Qawwali for beginners

Several renowned sufi poets like Rumi, Omar Khayyam wrote verses from their own spiritual existence and this gave their works a magical touch. The objective of Sufi music is love for the creator and to connect with him spiritually. For beginners, to understand Qawwali in the right way, you need to understand the teachings of Sufism and how it is to be read. Through Qawwali music, the teachings are propagated to people all around the world. Beginners after learning about the spiritual background of the art form, learn several ragas including Yaman, bhairav, tori, poori and many more. It is also believed that practicing Qawwali is the best way to get in touch with the gods spiritually. In most of the cases, a thorough understanding of the art form cannot be obtained when you try learning it yourself. Having someone to mentor will help you tremendously help you in correctly understanding Qawwali.

Why Sufi music from ipassio?

ipassio has teachers with in-depth knowledge of Islamic mysticism. Several of these teachers are Sufi poets with decades of experience in singing and composing Sufi music. After listening to a student's voice, teachers will provide customized lesson plans based on their skills and level of knowledge. Sufi teachers will ensure that each student learns the voice culture, singing techniques, history of the styles and a song that they can perform. Most of these qawwali teachers have learned music from a very young age and have unparalleled powers in spiritual singing. They understand the learning struggles of students and help them learn at their own comfortable pace. Students can avail Qawwali classes right from the comfort of their homes itself. They learn directly from the Sufi teacher via online video conferencing.

Topics to be covered

Courses will start with a brief history and description of Qawwali art form and Sufism in broad. This will enable students an opportunity to learn new and creative ways to express their devotions. Most of the lessons will be focused on vocal training which begins with closely observing the voice 1 on 1 and developing the adequate voice culture. Beginners' course covers various traditional Sufiana kalams which include works of many poets from ancient, medieval and modern times. Students will learn the correct pronunciation and will be trained in the notes of kalam. Students will also receive guided practice to ensure proficiency in rhythm. Since the teachers are proficient in Urdu, students will be able to understand the complicated nuances of the language. Students will also be able to perform Sufi vocal compositions at the end of beginner courses.

History of Qawwali

The origins of Sufi music go back to the 13th century during the times of one who is described as the father of Qawwali singing, Amir Khusro. It was first conceived and perceived in the Persian language. Amir Khusro brought fundamental changes in the style of Qawwali singing, by blending several dialects and by thinking deep into mystical knowledge. Qawwali was initially performed only at Sufi shrines, Mazaars and other places where performers could feel a mystic connection. Later during Fateh Ali Khan dynasty rule, Sufi music flourished all around the world and some of the notable singers in the dynasty include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Salamat Ali Khan. Recently Qawwali style songs have started being included in movies in both India and Pakistan. Abida Parveen, a Pakistani Sufi singer is also considered one of the finest Sufi vocalists of the modern era.