Arabic Maqam Learning FAQ

What is Maqam Academy?

Maqam Academy is an interactive platform for learning and exploring Arabic maqam theory.

It combines Arabic maqam theory with visual notation, an interactive keyboard, Ajnas, quarter-tone and microtonal tuning information, audio playback, Practice exercises and analytical tools.

What can I study?

Depending on the current version and your access level, Maqam Academy may include maqamat, Ajnas, interval structures, ascending and descending forms, quarter tones, Quarter-Tonic Maqamat, relationships, derivations, modulations, notation, Keys X-Ray, Practice exercises and audio examples.

Who is Maqam Academy for?

Maqam Academy is designed for music students, independent learners, performers, instrumentalists, singers, composers, arrangers, improvisers, music teachers, private instructors, university professors, lecturers, researchers, music theorists and other musicians interested in Arabic maqam theory and microtonal music around the world.

Can I learn maqam independently without a teacher?

Yes.

Maqam Academy is designed for self-directed study. You can read descriptions, listen to pitches, compare maqamat and ajnas, use the interactive notation and keyboard, examine interval and structural analysis, and practise at your own pace.

A teacher is not required to begin or to use the learning system. Teachers can still add personal feedback, performance guidance and historical or regional context, and they can use Maqam Academy as a teaching tool.

What makes Maqam Academy different from a scale list?

Maqam Academy is intended to show more than the notes of a maqam.

Depending on the available content and your access level, it can bring together theoretical descriptions, interval structures, ajnas, ascending and descending forms, tuning, structural analysis, maqam relationships, derivations, modulations, notation, keyboard interaction and audio playback in one study environment.

What are the Building Rules of Maqam (BRoM)?

Building Rules of Maqam (BRoM) © Rami Al-Rajab is an original theoretical framework conceived and developed by Rami Al-Rajab for Maqam Academy. They provide a new structured way of thinking about how maqamat can be analysed through Ajnas and structural interval functions.

BRoM can be used to study concepts such as the Root Jins, Primary Upper Jins, Disjunct and Conjunct structures, Primary Overlapping Jins, Additional Overlapping Ajnas, Jumping Maqam structures and named structural intervals. It supports comparison, self-study and deeper structural understanding within the Maqam Academy theoretical model.

BRoM is not presented as a claim that every regional or historical maqam tradition follows one universal system. It is the analytical framework developed by Rami Al-Rajab and used by Maqam Academy.

How are relationships between maqamat presented?

Maqam Academy analyses relationships according to its database and theoretical model.

Relationships are not assigned merely because two maqamat have similar names or share an individual Jins. Where a relationship is presented, the platform is intended to connect it to the relevant interval structure, scale degree or analytical rule used by the Academy.

What is Keys X-Ray?

Keys X-Ray is a named Maqam Academy keyboard-visualization feature for showing intermediate quarter-tone key positions while keeping the selected Maqam or Jins structure clear.

Keys X-Ray is a Maqam Academy visualization concept independently developed by Rami Al-Rajab, originating from an idea conceived in 2003. The compact Academy attribution is: Keys X-Ray · © Rami Al-Rajab.

Maqam Academy does not present Keys X-Ray as a registered trademark or a patented invention. Copyright notices relate to protectable original expression and implementation, such as original graphics, text, interface design and software, to the extent protected by applicable law; they do not claim copyright ownership over an abstract idea, method, fact or musical principle.

What are the Rules of Related Maqamat (RoRM)?

Rules of Related Maqamat (RoRM) © Rami Al-Rajab is an original Maqam Academy theoretical framework by Rami Al-Rajab for validating structural relationships between Maqamat. RoRM is kept distinct from external scholarship and from BRoM, which focuses on Maqam construction.

Do I need to read music?

No.

Notation is an important part of Maqam Academy, but the interactive keyboard, listening functions and explanations are intended to make the material useful even when your notation skills are still developing.

What is Maqam Academy Free?

Maqam Academy Free gives you access to a selected part of the platform.

