Ep 321. Maya Youssef: Decoding the Mystery of Maqam, Taqsim & Tarab

Maya Youssef is a multi-award-winning composer and qanun virtuoso, acclaimed by the BBC as the "Queen of the Qanun." Recognized as the world’s leading mentor in Maqam and Taqsim, she has spent over a decade guiding hundreds of Arabic music enthusiasts and dancers in deeply understanding and embodying Arabic music — without relying on dry theory or vague clichés. Maya offers practical, dancer-friendly insights into recognizing Maqam by ear, understanding the true structure of Taqsim, and interpreting the emotional dynamics in the works of legends like Umm Kulthum and Farid al-Atrash. She is currently preparing a free "Maqam for Dancers Challenge" to help dancers forge a meaningful connection with Arabic music through embodied experience.

In this episode you will learn about:

- What is Maqam

- Nine most commonly used Maqamat, and how they “behave”

- The structure and rules of Taksim improvisation

- How to predict Tarab moment

- Why is it important for dancers to learn about Maqam and Taqsim

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Maya Youssef on Instagram. Find more about her Maqam for Dancers Intensive here: www.maqamfordancers.com/intensive-2025

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast