Hamid Al-Saadi

The methodology of Iraqi Maqam is based on oral transmission. Normally, the master teaches a student or group of students by singing the phrases, and the students attempt to imitate all of the details of the master’s performance. By teaching orally, as opposed to written representation of the music, the students integrate the melodies and eventually create their own interpretations and variations of each phrase. Hamid Al-Saadi has replicated this type of format in his Iraqi Maqam classes at Sarah Lawrence College. Every week, he chooses a Maqam on which to focus. He gives the students the poetry and sings the phrases, teaching students the intricacies of each melodic phrase as well as the overall structure of the composition. Al-Saadi is assisted by oud player and vocalist George Ziadeh, who translates the poetry and Hamid’s instructions from Arabic to English while analyzing the musical material to facilitate the students’ understanding of the music and poetry. During the semester, students are exposed to a variety of Maqam compositions in addition to Iraqi folk songs and rhythms. Depending on their ambition, some of the students are even able to memorize and sing one or more maqams, which they will have a chance to demonstrate during the recital at the end of the semester. This class represents a rare opportunity for students to engage with an ancient musical language through the encounter with a seasoned master.