ateliers
d'ethnomusicologie

Arabic Music, Oud, Vocals & Improvisation

Yousra Dhahbi - Private Lessons

Orient | Singing

Discover Arabic music through the oud, the voice, and improvisation in a one-on-one class grounded in a genuine, ancestral oral tradition with Yousra Dhahbi—a fluid approach focused on natural immersion and “passive” listening.
This one-on-one course offers personalized guidance in playing the oud and/or singing, as well as modal improvisation. It is open to people of all ages and cultural backgrounds and is designed for students of all skill levels—from beginners to advanced—whether or not they have prior knowledge of Arabic music or the language.
The content is tailored to each student’s profile and goals: exploring the repertoire, developing aural skills, refining instrumental technique, and deepening improvisation (taqsîm). Instruction is primarily by ear, supplemented by theoretical guidance when necessary.
Special attention is given to the maqâm, the modal system of Arabic music, as well as to rhythms (iqa‘ât), oud technique, and performance.
The course is also open to those who wish to focus solely on singing. For those interested, specialized instruction is offered on accompanying the voice on the oud, regardless of skill level, to develop musical independence and the ability to sing while accompanying oneself.

Improvisation plays a central role and helps develop creativity, freedom of expression, and a deep understanding of the Arabic musical language. The repertoire may include traditional, classical, or contemporary pieces.

Bio

Born into a family of musicians, Yousra Dhahbi felt the call of music from a very early age. Beginning at age 8, she received a comprehensive musical education, which led to an international career as a soloist. This gave her the opportunity—a rare privilege for a woman—to perform with renowned ensembles such as the famous Rachidiya of Tunis. An expert in the art of the maqâm—the art of Eastern musical modes—she is also a master of improvisation, crafting her melodies with exemplary precision and inspiration, transcending all clichés.

A highly creative artist, Yousra has been dubbed “the Sultana of the lute” by connoisseurs. Whether performing solo or with her ensemble, she has been invited to perform at prestigious venues such as the Victoria Hall in Geneva, the Alhambra in Geneva, and the Arab World Institute in Paris, which also released her first CD, “Rhapsoldie pour luth,” in 2004.

Yousra Dhahbi has always been interested in teaching and musical research. Since 1988, she has taught the oud, Eastern vocal techniques, and improvisation at the National Conservatory of Tunis—where she served as director—and later at the Higher Institute of Music. Now based in Lausanne, she plans to continue her career and her teaching work from this new home base.

 

LIEU :
Ateliers d'ethnomusicologie - 10, rue de Montbrillant - 1201 Genève

DATES et HORAIRES : à confirmer avec le professeur 

TARIF :
Plein tarif 70.- CHF / heure. AVS et Etudiant 60.- CHF / heure
Cotisation ADEM annuelle de 50.- CHF requise

Email : yousra.dhahbi@yahoo.fr

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