What is Middle Eastern Music?
Middle Eastern music is the name given to the folk, religious and classical music from the geographic area that includes the countries of the Middle East through to Central Asia. This music weaves fine poetry, sophisticated melodic improvisation, musical composition and a wide range of long complex rhythmic patterns into a rich and diverse tapestry of sound that embody the basic aesthetic values of the land and people of the region.

The State Library’s Music and Performing Arts library is dedicated to the development of music score and reference collections that reflect the variety of musical traditions around the world. Works on Middle Eastern music in the library contain detailed information ranging from the Middle Eastern system of musical scales known as the Maqamat, through to folk songs with lyrics in Arabic and English. The collection includes music scores suitable for Middle Eastern and western scale instruments. There are also some Middle Eastern audio cassette recordings for loan and LP recordings for listening to within the library.

Major References

The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians
An excellent work containing detailed information on many aspects of Middle Eastern music, musicians and instruments.

The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music – Volume 6
An outstanding reference book providing detailed explanations of Middle Eastern music including musical examples, written and recorded (please ask for the accompanying CD at the Music and Performing Arts Issues Desk).

Modulation in Arab Music: Documenting Oral Concepts, Performance Rules and Strategies
This is an excellent article in the magazine "Ethno-musicology" that goes into the details of the practices and performance strategies for modulation between maqams in modern Arabic music.

Community Resources

Education

Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp
Covers all the details for this annual Middle Eastern music camp held at Mendocino, California. The camp provides professional tuition for beginners through to advanced musicians and dancers in Arabic vocal and instrumental music; and Middle Eastern dance.

Arabic Music Retreat
The web site for the annual Arabic music retreat held at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. The camp program consists of seven days of intensive tuition in Arabic chamber and large orchestra performance. This camp is ideal for beginners to advanced music students.

Maqam World
Maqam World is an excellent Internet resource designed to help musicians understand the Maqam or modal system used in classical Arabic music. The website is a work in progress because of the richness of the subject it covers.

University of Washington Libraries' Middle East and North African links
This is an excellent set of links to a variety of websites with in depth information on Middle Eastern music.

Arabic Musical Instruments
A good site that describes and illustrates the instruments used in Middle Eastern music.

Middle Eastern Studies Association (MESA)
MESA is a private non-profit organization that offers programs, publications and services dedicated to promoting high standards of scholarship and instruction in Middle Eastern studies. The web site provides details on MESA’s activities as well as a directory of personal members and a list of affiliated organisations.

Basics of Modulation
Modulation is arguably the most important aspects of Middle Eastern music practice. This site provides a great basis for understanding Middle Eastern modulation practices.

Interest/Support Groups

Turath.org: a resource for the traditional music of the Arabs
This is an extensive website that seeks to establish fellowships, scholarships, awards; publish articles, interviews and reviews; produce concerts, exhibits, recitals, and lectures; sponsor artists to perform, exhibit, or publish; educate researchers and inform enthusiasts of Arabic music.

Other Information Resources

Net Links

Oud Cafe
A great site for those interested in Middle Eastern music and the oud. Includes instructional pages ranging from tips to getting started, theoretical information, explanations and exercises.

Islamic and Middle Eastern Music and Dance
The Islamic and Middle Eastern music and dance site provides a wealth of specific information on Middle Eastern secular and religious music including theory, history and rhythm. The site includes musical examples, a table comparing Arabic and western music, recommended reading lists and sound files.