Teaching & Workshops
Workshops
Global Music Workshops: A Journey Through Culture, Tradition, and Innovation
Since 2014, I have led numerous workshops across the globe, offering a transformative experience for musicians, scholars, and music enthusiasts. My workshops go beyond teaching music; they are immersive cultural experiences that bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary musical practices. Through these sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between music, culture, history, and identity.
•Workshop Topics:
•Moroccan Andalusian Music (al-Âla): In-depth exploration of the rich musical traditions of Morocco, focusing on historical and cultural transformations, and its profound influence on contemporary music. This workshop includes practical exercises, listening sessions, and discussions on the evolution of this musical genre.
•Improvisation Across Cultures: A hands-on workshop that emphasizes the fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, focusing on the art of improvisation. Participants learn how to integrate jazz improvisation with traditional Arab and Mediterranean music, enhancing their creative expression.
•Cultural Identity Through Music: This session delves into how music shapes cultural identity, with a particular focus on how Moroccan music serves as a reflection of its history, social structure, and evolving identity.
•The Role of Oral Traditions in Music: Participants explore the significance of oral transmission in preserving and evolving music, especially in the Arab world and Mediterranean regions. This workshop includes practical examples and discussions on the impact of modern recording technologies.
•Music as a Tool for Social Change: A discussion-based workshop that looks at how music has been used as a vehicle for political and social change, especially within the Arab world. We examine the role of music in protest movements, cultural preservation, and national identity.
•Global Reach:
Since 2014, I have shared my expertise with musicians, students, and music lovers across the world. Some of the countries and regions where I have conducted workshops include:
•Europe: France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK
•North America: United States (New York, Los Angeles), Canada (Montreal, Toronto)
•Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore
•Middle East and North Africa: Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria
•Latin America: Brazil, Argentina
•Oceania: Australia
•Workshop Structure:
•Interactive Discussions: We engage in thought-provoking discussions that explore the historical, social, and cultural contexts of the music being studied.
•Practical Music Making: I believe in learning by doing. Participants get the opportunity to perform, improvise, and collaborate in a supportive, creative environment.
•Cultural Exchange: Workshops are an exchange of ideas and cultures. Participants learn from one another, sharing their own musical traditions and experiences while gaining insight into the music of other regions.
•Creative Exploration: These workshops encourage participants to push their boundaries and explore new creative avenues in music. Whether it’s blending jazz with traditional Arab melodies or creating new compositions inspired by cultural heritage, participants leave with a renewed sense of musical possibility.
•Masterclasses in Improvisation and Interpretation:
Since 2014, I have been conducting Masterclasses in Improvisation and Interpretation in various parts of the world, helping musicians break free from conventional structures and embrace the creative potential of improvisation. These masterclasses focus on integrating jazz improvisation with traditional Arab and Mediterranean music, allowing participants to develop their own voice and explore new dimensions of musical expression.
•Masterclass Locations:
•Europe: Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin, Vienna
•North America: New York, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto
•Asia: Hanoi, Bangkok, Singapore
•Middle East: Cairo, Beirut, Tunis
•Latin America: São Paulo, Buenos Aires
•Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne
•Masterclass Highlights:
•Improvisation Techniques: We explore various improvisation styles, including both Western jazz and traditional Arab music. I guide participants in the art of blending these two worlds, fostering a deeper understanding of musical freedom.
•Cultural Fusion: Participants learn how to create music that fuses different cultural traditions, resulting in new, innovative compositions that reflect the globalized nature of today’s music scene.
•Personal Expression: A key component of the masterclass is helping participants discover their own musical voice, allowing them to express their unique perspectives through their instruments.
•Collaborative Music Making: The masterclasses are highly interactive, with participants collaborating in small groups to create music, improvise, and perform together.
•Participant Testimonials:
•“Yassir’s approach to improvisation is revolutionary. I never thought I could blend jazz with traditional Arabic music, but his masterclass showed me how to do it seamlessly.” – Participant, New York, 2019
•“The insights I gained in Yassir’s masterclass have completely transformed my musical practice. His ability to merge cultures and styles is unparalleled.” – Participant, Paris, 2021
•“Yassir’s guidance helped me rediscover my passion for improvisation. He has a unique way of making complex concepts accessible, and I feel more confident in my ability to improvise now.” – Participant, Montreal, 2020
Teaching
Innovative Teaching in Music and Ethnomusicology
As an educator, I strive to create an environment where students are not just passive recipients of knowledge, but active participants in their learning journey. My teaching philosophy centers around fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. By blending theory with practice, I aim to equip students with the skills and insights necessary to become well-rounded musicians and scholars.
•Courses Taught:
•Ethnomusicology: This course introduces students to the study of music in its cultural and social context. We examine how music functions within different societies, with a particular focus on the Arab world, Mediterranean regions, and the intersections of traditional and modern music.
•Arab Music and its Traditions: Students learn about the diverse musical traditions of the Arab world, from classical genres like Andalusian music to contemporary fusion styles. The course explores the role of music in shaping cultural identities and political movements.
•Jazz and Improvisation: A practical course where students learn how to incorporate improvisation into their musical practice. We focus on the integration of jazz techniques with traditional Arab and Mediterranean music, encouraging students to experiment and innovate.
•Music Pedagogy: Aimed at aspiring music educators, this course covers the essential skills and methodologies for teaching music effectively. We focus on both traditional and contemporary approaches to music education, emphasizing the importance of cultural context and inclusivity.
•Music, Politics, and Identity: This course explores the relationship between music and politics, examining how music can serve as a tool for social change, resistance, and identity formation.
•Teaching Approach:
•Cultural Relevance: Every course is designed to highlight the cultural context of the music being studied, ensuring that students understand the historical, social, and political significance of the music they encounter.
•Interactive and Engaging: I believe in creating a dynamic, interactive classroom where students are encouraged to ask questions, engage in discussions, and collaborate with one another.
•Hands-on Learning: Students are encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge through practical music-making, whether through performance, composition, or improvisation.
•Global Perspective: I encourage students to think globally, drawing connections between different musical traditions and understanding how they influence one another in today’s interconnected world.
•Notable Academic Contributions:
•Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology: My doctoral research, titled “The Moroccan Andalusian Music al-Âla: An Anthropological-Historical Approach, Transformations, and Cultural Identity,” received unanimous praise from the academic community, with the jury recommending publication.
•Frequent Conference Participation: I have presented at numerous international symposia and conferences, including the ICTM Mediterranean Music Studies Group, the International Forum of Human and Social Sciences, and the International Symposium on Musical Creation and Sound Electrification.
•Publications: My scholarly work focuses on the transformation of Moroccan Andalusian music, the role of music in political movements, and the impact of recording technologies on music preservation.
•Student Testimonials:
•“Dr. Bousselam’s teaching goes beyond the traditional classroom experience. His passion for music and culture is contagious, and his courses have opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about music.” – Former student, University of Paris Nanterre
•“I never thought I could play jazz and Arabic music together, but Dr. Bousselam made it seem so natural. His teaching is both inspiring and practical.” – Former student, Royal Conservatory of Brussels
•“Dr. Bousselam is a master teacher. His ability to explain complex concepts in a way that is both accessible and engaging is what makes him stand out.” – Former student, Royal Conservatory of Mons
By creating a supportive, creative, and intellectually stimulating environment, I aim to inspire my students to think critically, act creatively, and embrace the global nature of music. My goal is not just to teach music, but to instill a deep understanding of how music connects people, cultures, and histories.
