Highlights of this issue... Welcome. Qatar Music Academy s monthly newsletter. Page 7 AMD Curriculum. Workshops. Dates

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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 QMA s newest teacher, Ziad El ganainy. You will Highlights of this issue... also get an insight into forthcoming events, workshops, programme updates and much more. For more regular updates you can visit our website and subscribe to our mailing list to ensure you recieve QMA news as it happens. I would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to a video for students and parents about How Playing an Instrument benefits the Brain from Ted Ed. Click here to watch it. Now 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 Director of Qatar Music Academy Page 2 WMD Curriculum Page 4 Jazz Festival Workshops Page 7 AMD Curriculum Page 10 AMD Important Dates

2 Western Department Musicianship Curriculum The musicianship course covers five areas over nine months from September 2016 June The following aspects will be covered: Theory 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. The theory exams in the Western Department are run by two organizations ABRSM and RIAM. Students in Prep 2 will prepare for the RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music) examination in May, Students in Grades 1-8 will prepare for the ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music) theory exam on Saturday, 4th March Please note that Grade 6 is a two year course. ABRSM is the UK s largest music education body, one of its largest music publishers and the world s leading provider of music exams, offering assessments to more than 630,000 candidates in 93 countries every year. Alena Pyne is the ABRSM representative in Doha and can be contacted by her mobile or abrsmqatar@gmail.com The RIAM has over 115 years experience in examining, the Royal Irish Academy of Music is highly regarded as an examining body in Ireland and internationally. Please refer to the RIAM websites for more details: See below for the fee schedule for the theory exam: Music Theory Exam fees RIAM Prep Test ABRSM Grade 1 ABRSM Grade 2 ABRSM Grade 3 ABRSM Grade 4 ABRSM Grade 5 ABRSM Grade 6 ABRSM Grade 7 ABRSM Grade 8 80 QAR 225 QAR 240 QAR 255 QAR 260 QAR 275 QAR 315 QAR 330 QAR 345 QAR The registration and payment for the ABRSM theory exams will be completed in the first week of next year in January 2017 by Anne-Marie Pignéguy. The RIAM exam registration and payment will be completed in March, 2017 by Anne-Marie Pignéguy. ABRSM s mission is to inspire achievement in music. In partnership with the Royal Schools of Music, they support high-quality music-making and learning around the world. They offer pathways and resources for learners and teachers that help build musical skills, provide goals and encourage progress 2

3 Western Department Practical Curriculum This year the violin and piano students in the Academic programme will prepare for an internal exam in December Please see below for information about the new violin exams. The QMA Violin Internal Exams are designed to aid our students progression and preparation for the ABRSM exams in the second term. While the ABRSM exams are a wonderfully systematic curriculum, the violin department feels there is much more to studying the violin than adhering to one method. By creating our own internal exams, the violin department hopes to achieve the following goals: 1) To help our students feel more comfortable in taking a practical exam 2) To expose our students to violin repertoire outside of the ABRSM curriculum 3) To develop our students technical facility in other methods 4) To standardize and raise our students levels among the QMA teachers 5) To increase the depth of our students music education The exams will be graded numerically by three QMA violin teachers in which the marks are used to help our students in understanding our expectations and preparing for the ABRSM exams in the second term. Students in Prep 2 to Grade 2 are to perform two contrasting pieces and students in Grade 3 and above are to perform two contrasting pieces and an etude. 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. The students aural skills will also be assessed in order to select the appropriate level. 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. Students will start preparing for their ABRSM exam in January, Students are also expected to prepare for an ABRSM practical exam when their instrumental teacher considers them ready. Students are expected to complete one exam per year after completely two years of tuition. Please be aware that students who are preparing for the Grade 6 practical exam will must have completed the Grade 5 theory exam. This year the ABRSM have created a new exam which is suitable for students who have successfully completed Grade 8 and who are not ready for the Diploma. The exam is called ARSM and is a performance based exam. Details about the syllabus and the exam are available on the ABRSM website. The registration and payment for the ABRSM practical exams will be completed in the first week of January 2017 by Anne-Marie Pignéguy. Please refer to the ABRSM website for more details: Students who are taking an ABRSM exam in Term 1 are exempt from the internal exams. Please contact Colleen Wang cwang@qf.org.qa or Stefan Robu srobu@qf.org.qa for more information about the internal violin exams. For more information about the piano exams please contact Ozgur Mert Esen oesen@qf.org.qa At the beginning of every year QMA Instrumental teachers assess their students in order to determine the appropriate Practical exam fees Prep Test 330 QAR Grade QAR Grade QAR Grade QAR Grade QAR Grade QAR Grade QAR Grade QAR Grade QAR ARSM 1,220QAR DipABRSM 1,650QAR 3