The goal is to let you learn and explore essential maqamat without paying for a subscription.

How many maqamat are included in Free?

The Free version is planned to include a useful selection of approximately 20 maqamat.

The final number and selection may change as Maqam Academy develops.

The current Free catalogue shown on the website is the authoritative list.

Are audio examples included?

Yes.

Free is planned to include a selected library of audio examples.

The current number and available recordings will be shown on the website.

Which instruments are free?

A selection of instruments will be available with Free.

The exact instruments may change as the sound library develops.

Why do the Free limits change?

Maqam Academy is an evolving educational project.

We may test which maqamat, sounds and tools create the most useful Free learning experience.

This is why the legal Terms do not promise one permanent numerical limit.

What is Maqam Academy Plus?

Maqam Academy Plus is the paid individual subscription.

Its purpose is to provide one complete paid package for individual Maqam study and practice.

What does Plus unlock?

Plus unlocks the content and functionality currently designated as part of the Plus package.

This may include:

• the Plus maqam collection
• Plus instruments and audio
• maqam and Ajnas analysis
• relationships and expanded theoretical information
• Basic Practice
• Academy Guide
• Research & Sources
• other Plus interactive functions

Advanced Practice and Structure Training are part of the complete Plus package when those modules are enabled in the current Plus content configuration.

Does “complete access” mean every future feature forever?

No.

It means access to the content and features currently designated as part of Plus. Separate future products or institutional services may have their own access terms.

Will Free users still have a useful website?

Yes.

Free is intended to remain a genuine learning option rather than only a payment screen.

Plus provides greater depth, more content and broader functionality in one individual package.

PRACTICE, GUIDE AND RESEARCH

Who can use the Practice area?

Practice is a paid learning area and is not included in Free access. Plus can include Basic Practice, Advanced Practice and Structure Training according to the current Plus content configuration. EDU Practice access is configured independently and may include exercises designated for EDU.

Who can open the Guide and Research & Sources?

The Academy Guide and Research & Sources are paid Academy areas. They are available when included in the member's Plus or EDU entitlement. Free accounts do not have access to these two areas.

What is the Research & Sources page?

Research & Sources separates original Maqam Academy research and frameworks from external scholarship. Items are classified as Original Research & Maqam Academy Frameworks, Sources Used, References Consulted, or Further Reading according to their actual relationship to the Academy.

External authors are not presented as influencing Maqam Academy merely because their work is relevant to Arabic music.

How much does Plus cost?

Plus is currently €12.99 per month or €99.99 per year. The current price is also shown on the Pricing page and again before checkout.

If Maqam Academy changes pricing in the future, the current checkout and applicable renewal information remain authoritative for the transaction.

Are Advanced Practice and Structure Training separate paid add-ons?

No. The current Plus product is one complete individual package. Advanced Practice and Structure Training remain internal content modules for access control, but they are not sold as separate customer add-ons.

What Plus billing options are available?

Plus is available with monthly or yearly billing. Both billing options provide the same complete Plus package.

Only plans currently displayed for purchase are available.

Can I switch between monthly and yearly Plus billing?

A Monthly subscriber may schedule Yearly for the end of the current paid monthly period. No payment is taken when the switch is scheduled. At the monthly renewal boundary, Stripe charges the full yearly price and the new 12-month yearly period begins. No proration or unused-time credit is created.

A Yearly subscriber cannot switch to Monthly during the active paid yearly term. If you do not want another yearly renewal, cancel renewal. Your paid yearly access continues until the yearly period ends, and you may choose Monthly after that access has ended.

Does my subscription renew automatically?

If you choose an automatically renewing plan, the renewal terms will be shown before you purchase it.

You will not be asked to rely on hidden renewal terms.

How do I cancel?

For Maqam Academy Plus, use the Cancel subscription action in the account or the available online cancellation mechanism. You may cancel at any time before the next renewal is actually processed. There is no separate 7-day monthly or 3-month annual Plus advance-notice deadline.

