Rubab lessons are offered as a group of 12 lessons. Please consult the fees page for up-to-date information regarding fees and terms and conditions.
The group consists of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 students, and runs for 12 continuous weeks. It starts whenever a group is formed, for more information regarding the current schedule please get in touch.
The focus of the Rubab course is on the Afghani music tradition, forms and style, in particular with reference to the school of Rubab playing initiated by Ustad Mohammad Omar in Kabul.
Lessons are usually run in iterations comprising a short listening experience of important recordings and musicians, a brief theoretical analysis, the practice of instrumental techniques followed by the study of the chosen repertoire.
The repertoire is mostly derived from the performances and recordings of Ustad Mohammad Omar himself, plus classical Afghani melodies made famous by other famous Rubab players. Music materials are provided in both Western & Indian notation. Although familiarity with Western music notation can help, the Indian solmization system will be studied and used as part of the course. Students will be given access to the Sornai e-learning system which includes materials of the course in digital format plus a number of additional resources and media.
Syllabus
- Instrument characteristics, maintenance, tuning and stringing
- Posture, left hand positions and right hand plucking techniques
- The music tradition of Afghanistan – Brief history
- Indian solmization system (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni)
- The Afghan modes, such as Yaman, Pilu, Khamaj, Kesturi, Bhairav, Bhairavi, plus others.
- Common rhythmic cycles: Teental, Dadra, Rupak, Keherwa
- Instrumental music forms (naghma) and adaptation of vocal forms
- Technical studies and exercises
- Folk repertoire examples
- “Parandkari” (right-hand plucking technique)
Type: group class (minimum 3, maximum 5 students)
Duration: 12 weekly lessons of 1 hour and half.
Fee: Please consult our fees page
Teacher: Francesco Iannuzzelli
Requirements:
- Students need to have their own instruments. Please get in touch with the school for suggestions regarding the purchase of an instrument.
- One clip-on chromatic tuner
- No previous music knowledge required.