4 Instrumental Recitals Students in the Academic programme must perform at least two recitals during the year. Students in the Music for All have the option to perform. At the first recital students are expected to perform non ABRSM exam related pieces. 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. The first series of recitals are scheduled for November Please see your Instrumental teacher to see which day they have selected. The Katara European Jazz Festival 2016 The Katara European Jazz Festival will be held in Katara in the Al Jazeera café courtyard starting on November 2nd to November 7th. Bands from France, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Bulgaria, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and Poland will be participating in the festival. Workshops for students Once again QMA students are fortune to be able to participate in three workshops hosted by Katara and the Italian, German and Swiss Embassies. Please contact Anne Jones to reserve a seat for any of the workshops. Workshop 1 Tuesday 1st of November at pm in QMA The Golden Circle from Italy In 1965, after a long absence from the music scene, Ornette Coleman recorded a two-volume live album with innovative rhythms and sonorities at the Golden Circle, a Stockholm jazz club. This marked the beginning of Coleman's contract with Blue Note, representing a turning point in his career. Four renowned Italian jazz artists were inspired by that legendary live performance: Rosario Giuliani, Fabrizio Bosso, Enzo Pietropaoli, and Marcello di Leonardo. Together they formed an imaginary "golden circle," blending together their experiences and setting aside their preeminent roles to convey their extraordinary talent as interpreters and music makers in a singular band. This does not intend to be exclusively a tribute to Ornette Coleman and his music, surprisingly still current after 50 years, but aims to implement the strong urge to move closer to what Coleman termed "The New Thing." Rosario GIULIANI - Alto Sax Fabrizio BOSSO - Trumper Enzo PIETROPAOLI - Bass Marcello DI LEONARDO - Drums 4

5 The Katara European Jazz Festival Continued. Workshop 2 Thursday 3rd of November at pm in QMA Three Fall from Germany The Trio Thee Fall belongs to the most innovative sprouts of the young, German Jazz scene. The furor which they caused in nearly all big jazz festivals can be ascribed to the unusual Trio ensemble consisting of 2 wind instruments, and a drummer, excluding the standard bass and chord instruments. Three Fall takes the liberty to capture from Jazz, and do only that which gives them pleasure, with the result, that their Hip-hop, Funk and Reggae roots are unmistakably audible. Trombone Shorty engaged this band in his preliminary program during his German tour as he found them to be unique and Chad Smith, the drummer from Red Hot Chilli Peppers himself, ennobled their Peppers interpretations by declaring best Red Hot Chilli Peppers covers I ve heard done yet. During the last few years, this unique music which is recorded and published by the renowned jazz label ACT, has been celebrated during concert tours through Europe, China, Russia, Egypt and Spain.The fact that the Trio won the Future Sounds competition staged by the Leverkusen Jazz festival (Leverkusener Jazztage), is an acknowledgement of how electrifying their music is. Workshop 3 Sunday 6th of November at pm in QMA The Simon Wyrsch Quartet from Switzerland "The band of the Swiss clarinetist Simon Wyrsch is mainly dedicated to the original compositions of the bandleader, which gives birth to blues, swing, bop as well as to bossa nova, free jazz and funk. Their current programme is based on the album "Behind the truth". The clarinet in the context of modern jazz, a well-coordinated Rhythm Sectio, with a creative Interplay and brilliant solos give the band a unique sound of quality." Take notice of this name because it will soon become familiar among the wider audience. Simon Wyrsch, born 1983, is the man behind this remarkable recording. Clarinet and guitar are at the centre of an engaging journey by which the 4tet proposes an oblique approach to polychromed melodic-rhthmical ideas in the tracks performed. But what is even more important is the poetry, the sheer sweetness that the clarinet gives to the basic dynamical groove. It's an original way to manage, with a skillful touch of irreverence, the blues and bossanova moods, violating with intelligence the rules with a dreamlike and evasive sound. The Swiss clarinetist is a candidate to become one of the most interesting jazz musicians on the European scene, with his mellow and round, sometimes dark and thoughtful, sound. 5