After cancellation is confirmed, the next renewal is stopped and your already-paid Plus access normally remains available until the end of the current paid period. Maqam Academy sends an electronic confirmation showing the effective end date.

Additional cancellation functions will be provided where required by applicable law. Statutory withdrawal, refund and remedy rights remain separate from ordinary cancellation.

Can I withdraw from a new purchase?

You may have statutory withdrawal or cooling-off rights depending on where you live.

Customers who are entitled to such rights will receive the required information as part of the purchase process.

Can I request a refund?

Mandatory refund and consumer rights are always respected.

Other refunds depend on the circumstances and the subscription conditions shown during checkout.

Do I need an account for Free?

Some Free content may be available without an account.

If a particular Free function requires an account, Maqam Academy will make this clear before you use it.

Do I need an account for Plus?

Yes, a Plus subscription normally needs to be connected to an account so that Maqam Academy can identify your subscription and provide the correct access.

Can I share my Plus account?

Individual subscriptions are intended for the subscriber.

Account sharing may be restricted.

If family, teacher, school, university or institutional plans are introduced, they will have separate usage rules.

Can I delete my account?

Yes, subject to information that must still be retained for legal reasons such as accounting records.

Deleting an account and cancelling a recurring paid subscription are different actions, so the account interface should clearly explain both.

Why do some maqamat have quarter tones?

Arabic maqam music includes pitch structures that cannot always be represented using only the twelve equally tempered Western semitones.

Maqam Academy therefore supports quarter-tone and related microtonal representations where required by its theoretical model.

What is a quarter-tone tonic?

Some maqamat in the Maqam Academy model begin on a tonic positioned between conventional semitone pitches.

The platform provides dedicated notation and keyboard handling for these cases.

Why do ascending and descending versions sometimes differ?

Some maqamat use different pitches or melodic structures depending on direction.

Where the database defines different ascending and descending forms, Maqam Academy can display them separately.

Are the pitches exactly the same in every Arabic tradition?

No.

Intonation and theoretical interpretation can vary between regions, schools, historical periods and performers.

Maqam Academy uses a defined theoretical and technical model so that the relationships can be analysed consistently.

Does Maqam Academy treat Arabic maqamat as Western scales?

No.

Western notation and keyboard representations are tools used to display pitches.

The theoretical maqam structure remains based on the model used by Maqam Academy.

What does the keyboard show?

The keyboard provides a visual representation of the selected maqam.

It can identify structural notes, scale degrees and quarter-tone pitches according to the current maqam and key.

Can I play the notes?

Yes, where audio playback is supported.

The keyboard is designed to connect what you see with what you hear.

Why can some notes sound between piano keys?

Quarter-tone maqamat may require pitches between conventional equal-tempered piano notes.

Maqam Academy can digitally adjust pitch so these notes can be represented in playback.

Which instruments are available?

The available instrument library depends on the current Free and Plus catalogues.

The platform is designed to support several sound choices rather than requiring you to study every maqam with one sound.

Why do instruments sound different on quarter tones?

Maqam Academy may pitch-adjust recorded samples or generate pitches electronically to reproduce the note required by the selected maqam.

Because of this, a quarter-tone pitch can differ from the instrument’s original sampled pitch.

Can I download the instrument samples?

Not unless Maqam Academy provides a specific download or licence permitting it.

The standard audio library is intended for playback and study inside Maqam Academy.

Can I use Maqam Academy samples in my music?

Not under the ordinary website subscription unless a separate licence says that you can.

The instrument and audio library is educational content and is not automatically a royalty-free sample library.

What is the Live Tuner?

The Live Tuner is built into the back of the Current Structure card on the Maqamat page.

It listens to an incoming pitch through the device microphone and shows the nearest target note together with the frequency and tuning deviation. The center of the rail means the pitch is exact, the left side means low and the right side means high.

What is the difference between Chromatic and Micro-tone mode?

Chromatic mode works like a conventional 12-tone equal-tempered tuner and identifies the nearest semitone.

Micro-tone mode uses a 50-cent pitch grid so it can also identify quarter-tone positions between the ordinary chromatic notes.

