Qanun or Kanun is a stringed musical instrument, played with two index fingers equipped with two picks. The qanun is used in the music of several countries, such as the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and southeastern regions of Europe. As time passed, each country changed and developed its unique model, and every state has a new version of Qanun that suits their musical tunes and chords.

The qanun is a trapezoid-shaped box, and its body is made of wood and the soundboard half of wood and half of usually fish skin. The total number of strings varies from 64 to 84 but is usually 24 strings in triple with a range of three octaves. The strings are made of gut or nylon; however, in India, they are sometimes made from metal. The pitch can easily be raised or lowered while playing through levers. The qanun is suitable for both solo performances and accompaniments.

Learn how to play the qanun through one of our comprehensive methods that takes you through a progressive approach, addressing technique, musicality, and so much more.
 

Program Information

We will offer you many new and exciting musical opportunities. The Melorin Music School provides one-on-one instruction and group sessions on multiple instruments. All students are taught the basic instrumental technique, posture, technical exercises, radif* and playing repertoire.

Each qanun lesson takes place between one teacher and one student for either 30, 45 or 60 minutes. For children's sessions, parents can attend their child's classes.

*Radif is a collection of 300-350 melodic pieces, each one up to 3 minutes in length, used as a basis for improvisation.
 

Goals:

Our goal is the development of our students to their highest musical level through private lessons. Creating the correct foundation for technique and appropriate repertoire is of utmost importance. Our amazing qanun faculty takes care of utilizing elements of different teaching methods that work best for each student. Beginner students start with the fundamentals, including reading music, rhythm, and learning simple songs. Intermediate and advanced students continue to progress with increased proficiency in techniques and significant repertoire. Our qanun class covers the following subjects:

• Note reading and recognition
• Iranian traditional ornaments
• Counting, rhythm reading
• Technique (scales, arpeggios, dorrab, trill)
• Rudiments of Theory
• Memorization
• Ear training

Levels / Ages offered:

The Melorin Music School provides online private qanun study at all levels and ages. No experience is needed at all, anyone can join our programs, and we will ensure you have an enjoyable experience. We provide a wide range and variety of learning styles and difficulty levels for our students to make sure each individual can grow at their own pace.

Repertoire

Selecting repertoire is one of the most challenging and important tasks that we take on in the development of our students’ musical education. Students at all levels will be given a selection of repertoire from multiple eras of music (Traditional and Folk) to study and perfect.

Requirements:

• No skills required; you can be a beginner student
• You will need a qanun
• The most important part of music study takes place at home; the more you practice, the better you will be
• Get excited about learning qanun, as an inspired learner learns faster and easier

Important Facts & FAQs

• Highly recommended for students of 8 years or older
• Offered but less recommended for students 7 years or younger
• Extremely useful for children and adult learners
• The most effective format for learning technique, traditional repertoire and radif