6 Western Department Important Dates for Term One Tuesday, 1st November European Jazz Festival Workshop for QMA students with members from The Golden Circle Quartet from Italy at pm in Ziriab Hall, QMA Wednesday, 2nd November- European Jazz Festival Concert with musicians from France at 7.00pm and from Italy 8.30pm in Katara. Thursday, 3rd November European Jazz Festival Workshop for students with members from Three Fall from Germany pm. A concert from musicians from Portugal will be at 8.00pm in Katara. Friday, 4th November European Jazz Festival Concert with musicians from Germany at 7.00pm and from Bulgaria at 8.30pm in Katara. Saturday 5th November- European Jazz Festival Concert with musicians from Spain at 7.00pm and from Austria 8.30pm in Katara. Sunday, 6th November European Jazz Festival Workshop for students with members from Simon Wyrsch Quartet from Switzerland pm in QMA, Room 40. European Jazz Festival concert with musicians from Switzerland from 8.00pm in Katara. Monday, 7th November- European Jazz Festival Concert with musicians from Poland from 8.00pm in Katara. 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th 24th, 25th November: Student Solo Recitals Sunday, 27th November- Khalid Himmo Piano Recital 7.00pm Saturday, 26th November Student Soloist performance at the Club at the St Regis 2nd and 3rd of December: Academic Programme Piano Exams (Room 37) 8th of December: Ensemble Concert in the Assembly Hall in QMA The following ensembles will be performing: String Trio s Senior Choir Percussion 4 Symphonic Wind 9th of December: Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and Qatar Music Academy Collaboration Concert. The students in the Youth Orchestra will be performing. 10th December: Qatar National Day Concert in the Assembly Hall at QMA. 3rd of February ABRSM Mock Theory exams 9th February: Ensemble Concert The following ensembles will be performing Little Amadeus Junior Symphonic Wind Harmony Strings Harmony Strings Trio 10th February: Ensemble Concert Percussion 1 Percussion 2 Percussion 3 Junior Choir Middle School Choir For any information about the Western Department please contact the Head of the Department, Anne-Marie Pignéguy apigneguy@qf.org.qa 1st and 2nd of December: Academic Programme Violin Exams (Room 42) 6

7 The Music Box September 2016 What s new in the Arab Music Department, Academic programme ? Children Jawqa, Arab Choir for Prep 2: Arab traditional music is passed down orally (or aurally) and was never written until the beginning of the 21st century. It s based on singing. That s why we believe that the Arab Musical education should pass through singing. Students will sing a wide variety of Arab music vocal repertoire including Maqamat which is the system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music. Students will work in an ensemble setting on improving their personality to be confident with intonation and pitches. Singing in a choir helps students improve their musicianship skills through sight-reading and aural skills and progressing in your instrument. That s why you need to sing your melody before you play it! The classes are offered to all students in Prep 2 for 30 min and once a week and electives for grade 1 and 2. Arab Music theory, Maqamat and Solfege: The courses are based on the Oral tradition. Students are exploring the Arab musical Maqam system. They are expected to analyze pieces from Maqam repertoire. They sing and read the music they are playing. This helps students to become a better musician through improving their sight reading and aural skills and a better understanding of the Arab Music Tradition. This courses is provided to level 3 and above from beginning of the academic year (September). Students in level 1 and 2 will start having this new course in March of every academic year. Arab string Ensemble (Kaman group): Is an exciting opportunity offered to prep 1 (A) students who have chosen the violin/kaman, in the Arab music tradition. It is for 6 to 7 year olds. The ensemble only contains Kaman. They will learn how to hold and play Arab violin in a group setting. 7

