Music from the East Department

The Music from the East Department stands as a one-of-a-kind framework in Israel, offering modern oriental musical education that bridges the gap between East and West. It serves as a gateway to a rich cultural heritage, enabling children to explore, rediscover, and embrace their roots while laying a strong foundation for the development of a vibrant, new Israeli culture.

The department operates in the "Keshet" school in the Katmonim neighborhood. It's on the border of the Beit Saffa neighborhood, fertile ground for an oriental cultural center for the entire city.

The Music from the East Department offers lessons for the following musical instruments:
Oud, violin, canon, flute, percussion, saaz, singing, cello, mandolin,
Andalusian violin (on the knee), guitar, piano

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Contemporary Eastern Pedagogy

Our role is not only to teach different music and different musical instruments from the past; our significant innovation in the contemporary approach we are developing carries with it not only study methods but actually the culture itself.

This is a pedagogy that sanctifies the connection to life, the cycle of the year, the moment, freedom, spontaneity, community and the connection between teacher and student. All of these will indeed shape an excellent student, connected to the great traditions but also diverse and connected to the here and now.

Diverse Music

We are tasked with finding a way to awaken traditions that have been almost forgotten and to teach boys and girls artistic Eastern music: Andalusian, Piyyutim (hymns), Arabic, Ladino and more.

Check out the video to listen and learn more

Listen and Experience

Students take part in a number of events and performances through out the year. Many are open to the public. Take a look at the calendar of events to see what is coming up and experience the magic of the Conservatory!

VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS

Music from the East Department Head:

Gilad Vaknin

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Department Head:
Gilad Vaknin

Gilad is an active musician, performer, creator and teacher. He began to study and delve into Andalusian music with Nino Biton. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in composition at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and is a graduate of the Mendel Program for Leadership in Jewish Culture. Together with his wife and mother of his three children, the singer Inbal Jamshid, he founded the ensemble "Acut" which performs contemporary original compositions, on the border between East and West, to songs by contemporary poets.