The Music Box. Highlights of this issue... Qatar Music Academy s monthly newsletter. Appreciation Gulf Music

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Geoffrey Matthews
5 years ago
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Each month you will hear about all the activities, events and happenings at QMA.

1 The Music Box Qatar Music Academy s monthly newsletter Welcome It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this first edition of our monthly newsletter Music Box for the Academic Year This will play an important role in our continuing efforts to improve your overall relationship with QMA, and I hope that it will help form a closer knit community of students, parents and QMA staff. Each month you will hear about all the activities, events and happenings at QMA. Our teachers and administration staff will all contribute to the newsletter to give you insights into every aspect of our operations. And because we want this newsletter to foster dialogue we welcome contributions from our parents and students. If you want to share anything with other readers, please the editor (azainal@qf.org.qa) before the 15th of each month. In this edition, you will hear about the recent appointment of Yassine Ayari as the Acting Head of the Arab Department. You will also get an insight into our students and the dedication they have shown in making QMA successful, whether it be by volunteering to help at events or attending industry events. In addition to all this, you will be updated on forthcoming events, workshops, programme updates and much more. So all that remains to be said is sit back and enjoy Music Box. We welcome your feedback on our newsletter, so please send us any suggestions on how we can improve and develop this so that it fully meets your needs going into the future. Till next month, I would like to send my best wishes to you and your family. Dr. Abdul Ghafour Al Heeti Principal Qatar Music Academy Highlights of this issue... Page 2 Page 3 Appreciation Gulf Music Page 4 Page 7 QMA in the press WMD Curriculum Information

Appreciation QMA would like to take this opportunity to thank the three very

Ali Ahmed Al- Ishaq, Abdulla Al-Najjar and Abdulaziz Al- Mansoori gave up

Without them we would not have achieved what we did.

able to call them our students. On the 7th of September our Principal, Dr.

2 Appreciation QMA would like to take this opportunity to thank the three very dedicated gentlemen that volunteered to help at our events last Academic Year. Ali Ahmed Al- Ishaq, Abdulla Al-Najjar and Abdulaziz Al- Mansoori gave up their time to attend our events and help to ensure that they were successful. Without them we would not have achieved what we did. They are shining examples of Qatar Music Academy and we are so proud to be able to call them our students. On the 7th of September our Principal, Dr. Abdul Ghafour Al Heeti, invited them to QMA to be presented with Awards of Excellence for their dedication to QMA. 2

Acting Head of Arab Department Yassine Ayari was appointed Acting Head of the Arab Department at QMA.

Prior to this he was a member of the Tunisian National Orchestra and worked with the most renowned Arab singers.

Music of the Gulf Yassine Ayari wrote an article, Tambûra Music of the Gulf, features and references, An essay of organology study of the Tambûra. In, Al Ma thurat Al Sha biyyah, Vol.

3 Acting Head of Arab Department Yassine Ayari was appointed Acting Head of the Arab Department at QMA. Yassine brings a wealth of experience to the position, having been the principal nay teacher at QMA for the past three years. Prior to this he was a member of the Tunisian National Orchestra and worked with the most renowned Arab singers. In 2003, Yassine enrolled in the ethnomusicology programme at the Sorbonne University where he obtained a M.A. in ethnomusicology and is currently finalizing his PhD studies. Music of the Gulf Yassine Ayari wrote an article, Tambûra Music of the Gulf, features and references, An essay of organology study of the Tambûra. In, Al Ma thurat Al Sha biyyah, Vol. 85, Quarterly Review on folklore, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Qatar, pp. 100, 107. A journal devoted to Arab Folklore in general and Arab Gulf States Folklore in particular. The paper focuses on the elements and data that allow us to define Tanbu ra Music in Qatar and Major Gulf Countries (see pic) with their functions and names based on organology elements and categories, as well as the instruments used in various cultures. (for more information please visit QMA library). Occidental Petroleum Sponsored Music Lab The music technology laboratory that was funded by the generous donation given by Occidental Petroleum will officially be open in one month. This is exciting news for students who want to learn about the different techniques used in music technology. 3

QMA Students on Qatar TV Two of our talented brothers Qatari students from

TV Show A show where they talked about Ali and Jasim s experience at Qatar

QMA in the News QMA was featured in the Arabic newspapers Al Sharq and Al

4 QMA Students on Qatar TV Two of our talented brothers Qatari students from the Arab Music Department, Ali and Jasim Al-Ishaq were part of Qatar عن قرب TV Show A show where they talked about Ali and Jasim s experience at Qatar Music Academy, and how their parents support them in their interest in music and how they encourage them. Adult Jawqa Adult Jawqa class will start next month, October 12th QMA in the News QMA was featured in the Arabic newspapers Al Sharq and Al Arab. The articles feature Dr. Al-Heeti and Mr. Issa Boulos discussing about the importance of preserving traditional Gulf music. 4

The 46th International Horn Symposium One of our talented horn students, David Stzankov, attended the 46th International Horn Symposium in London over the summer.

I have long dreamed of meeting the stars of the horn society, and meeting tens upon tens of famous horn players face to face was incredible.

