Musician and composer Maya Youssef takes us on her unique journey with the qanun. Currently based in London, Maya delves into her early musical upbringing in Damascus to challenging traditional perceptions of the 78-stringed Instrument and developing her own innovative approach to composition and teaching. She discusses the profound connection between the qanun and human emotion, and how music became a form of prayer and healing during personal and global turmoil. Maya also delves into the intricacies of Arabic music theory, improvisation, and the importance of embodying music.

0:00 The Expressive Power of the Qanun

0:05 Composing During Wartime: Music as Prayer

0:27 Discovering the Qanun and Defying Expectations

2:00 Musical Upbringing in Damascus

4:04 Early Music Education and Discipline

5:37 The Qanun's Call and a Taxi Driver's Challenge

9:00 Critiquing Traditional Qanun Education

11:59 The Struggle with Improvisation (Taqasim)

15:39 An Illuminating Experience in Aleppo

18:45 Unlearning Theory and Embracing Organic Learning

22:59 Demonstrating Maqam Switches

24:42 Foundational Maqamat and Their Evolution

29:08 Composing "Queen of the Night"

33:37 The Songwriting Process: Music as Healing

38:00 The Emotional Spectrum of the Qanun

40:46 "Samai of Trees" and Orchestral Collaborations

44:51 Unintentional Influences 

49:10 Collaboration with Musicians and Sheet Music

51:54 The Qanun's Role and Limitations

53:20 The "Qanun Goats"

54:50 The Search for the Best Qanun Maker

56:05 Connecting with Maya Youssef

Maya Youssef is a qanun player and composer from Damascus now based in the UK. Her music is rooted in the Arabic classical tradition but forges pathways into jazz, Western classical and Latin styles. It explores the emotional and healing qualities of music. Her debut album Syrian Dreams, produced by Joe Boyd, was highly-acclaimed in music press around the world and has led to many awards, performances on prestigious stages. She describes her highest honor to be naming the Year 6 class of Dalmain Primary School in London "Youssef" in recognition of her inspirational work.

Connect with Maya Youssef 👉 https://instagram.com/mayayoussefmusic

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 

https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

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