Can the tuner recognize quarter tones?

Yes.

In Micro-tone mode, the tuner can distinguish notes such as C, C quarter-sharp, C sharp, D quarter-flat and D. Quarter-tone pitches are shown with the same quarter-tone accidental system used elsewhere in Maqam Academy.

What does Low, Exact or High mean?

These labels describe the detected pitch relative to the target note.

Low means the pitch is below the target, Exact means it is centered on the target within the tuner’s tolerance, and High means it is above the target. The moving rail marker gives the same information visually.

Why does the tuner ask for microphone permission?

Microphone access is required only when you press Listen because the tuner needs an incoming audio signal to estimate pitch.

Your browser controls the permission request. You can deny access or later change the permission in the browser or device settings.

Does Maqam Academy record or upload the microphone audio?

In the current implementation, the microphone signal is analyzed transiently in the browser for pitch detection. Maqam Academy does not intentionally record, store or upload the raw microphone audio to its server.

Stopping the tuner or returning to Current Structure stops the active microphone stream.

Can I change A = 440 Hz?

Yes.

Reference A defaults to 440 Hz and can be edited from 40 Hz to 4186 Hz. The entered reference changes the tuner’s pitch calculation, and Play A sounds that reference frequency.

Why is the tuner not reacting to my instrument or voice?

Make sure microphone permission is allowed, the correct input device is active, and the incoming signal is strong and reasonably steady.

A current browser over HTTPS is required for browser microphone access. Background noise, very weak input, strong vibrato, chords or several notes sounding at once can make single-pitch detection less stable.

Can teachers use Maqam Academy in lessons?

Individual educational display and demonstration are generally intended to be permitted subject to the Terms.

Copying or redistributing substantial parts of the database or audio library is different from using the website during a lesson.

Do you offer access for schools, conservatories and universities?

Yes.

Maqam Academy Edu is the education-oriented plan for private educators, music schools, conservatories, universities, colleges, music departments and other eligible educational settings.

The standard self-service EDU plan has a 7-day free trial and uses graduated annual student-seat pricing. Self-service subscriptions support 2 to 150 student seats. The reference annual value is €99.99 per student, with progressively lower per-seat pricing at larger quantities. For example, 30 student seats cost €899.98/year before applicable tax. The Educator Account uses the internal Edu Admin role and does not consume a student seat.

The Educator Account can create classes and student groups, add or remove students, assign currently available Practice exercises, select difficulty, set deadlines, review detailed exercise history and progress, analyse strong and needs-work topics, and generate CSV or PDF learning reports. Organizations needing more than 150 student seats or special institutional arrangements use custom pricing.

Can I cite Maqam Academy in research?

Yes.

Yes. Researchers may cite and discuss publicly available Maqam Academy information in accordance with normal academic practice and applicable law. The source should identify Rami Al-Rajab and Maqam Academy, www.maqamacademy.com.

Citation does not authorize copying or systematic extraction of protected database content. Where reproduction or extraction requires permission, prior express written permission from Rami Al-Rajab is required.

How should I reference BRoM in teaching, research or publication?

When you cite or discuss the Building Rules of Maqam, the preferred reference is:

Rami Al-Rajab — Building Rules of Maqam (BRoM), Maqam Academy, www.maqamacademy.com

Normal academic citation, lawful quotation and statutory exceptions remain governed by applicable law. Permission is required where protected BRoM material is reproduced, adapted, republished or extracted beyond what the law permits.

Which browser should I use?

A current version of a modern browser is recommended.

Some audio, MIDI or interactive functions depend on browser support.

Is portrait or landscape mode better on a phone or tablet?

Maqam Academy supports both orientations, but landscape mode is recommended on smartphones and tablets for music-heavy pages. The wider view gives notation, Ajnas analysis, the interactive keyboard, Scale Tree and other visual music tools more horizontal space and is usually the clearest way to study them.

Portrait mode remains available when you prefer a vertical reading layout. You can rotate the device at any time; Maqam Academy adapts the page without changing the selected Maqam or your current study state.

