Yair Dalal, born in 1955; composer, violinist, oud player and singer; is probably the most prolific Israeli ethnic musician and plays an important role in shaping the global world music scene. Over the last decade he has put 11 albums, covering wide and varied cultural territory, and authentically representing Israel's cultures and fusing them through music as whole.
Much of Dalal's work reflects his extensive musical skills in both classical and Arabic music and also reflects a strong affinity he has for the desert and its habitants. Dalal's family came to Israel from Baghdad and his Iraqi roots are embedded in his musical work.
Studio Almaya is a studio for music studies founded by Yair Dalal, who dedicates himself to
continue the Jewish-Arabic musical heritage, and pass it to the future generations. His
Goals are to connect and advance young musicians towards the ethnic musical branch, encouraging ethnic
music creativity, and establishing an archive for ethnic music. Almaya became a meeting
Point for people from all ages and origins, which find the studio the only place in Israel
Where they can enrich themselves musically and intellectually in this unique tradition of Jewish-Arab music.
Studio almaya is located in the old Jaffa Port , Almaya means The Universe in Aramaic and On the Water in Arabic.
The classes and topics of the lessons are:
Middle eastern music
Rhythm
Scales
Tonality
Instrumentation:
Oud
Violin
Ney
Percussion
Vocal
Theory and practice
The Maqam phenomena and its philosophy
The history of Judeo- Arab music :
Composition
Songs
Composers and Singers as well as secular and religious songs