Q
That this approach has its merits is obvious, but
what about its drawbacks?
Well, I wouldn’t call them drawbacks per se, but because
the program is relatively young, it’s still trying to
strike the perfect balance in bringing the conservatory
experience into an academic context. For example, the
division between students based on performative talent
conflicts with those based in theoretical background
and knowledge. But again, this is more the result of the
program’s relative youth than anything else, and I believe
that such issues will be resolved with time.
Q
What is the one thing that ties this whole
program together?
If I had to choose, I would say the fact that the instructors
themselves are musicians and artists. Music is felt with the
senses; it evokes a visceral emotion that can’t be taught.
And an instructor who enjoys and practices music and
who can identify the emotions which music evokes is an
incredible asset and the key to this program’s success.
Q
Like you mentioned, a lot of students enroll in
programs that they don’t enjoy or know nothing
about. What piece of advice would you give them?
It’s your own life and your own career. Major in something
you love and you will excel at it, no matter what you
choose. I was lucky to have my friends’ and family’s support
in my decision, and I believe that your family and friends
will support you, too, unconditionally. If you’re passionate
about something, they will be too.
If you’re passionate about music, but still feel that going
all in is not the right choice, you can minor in the Arabic
Music Program. This way, you can test the waters, so to
speak, and follow your passion while still pursuing an
academic degree in another field.
Mahmoud Awad was one of Henna’s most
ardent supporters as she restarted her academic
journey. He didn’t know at the time that he
would eventually make the same choice and
begin a path to blend his experiences as a life-
long artist with the theoretical knowledge of
the Arabic Music Program’s skilled instructors.
Awad’s journey with music and
performance started years ago at
Birzeit University with the band,
Sanabel, in which he and his
bandmates sang national Palestinian
songs celebrating Palestinian heritage
and culture.
“I joined Sanabel in March of 2000.
That period, of course, was rough
and tension-filled for Palestinians –
we were on the verge of an intifada,”
Awad recalls. “In fact, Sanabel had its
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Al Ghadeer - Fall 2018
first show two days after the start of
the second Intifada.”
Even in such times, Sanabel shows
were packed, with audience members
waiting outside peeking through the
slightly-opened doors. “We mirrored
Palestinian public opinion in our
activities and songs. We defied Israeli
military orders and curfews and
fought with our ouds, percussions,
buzuqs, qanuns, clarinets, and
guitars.”
Years later in 2005, Awad established
his own band, Yalalan, along with
Basel Zayed, Yousef Zayed, Isam
Natsheh, and Emmal Baker.
“The idea for Yalalan was to establish
a private platform for art, a place
for young artists to meet, exchange
expertise, and develop skills. At
Yalalan, we view art as a vessel for
delivering your message to the world.
This message has to affect change for
the better in society. Art must revolve
around higher values, like love of
country and rejection of injustice, and
pay tribute to life, love, and beauty.”
“Our music is inspired by what we
refer to as Arab heritage, such as the
works of Sayed Darwish – a turning
point in Arabic music with regards
to style and theme, which focused
on the issues and concerns of the
people, rather than just acting as a
tool for entertainment – Mohammed
Abdel Wahab, Fairuz, the Palestinian
Sabreen band, Sheikh Imam, and
some national songs by Marcel
Khalife and Samih Shoukeir.”
Enriching Experience
with Theory
By this time, Awad was busy with
artistic pursuits. Having graduated
from Birzeit University with a degree
in media in 2002, Awad was employed
at the university as creative arts
coordinator, through which he oversaw
the university’s artistic activities and
bands, including Sanabel, which he
managed until 2008.
He had his hands full as a record-
producing artist in a breakthrough
band and an established painter
whose works are featured in national
galleries and exhibitions. Awad
also cooperated with a number
of Palestinian bands in numerous
productions and joined with
prominent bands as Nawa, Al-Thawra
Chour, and Jafra, in addition to being
featured in over 150 live shows and
composing music for the past five
years.
Still, he chose to go back to school
and take advantage of the theoretical
foundation and musical incubator
offered by the new Arabic Music
Program.
“It has always been my dream to study
music,” Awad says, “but I reached
a point where I thought that it was
impossible, either due to creative
differences with the program’s ethos,
so to speak, or due to difficulties
in finding the time to fully engage
with the program within my already-
packed schedule,” says Awad.
But the Arabic Music Program fuses
experience and skills with musicology
in a one-of-a-kind academic program.
It was different than other programs
he had considered.
“The program was flexible, and I had
the support of my family, friends,
and manager at my job, who helped
me to create a schedule where I can
work and continue my studies in
the program. I was able to utilize
the experience and skills that I’ve
acquired throughout the years under
the supervision of the program’s
instructors.”
Such a program would never
have been possible without the
joint cooperation of the students,
instructors, and university
administration, Awad noted.
“The instructors cooperate with the
students on the course structure
and times. Some courses are one-
on-one, others have a limited
number of students to properly
disseminate knowledge and facilitate
the acquiring of new skills, and still
others include many students, such
as the Group Playing course. This
requires a high-level of coordination
between students, instructors, and
the Registration and Admissions
Department.”
“It’s a truly unique program that’s
built on a sound theoretical and
practical foundation. The students
and instructors constitute our own
little community, which encourages
the exchange of ideas, knowledge,
and expertise. You have those bright,
skilled students who come from all
walks of life. They’re instructors at the
Edward Said National Conservatory
of Music, they’re band members
in Sanabel, they’re professional
and amateur musicians, but most
importantly, they’re lovers of music.”
Never Too Late
to Change Course
Awad’s experience, while unique,
is not solitary. He and Henna are
examples of individuals who truly put
in the effort to realize their dreams.
“Follow your passion and work to
make your dreams a reality, and if
you’re hesitant about making the
jump toward a full music program,
then the program offers a minor in
“
It’s your own life and your own
career. Major in something you
love and you will excel at it, no
matter what you choose. I was
lucky to have my friends’ and
family’s support in my decision,
and I believe that your family
and friends will support you,
too, unconditionally. If you’re
passionate about something,
”
they will be too.
Arabic music and elective courses,
which are available to all university
students, regardless of their chosen
major,” Awad says.
“There is no such thing as being
too late,” he admonishes. “You’re
achieving your own dreams and
carving out your own path to success,
and you’re doing it on your time.
Success can come early or it can
come late, but when you’re doing
something you love, it will certainly
arrive.”
Birzeit University
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