LECTURES AND MASTER CLASSES :
College, University, Conservatory, Academy, & Adult audiences. Duration flexible from 40 to 120 minutes.

"Arab Culture" : overview of the misunderstood
The term Arab refers to an ethnic and/or language group within a geographical area comprised of over 20 countries. There are Christian, Musim, Jewish and tribal roots in this region. How do we define Arab and how can one understand them through their cultural and artistic output?

"Percussion NOT Politics" : an alternative to media portrayal
An American's impression and assesment of Arab and Muslim charachter is heavily, if not exclusively, determined by Media coverage. In the post 9/11 era, the Arab and Muslim are easily percieved as antagonists. What are the other information sources available to learn about Arabs and Muslims on a human level?

"Purists and Innovators" : Arab music and dance in America
Like any ethnic group in America, Arab-Americans actively perform music and dance. Despite America's diversity and pluralism, and the Arab World's percieved homogeny and conservatism, innovation in music and dance among Arabs is more widespread in the Arab world, while Arab-Americans tend to be traditionalists and purists. Why?

"Music Master Class" : Arab melody and rhythm for Music Students
Music majors, minors, as well as ethnomusicologists, will learn the principles of Arab music. Karim uses a lute, percussion, and singing, to introduce the students to the modal and rhythmic systems of Maqam and Iqaa. A lecture format will allow students to follow with their voices and clapping. An ensemble format can allow instrumentalists and percussionists to apply the training to any instrument, Western or Eastern. Full cultural context and ethnographic background will be presented along with the repertoire.

"Falafel and Sushi" : Arabs living in America & Diaspora Theory
An Arab can come from one of over 20 countries. They could be current immigrants, or up to 4th generation American citizens. When, and how, do they identify as Arab versus a more specific national identity (such as Lebanese or Egyptian)? And how comfortable do they feel in America, compared to other ethnic and immigrant groups?

"Lauren of Arabia" : American performers of Arab music and dance
Like in African, Latin, or Indian music and dance, there are many Americans who study and engross their entire life and identity in the Arab arts. What are their motivations, positive contributions, and how "authentic" are they? Moreover, how do native Arabs view these "ethnographers".

"Percussion Master Class" : Arab rhythm and drumming for Music Students
Percussion students will learn the principles of Arabic percussion and the Iqaat system. Students may use any available percussion instrument, including African, Latin, Middle Easterm, and Western drums. Students will learn the names and histories of prominent Arab Awzan rhythms. They will learn to vocalize the "Dum Iss Tak" phrases, and clap each phrase. Karim will demonstrate how to apply each rhythm to the available drum buy designating the three needed sounds. He will conclude by teaching an ensemble composition that includes rhythms for all 5 regions of the Arab world, and solo improvisations.