Zawaya is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization, dedicated to preserving, promoting and presenting Arab American’s cultural heritage through music and art. Zawaya breaks barriers of isolation and discrimination, welcoming all who share a love of Arab arts. ASWAT is the only Arab Music Ensemble in the Bay Area that trains both Arab and American musicians and singers in folkloric, classical, and contemporary Arabic music. ASWAT, established in the year 2000, exists under the umbrella of Zawaya.
Give your child the gift of Arabic music!
The fall session starts on September 18th, and ends on November 6. The fall session will culminate in a public performance on November 14th in Oakland. All classes, unless otherwise indicated, are on Saturdays, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Arab American Cultural Center of the Silicon Valley (AACC/SV) at Houge Park, Building #2, 3952 Twilight Drive, San Jose, CA 95124.
The Aswat Youth program was founded in January 2009 to allow youths of any nationality to learn and experience Arabic music through singing and playing instruments. Designed specifically for children as young as 5 and as old as 18, the program offers lessons in tabla (hand drum), ’oud (middle eastern lute), qanun (zither), nay (end-blown wooden flute), and violin. The program is directed by Dr. Guilnard Moufarrej who holds a ph.D. in ethnomusicology from UCLA, and is a performing member of the Aswat Ensemble. The instructors of Aswat Youth include accomplished percussionist Loay Dahbour, and seasoned musicians Husain Dixon Resan and Younes El Makboul, all performing members of the Aswat Ensemble.
Registration forms are available at this link. Please bring your filled out form to the first day of class on September 18th. For questions or concerns, please email info@zawaya.org. See you there!
