An Introduction to Modal Music: Workshop with Christos Barbas

Modality is a basic feature of all oral and traditional music around the world, and although it is such a fundamental aspect of music, its importance is not always fully understood, as its essence eludes theoretical description and definition. This is because at the core of the "modal" phenomenon lie issues related to oral transmission, organology, as well as the understanding of the social and cultural contexts where every music breaths. Therefore, to become familiar with the phenomenon of modality and understand what it is about, it is truly useful to get to know the music itself and its instruments, and to learn to play or listen to it.

In this brief introduction, we will present the basic elements of modality and what distinguishes and connects it with tonal music, through examples from the repertoire of Ottoman classical music and traditional instrumental pieces and songs from Greece and Turkey. We will work with topics such as makam and melodic pathways, ornamentation, micro-intervals and the phenomenon of attraction, form and structure in compositions, and improvisation. The workshop is open to all musicians who wish to familiarize themselves with these basic notions of modal music.


In addition to this workshop, Barbas is leading an Improvisation workshop and Makam Nights. Attendance is Pay What You Can, with registration required at https://forms.gle/jsaQwpyoUKLN6qiX9

•October 15
•Tranzac Living Room (292 Brunswick)
•1pm- 4pm
•Pay What You Can

You may also like the following events from Labyrinth Musical Workshop Ontario:

• Next Thursday, 16th October, 01:00 pm, Improvisation and Composition: Workshop with Christos Barbas in Toronto
• Next Thursday, 16th October, 08:00 pm, Makam Nights with Christos Barbas and Araz Salek in Toronto

Also check out other Workshops in Toronto, Music events in Toronto, Entertainment events in Toronto.