The Sound of Crossroads: Exploring the Intersection of Jazz and Middle Eastern Music

Authors

Yousef R. Musharbash

Files

Abstract

This thesis delves into my personal journey as a musician, born in Amman, Jordan, with a profound connection to music from an early age. Growing up in a religious Christian family, I was immersed in the world of music, starting with simple hymns played on an old keyboard. As I matured, my passion for music deepened, leading me to explore the piano instrument and eventually become the main pianist for church services. This path guided me towards developing an artistic identity that combines Middle Eastern music, Western classical music, and jazz.

After obtaining a degree in composition, I continued my musical endeavors by gaining experience as a session musician and band leader. I established a home studio where I dedicated myself to piano recording, music arranging, and composition. The culmination of my experiences culminates in a project aimed at improving the connections between Middle Eastern and Western listeners through the creation of a contemporary oriental jazz identity.

This project encompasses extensive research and analysis of Eastern, Afro-Cuban, and Jazz music, with a focus on enhancing my instrumental technique and enriching my musical vocabulary to enhance composition and arranging skills. I plan to share my compositions through various music platforms and by participating in concerts and Jazz festivals. The methodology involves a performative research approach, combining research with performative work that focuses on Jazz to shape my unique identity and sound.

The primary objective of this project is to build a fan base, engage audiences, diminish cultural gaps, and promote cross-cultural understanding. By making Middle Eastern music more accessible to Western ears, I aim to deepen audience enjoyment and understanding of Eastern music. Through this exploration, I aspire to create music that resonates with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, ultimately bridging the gap between the East and the West.

Publication Date

7-1-2023

Campus

Valencia (Spain) Campus

Keywords

Jazz, Middle-Eastern, Western.

Recommended Citation

Musharbash, Yousef R. “The Sound of Crossroads: Exploring the Intersection of Jazz and Middle Eastern Music.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2023. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-contemporary-performance/260.