Performances (2007-08)

Other past concert programs

Videos and audios online

From Tehran to Crete (2022 concert)

Vimeo collection (password: emanem)

At the Winspear

A night (mainly) in Tunisia! (the 2018 MENAME concert)

Soundcloud concerts

Harvard's collection of Arab music 78 rpm recordingsBlog[1]

Other online resources

MENAME recordings

YouTube videos of MENA area songs

Performances by MENAME:

Regional music links (with audio, notations, bios, etc.)

Arab music URLs

Turkish music URLs

Iranian music URLS

Kurdish music URLs

Israeli music URLs

Dance URLs

Theory, ear training, practica

MENA music theory and practice

MENA = Middle East and North Africa...what follows are the relevant links for music theory.

Michael's resources: PDF files providing basic maqamat and iqa`at (rhythms) for Arab music of Egypt/Levant (with a separate folder for Maghrib)

MaqamWorld: extensive treatment of maqamat, instruments, forms, and iqa`at (durub) (for Egypt and the Levant only)

Offtonic presentation of Arabic music theory

Maqam Lessons: an excellent theoretical overview, with practical lessons and illustrative analyses

Alsiadi maqamat

Ja's Middle Eastern Rhythms: detailed treatment of rhythms (you'll find dozens!) featuring a remarkable MIDI rhythm generator that will play any rhythm notated using special symbols to indicate the various drum strokes

Finger cymbal patterns

Rhythms

Maqam places. The word maqam can mean: a literary genre, a saint's shrine, a musical mode, or a place or rank. And in fact many maqam names come from places. This map shows some of them. (Others -- along with the names of scale degrees -- are derived from the Persian numbers, coming ultimately from Indo-European: yek, doh, se, chehar...)

Western music theory training

introductory music theory, simple introduction to Western music notation, for those who'd like to learn.

Tutorials in music theory: more advanced training in Western music notation and music theory.

Instruments

Oud Migrations

All about the nay (reed flute)

George Sawa's qanun (plucked zither) page

Oud for Guitarists, a site designed to teach oud and Arab music to guitarists

Microtonal saxophone fingerings from Dan Schnee

Amazing "oriental" piano style performed by Magdi al-Husseini

Tuning

A440 tuning fork

Microphone tuner (use it to practice singing quartertones!)

another tuner

Ear work

http://trainer.thetamusic.com/

https://www.onlinemictest.com/tuners/pitch-detector/

and this new one : http://www.meludia.com/en/

Transliterating Middle Eastern / North African languages

International Journal of Middle East Studies standard

Arabic

Summary of Romanization standards