Learn Qawwali
Qawwali can be learned by anyone with sincerity and devotion, and Samā School of Music is the online home for studying it in English, taught from inside the living lineage. Your teachers are Tahir Qawwal, founder of the qawwali ensemble Fanna-fi-Allah with over 1,500 concerts worldwide, and Alexandra Amïe Lyons, both initiated into the lineage of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan through his longtime tabla player, Ustad Dildar Hussain.
How do you learn qawwali online?
Qawwali is passed from master to student, by ear and by heart. We teach it the same way, step by step:
1. Feel the tradition. Watch Music of the Mystics, the award-winning documentary directed and produced by Tahir Qawwal, to meet the living masters of qawwali.
2. Try a free lesson. Begin with a free lesson from the Musical Wisdom masterclass series with Tahir Qawwal.
3. Sing real qawwali. Learn Sufi Qawwali with Ilahi teaches authentic compositions: the poetry, pronunciation, melody and call and response of the tradition.
4. Build the instrument. Harmonium Mastery, our flagship course, teaches the instrument at the heart of every qawwali party.
5. Go deep. Creative Musical Mastery and the Vocal Artistry Library develop raag, voice culture and improvisation, and the Voice of the Beloved retreats bring it all together in person.
Frequently asked questions
Can a beginner learn qawwali?
Yes. Qawwali asks for sincerity and devotion more than a perfect voice. Breath, raag, harmonium and group singing can all be learned step by step.
Do I need to be Muslim or know Urdu?
No. Students come from every background. Pronunciation and the meaning of the poetry are taught as part of the courses.
How long does it take?
You can sing simple compositions within a few months of regular practice. Depth in improvisation and raag is a lifelong path.
Do I need to read music?
No. Qawwali is taught by ear and call and response, the way it has always been transmitted.
Where should I start?
Read our guide What Is Qawwali?, then try a free lesson from the Musical Wisdom masterclass series.