Iranian Vocal Music

This course will focus on the Persian vocal tradition, specifically from the Qajar era. We will concentrate on vocal technique and the radif, the collection of modes preserved by oral tradition.    We will devote special attention to the dastgāh (modal system), and to the tasnif, a type of vocal composition in classical Persian music. We will practice gushehs (smaller units of notes that define a dastgah), to develop both technique and understanding of the melodic structures of this tradition. Repertoire will include radif and tasnifs as interpreted by Master Abdullah Davami and Master Mohammad Reza Shajarian.   Students should have basic familiarity with singing and the capabilities of their voice, though not necessarily have attempted Persian vocal music before. 

Student requirements:
Instrumental technique: basic
Western theory: any level
Modal music theory: any level
Sight reading: basic
Transposition: any level
Learning by ear: basic
Composition: any level
Improvisation: any level