How do I add Maqam Academy to my iPhone or iPad Home Screen?

Use Safari on the iPhone or iPad:

• Open www.maqamacademy.com in Safari.
• Tap the More button and then Share. Depending on your Safari layout, the Share button may already be visible.
• Scroll through the Share options and choose Add to Home Screen.
• Turn on Open as Web App when that option is shown.
• Tap Add.

Maqam Academy will then appear on the Home Screen and can be opened from its icon like a web app. Safari wording or button positions can vary slightly between iOS and iPadOS versions.

How do I add Maqam Academy to my Android Home Screen?

Use a current version of Google Chrome on Android:

• Open www.maqamacademy.com in Chrome.
• Tap the three-dot More menu.
• Choose Install and create shortcut, Install app, or Add to Home screen. The wording depends on the Chrome version and whether the site is offered as an installable web app.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to add the Maqam Academy icon.

After installation, open Maqam Academy from the Home Screen icon.

Why is there sometimes no sound?

Browsers can block audio until the user interacts with a page.

Check your device volume, browser permissions and selected audio output.

Mobile operating systems may also apply their own audio restrictions.

Does changing instruments change my maqam?

It should not.

The selected instrument changes the playback sound rather than the theoretical maqam state.

Do I have to provide personal information just to study maqamat?

Not necessarily.

Parts of Free may be accessible without registration.

Account and payment information is required only where the corresponding account or subscription function needs it.

Does Maqam Academy sell my personal information?

The intended model is not based on selling personal information.

If the business model changes in a way that activates additional privacy requirements, the Privacy Policy and required user controls must be updated.

Does Maqam Academy use website analytics?

Yes. Maqam Academy uses optional first-party website analytics to understand how the Academy is used, review service activity and improve the platform. This analytics system is operated by Maqam Academy rather than a separate third-party analytics service such as Google Analytics. Analytics data is used internally and is not shared with advertisers.

Website analytics does not start until you select Allow analytics in the privacy banner. If you select Decline, the analytics system stays disabled unless you later change your choice. You can change your choice at any time through Privacy settings in the website footer. Full details about the data processed, retention and consent controls are provided in the Privacy Policy.

Why do I see the analytics privacy banner?

The floating banner asks for your choice before optional website analytics can begin. It stays visible until you select Allow analytics or Decline.

Necessary website functions continue to work if you decline analytics. Your analytics choice is remembered so Maqam Academy does not need to ask you again on every page. You can reopen Privacy settings later and change your decision.

Does the interactive keyboard record everything I play?

No. Ordinary keyboard and MIDI note interaction is not stored as a note-by-note account history.

When you complete ordinary Practice while signed in, Maqam Academy saves a compact session summary such as the exercise, difficulty, question count, verified score and completion time so your Practice page can show Best score, completed sessions and Last played.

If you leave an ordinary Practice session after answering at least one question, Maqam Academy can save a resumable checkpoint for that exercise. You can have separate unfinished checkpoints for different exercises, so starting Recognize the Maqam does not overwrite an unfinished Recognize the Jins session. The Practice Progress area lists active sessions and can restore the same current question, session settings, question position and verified score counts. Starting a new session replaces only the checkpoint for that same exercise. Checkpoints do not store microphone recordings or every note you played.

When a Student Account completes Practice through an Edu assignment, Maqam Academy stores the assignment attempt, verified score, completion status and related progress. For Edu v2 assignment Practice completed after the v11.0 migration, Maqam Academy also stores verified question-level results so the Educator Account can review exercise history and topic analytics. The Privacy Policy explains this processing.

Can I request deletion of my data?

Where applicable law gives you that right, yes.

Some records may still need to be retained for legal reasons such as accounting, fraud prevention or legal claims.

Can children use Maqam Academy?

Maqam Academy can be useful for music students.

Account creation and personal-data processing must nevertheless comply with the age and parental-consent rules applicable where the child lives.

Where parental authorization is legally required, it must be obtained before the corresponding personal-data processing takes place.

