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
