Middle Eastern Music & the Oud

Alongside our Arabic language and literature courses, the program also offers classes and activities in and on the music of the Middle East, in collaboration with Carleton’s Music Department.

These include:

• Music in the Middle East (ARBC/MEST 222): a course in English on musical traditions across the region
• Oud Workshop (ARBC 223): a hands-on introduction to the oud (Arab lute) and traditional Arab music (offered every two years, alongside ARBC/MEST 222)
• Individual oud lessons: offered through Carleton’s applied music program
• Concerts and workshops with visiting Arab and Middle Eastern musicians

When possible, students can also participate in a Middle East Music Group.

Oud workshop with Prof. Klein (2023)

Henry Stier ’25 and Matthew Vincent ’26, department picnic, 2023

Issa Boulos (oud) & Majed Abu Ajamiya (Qanun), at Kracum Performance Hall

“Jam session” with Issa Boulos and Majed Abu Ajamia

Students with guest musicians Yair Dalal & Dror Sinai

With guest musicians Vanessa Paloma Elbaz, Mostafa Benhmed, & Abdallah Hachami

Percussion workshop with Tim O’Keef

Ziyad Hassan ’27 recites an original Arabic poem; Yaron Klein accompanies on oud

Oud workshop, 2025

Oud workshop, 2023

Yair Dalal & Dror Sinai

Syrian musician Issam Rafea at Carleton

Bassam Saba at Carleton

Music in the Middle East class