5 The 46th International Horn Symposium One of our talented horn students, David Stzankov, attended the 46th International Horn Symposium in London over the summer. Below is an excerpt written by David describing his time there: This has been probably my greatest experience ever, as a horn player and as a boy. I have long dreamed of meeting the stars of the horn society, and meeting tens upon tens of famous horn players face to face was incredible. The management and the arrangement of the symposium itself, was done by the great Jonathan Stoneman, who hosted this event. IHS President, Frank Lloyd and a lovely helper team, made up of several different nationalities, contributed too in making this experience one I will never forget. Our location was perfect. We were only 1 minute away from Royal Albert Hall, 1 minute away from the Royal College of Music and 2 minutes away from the Symposium, which was located in the Imperial College. I got to watch some of the proms, which had been going on in Royal Albert Hall. I watched Tod und Verkla rung, Mahler s 4th Symphony, and to end of the week, Ein Heldenleben; coincidentally all pieces famous for having heroic horn calls, and lovely solos. QF Radio Visit to QMA Over September Qatar Music Academy was visited by Scott Boyes from the Qatar Foundation Radio station. Scott came to learn about what QMA offers and had a meeting with Dr. Al-Heeti to discuss future collaborations between QMA and QF Radio. 5

Music Appreciation Music Appreciation classes for

note! Children experience music through singing,

Our favourite time is when we can play instruments.

6 Music Appreciation Music Appreciation classes for children aged 2 to 6 years have kicked off on a high note! Children experience music through singing, moving and chanting rhymes. Our favourite time is when we can play instruments. Here are some pictures from the 3 year old class with their parents. 1. Dancing with scarves to the Flight of the Bumble Bee by Rimsky- Korsakov 2. Round and round the Garden- a tickle! 3. Cool down with Lullaby by Brahms. Time for hugs. 4. Relaxing at the end of the class. 5. Budding talent

Coming soon to the Western Music Department QMA Internal Piano Exams for Academic Students December 1st-6th 2014 Aims: To ensure that first study piano students play a broader repertoire To give our

7 Coming soon to the Western Music Department QMA Internal Piano Exams for Academic Students December 1st-6th 2014 Aims: To ensure that first study piano students play a broader repertoire To give our piano students a comprehensive education To bridge the gap between the various levels so that students are more capable and confident as they advance Requirements For Levels 1 and Above: One baroque piece One classical piece One e tude For both preparatory levels: 2 pieces from Dozen a day 2 pieces chosen in consultation with child s piano teacher Children who have had one full year of lessons will take the prep level 1 exam. Children who have had 2 full years of lessons will take the prep level 2 exam Therefore, complete beginners in September will not take the exam in December. Where possible, students will match the level of the ABRSM exam taken that same year. Teachers will decide the most appropriate level for their students and the repertoire to be prepared. Please respect his / her decisions. Western Department Musicianship Curriculum The musicianship course covers five areas over nine months: Theory Prep 1 (no exam) Prep 2 RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music) syllabus to prepare for the Preparatory exam in May 2015 Grades 1-8 ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music ) syllabus to prepare for the exam in March 2015 Aural Training Music Analysis Western Music History Composition This course is designed to provide students with all of the required skills and knowledge in order to help them develop as well-rounded, confident musicians. The course is developmental and it is not recommended that students skip levels. Please note that all students are responsible for the payment of their own ABRSM or RIAM theory exam fee. You will be advised closer to the enrollment date of the exact price and how to enroll. Please refer to the ABRSM or RIAM websites for more details: extranet.riam.ie/ 7

8 Coming soon to the Western Music Department Western Department Practical Curriculum in the Academic Program At the beginning of every year QMA Instrumental teachers assess their students in order to determine the appropriate level for each student. Their decision is based on the student s work ethic as well as his/her ability to play studies, scales; perform and sight read. It is expected that students will have completed a variety of suitable repertoire before progressing to the next level. It is not enough to just be able to play the three exam pieces from the previous year. It is vital that students work on all required aspects to help them to become accomplished musicians. Over the year, students will perform at two recitals. They are also expected to prepare for an ABRSM practical exam when their instrumental teacher considers them ready. Piano students are expected to complete an internal piano exam in December of each year. Please see the information provided by Dr. Debbie Armstrong in this month s edition of the Music Box. At the first recital students are expected to perform non ABRSM exam related pieces. Students will start preparing for their ABRSM exam in January. All pieces will be selected by the instrumental teachers. The second recital is an opportunity for students to perform their pieces prior to the exam. Again, please note that all students are responsible for the payment of their own ABRSM practical exam fee. You will be advised closer to the enrollment date of the exact price and how to enroll. Please refer to the ABRSM website for more details: qa.abrsm.org/ Music for All Program Information Students enrolled in the Music for All Program who take instrumental lessons can also complete an ABRSM practical exam. Students will need to cover the aural section and sight reading with their instrumental teacher. No theory lessons are offered to Music for All students. Please be aware that students who are preparing for Grade 6 practical exam will not be able to complete the practical exam before completing Grade 5 theory. If you wish to prepare for an instrumental exam please discuss this with your teacher as soon as possible. QMA will assist all students with the enrollment procedure for the practical exams. Please refer to the ABRSM website for details of the exact fees required For more information or questions please contact the Head of Western Music Department, Anne-Marie Pigne guy: - apigneguy@qf.org.qa phone

The Music Box. End of Year Ceremony. Highlights of this issue... Qatar Music Academy s monthly newsletter. Examinations. Malta Int l Festival

The Music Box. End of Year Ceremony. Highlights of this issue... Qatar Music Academy s monthly newsletter. Examinations. Malta Int l Festival The Music Box Qatar Music Academy s monthly newsletter End of Year Ceremony Qatar Music Academy is fast approaching it s End of Year Ceremony at QNCC. The Ceremony is a chance for parents and students