8 Important Information about the AMD Music Programme Assessment and certification in the Arab Music Department A. Theoretical: RIAM Theory: Certified exam- Assessed by Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). Applicable for Preparatory 2 only. The RIAM exam registration and payment will be completed in March, 2017 by Anne-Marie Pigneguy. ABRSM Theory: Certified exam- Assessed by Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). For Grade levels 1-8. The registration and payment for the ABRSM theory exams will be completed in the first week of next year in January 2017 by Anne-Marie Pigneguy. End of Term reports: Students in the Academic programme will receive 2 end of term reports by January and May 2017 in order to evaluate and support your child's progress B. Practical: Arab instrumental certified exam- Assessed by Sharqiyyat, Qatar Music Academy Sharqiyyat Practical Exam: The Sharqiyyat practical exam is for all students in the Arab Music Department who have completed 18 months of instrumental tuition. The exams are held in two sessions during the academic year; the first in December and the second in May. The instrumental teachers will be providing the grade levels for the students. The examination includes set repertoire pieces, maqam drills and sequences, in addition to sight-reading requirements. Students of all levels should prepare one piece from each list mentioned in the curriculums in addition to some mandatory pieces. The panel will choose which pieces the student will play. If the student is in the Music for All Programme and would like to sit for Sharqiyyat practical exam they ll have to get approval from their teacher. Certificate and upgrade level is awarded subject to the student fulfilling theory, instrumental and performance criteria. Performing: Students in the AMD will have the opportunity of performing in public in 4 recitals a year. From January -May several concerts will be held for students, both individually and in their retrospective ensembles. 8

9 Congratulations! The AMD has completed the 4 CDs that contain pieces of Sharqiyyat level 1 exams of Nay, Ud, Qanun and Arab percussion. The CDs were recorded at Sawt al-khaleeg studio. Each piece will be provided to students in 2 version Tutti with Takht and solo. Students will be able to listen to their teacher playing the piece on solo and with the Takht. Our future objective is to continue with recording pieces of all next levels in order to offer to the students the appropriate material of the Arab Music Tradition. Special thanks to Bayan Rida (ud), Taoufik Mirkhan (qanun), Yassine Ayari (nay) and Hany Zain(percussion). The CDs will be offered to the students by the beginning of October. Your child's musical future with QMA and the AMD! Yassine Ayari, Head of Arab music Department held a parents meeting on September 25th to talk parents about their child's musical future with QMA and the AMD. Another meeting will be held on Sunday 9th of October with the Arab Music Teachers to talk about skills of teaching the instruments. The meeting will be an opportunity for the parents to take part in their child s progress. Please contact Anne-jones to book your seat. ajones@qf.org.qa AMD Workshop On December 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the Arab percussion section will be collaborating with Qatar Drummers, a non-profitable organization. For the first time, the guest is a Drummer player called Michael Alba. Advanced students will be selected from both departments to participate in the workshop. Mixing Arab percussion, Tabla, Rip and Daf with the Drum kit will be a very important and exciting experience for the Arab percussion students. More details will be provided soon. 9

10 New Teacher in the AMD The Arab Music Department is delighted to welcome their newest music teacher, Ziad El ganainy, into the QMA family. Born in Cairo in Ziad is one of the most important Kaman player of his generation. He is both Arab violin and western violin player. He started studying his instrument at the Cairo Conservatory in 1992 with Prof. Itrakly Bredsy and later with Master Abdu Daghir. Graduated in Master Degree from Cairo higher institute of music in Ziad has commenced his musical teaching career at Cairo Conservatory as Arab violin teacher. He is a member of the West Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim from In 2011, Ziad moved to Doha (Qatar) to teach violin at the Qatar Armed Forces. He performed regularly with the most prominent Arab singers and Orchestra such as Ahmad Abdu, Kathim al-sahir, Angham, Abu Bakr Salem and much more. He is member of Al-Rayan, soug Wagif Spring festival orchestra conducted by Hany Farahat for 4 years. In Doha, Ziad explored and excel in various other styles of music, including khaleeji and he becomes the concert-master and conductor of QAF Orchestra. Message from Yassine Ayari On behalf of all the AMD and QMA we would like to wish to Mr. Bayan Rida, Ud and vocal teacher who has left the department, all the best success in his future. And on behalf of the Arab Music Department Team, I would like to welcome all the Arab Music Department s students and parents to the new academic year! AMD Dates for your Calendar 3 December: Sharqiyyat Practical Exams 1st session 10 December: Qatar National Day Concert 19 January: AMD Instrumental Recitals 26 January: Takht/Firqa Recitals 25 February: AMD Annual Instrumental Workshops 10