Can I copy the maqam database?

You may consult individual information for ordinary study, teaching, lawful quotation and research within the limits of applicable law.

You may not copy, scrape, mirror, systematically extract, republish or rebuild the Maqam Academy database, or substantial parts of it, without prior express written permission where permission is legally required. Repeated systematic extraction of smaller parts may also be restricted by applicable database law.

Can I build another app using Maqam Academy data?

Not automatically.

Prior express written permission from Rami Al-Rajab is required for protected database extraction, redistribution, republication or incorporation into another app, website, dataset or commercial product where permission is legally required. Simply naming Maqam Academy as the source does not authorize copying.

Can I reuse the Building Rules of Maqam (BRoM)?

You may study, discuss and cite BRoM in accordance with normal academic practice and applicable law.

The original BRoM texts, diagrams, classifications, database arrangements, software implementations and other protected expressions may not be copied, republished, adapted or commercially reused where permission is legally required. Where Maqam Academy grants permission for protected BRoM material to be reused, the attribution must identify Rami Al-Rajab and Maqam Academy.

Maqam Academy does not claim copyright over abstract ideas, methods or musical principles where applicable law does not provide that protection.

Can I take screenshots or screen recordings of Maqam Academy?

The technical ability to take a screenshot or screen recording does not grant permission to publish or redistribute protected Maqam Academy content. A capture made solely for a legally permitted private purpose may fall within a statutory exception, but that does not automatically allow you to post it online, distribute it, include it in another course or publication, or use it commercially.

Where permission is legally required, prior express written permission is required before publishing or redistributing screenshots, screen recordings, photographs or other captures containing protected Maqam Academy notation, diagrams, BRoM or RoRM materials, Keys X-Ray visualizations, Practice material, database displays or original explanatory content.

Can I crop out or remove the Maqam Academy watermark?

Removing or deliberately concealing a copyright notice, watermark, attribution or rights information does not create permission to reuse the underlying content. In connection with publication or redistribution, protected Maqam Academy material must not be presented in a way that falsely suggests another author or source. Statutory rights and exceptions remain unaffected.

Can I read, present or project Maqam Academy material in a lecture, video or public presentation?

You may discuss Maqam theory, musical facts, ideas and concepts in accordance with applicable law. Public recitation, projection, display, recording or substantial reproduction of protected Maqam Academy text, diagrams or teaching material may, however, require permission unless a statutory exception such as lawful quotation applies.

Where Maqam Academy grants permission or where applicable law requires source identification, use the relevant attribution. The preferred general reference is:

Rami Al-Rajab — Founder, Maqam Academy, www.maqamacademy.com

BRoM, RoRM and Keys X-Ray have their own more specific attribution wording where relevant.

What happens if protected Maqam Academy material is copied or republished without authorization?

Maqam Academy and the relevant rights holder may take appropriate action under applicable law. Depending on the circumstances, this can include a request for removal, preservation of evidence, cease-and-desist measures, claims for injunctive relief, information or damages, and legal proceedings before the competent courts. The precise remedy depends on the facts and applicable law.

Can I use Maqam Academy to train an AI model?

Systematic extraction of Maqam Academy data or audio for machine-learning training is not included in ordinary Free or Plus access.

Contact Maqam Academy if you require a research, dataset or technology licence.

I found a theoretical error. What should I do?

Please use Report an issue in the site footer or from the App Help panel and choose Theory / content correction.

Maqam Academy aims to distinguish database logic, theoretical interpretation and software behaviour so that reported problems can be checked properly. When the report is opened from a Maqam Academy page, that page is included automatically.

Please describe the maqam or jins, key/tonic, direction and the specific theoretical point when those details are relevant.

I found a technical problem or another content error. What should I do?

Use Report an issue and choose Technical issue or Other content error. The report system uses the existing Maqam Academy contact channel and includes the originating page automatically when available.

How can I contact Maqam Academy?

Email:

support@maqamacademy.com

We welcome technical reports, theoretical corrections and account questions.