Ross Daly – Modal composition within makam

Ross Daly’s Modal composition within makam seminar focuses on the creative application of traditional modal structures to contemporary composition. Ross Daly views makam not just as scales, but as flexible systems of melodic phrases that form the basis for creative composition, moving beyond mere tradition to Contemporary Modal Music. He makes use of hallmark compositions as springboards for improvisation and new works, often incorporating elements from Central Asia, Middle East, and Crete. He emphasizes that true understanding comes from learning specific phrase material and building upon it, enabling musicians to create in the spirit of the tradition without being bound by it.
Key Seminar Components
Structural Analysis: Participants analyze the internal structure of makam-based compositions, focusing on how characteristic motifs and phrasing patterns define the trajectory of a piece.
Modulation Techniques: A central focus is understanding the “logic” of modulations—learning how and when to move between different makams to maintain modal integrity while creating narrative tension.
Contemporary Modal Music: Daly emphasizes that modal music is not just a historical “tradition” but a living language. He encourages students to use the vast possibilities of systems like Turkish Makam, Persian Dastgah, or Indian Raga to suit their own artistic needs.
Practical Coaching: The seminars are primarily hands-on. Depending on the student’s level, Daly covers basic makams (e.g., Hicaz, Rast, Uşşak) and more complex compound makams, often using his own original compositions as pedagogical examples.
Rhythmic Integration: While the focus is on melody, the importance of usul (rhythmic cycles) in constructing melodies—particularly in formal structures like the peşrev—is frequently addressed.

Reading scores is recommended but not required.