You Don’t Need to Start Young, Know Maqam or Master Theory to Learn the Qanun.
Qanun Mastery Academy
Qanun Mastery is a structured learning system for new, intermediate, and advanced qanunists that guides you to confidently play your favourite songs, refine your technique, understand maqam, and create an authentic taqsim within six months.
No prior music knowledge required — just 10 minutes of focused daily practice.
As Seen In
Trusted by 100s of Qanun Players in Over 20 Countries — from Oslo to Cairo, San Francisco to Dubai.
Maya Mastered the Qanun in the Truest Sense of the Word.
“Maya not only has rare technical ability — she has mastered the qanun in the truest sense of the word.
She is matchless as a qanun player and as an artist, not only in Syria, but globally.”
Salim Sarwe
Umm Kulthum’s Wanted Qanun Player
Why Learning the Qanun Has Felt So Difficult
If learning the qanun has felt confusing, slow, or unnecessarily hard, it’s not because you lack talent, discipline, or musical ability.
The problem is the system.
Traditional teaching is still stuck in a centuries-old model where students were expected to move near a master, copy what they heard, and somehow figure it out on their own — often without concrete explanation or feedback.
When things didn’t click (as they often don’t), the solution was more scales.
No clarity. No structure. And so you never sounded like a 'real' qanunist
That model was never designed for modern learners. And it shows.
Here’s what most qanun players still face today:
- Very few learning resources available in English
-
Limited access to qualified teachers, often requiring travel or irregular lessons.
- No clear way to develop expressive technique beyond endless scales
-
No comprehensive system that connects technique, maqam, and taqsim in a way that makes sense.
- A scattered, draining DIY experience — collecting bits of knowledge and trying to stitch them together alone
The qanun is often called “one of the hardest instruments in the world.”
Not because it actually is — but because it’s taught without a clear system.
When you’re told to study theory, drill scales, and wait until you're “ready” to play real music… of course it feels impossible.
That’s why so many players — even deeply committed ones — end up stuck.
Because most learners don’t need more theory, more scales, or more YouTube videos.
They need a clear, structured path — one that shows you exactly what to practice, how to improve your sound, and how it all fits together.
That's Why I created Qanun Mastery
Hi, I am Maya Youssef
I’m the world leading qanun, maqam, and taqsim mentor. I help committed players of all levels confidently play the music they love, refine their technique, recognize maqam by ear, and perform authentic taqsim — in just a few months, without prior training or music theory.
With 36 years of experience as a qanunist and over a decade as a mentor, I’ve helped hundreds of students achieve results that once felt out of reach and go from relectant beginners to confident advanced performers in record time, without theory, relocation or having to quit their jobs.
Recognized as the “Queen of the Qanun” by the BBC, and honoured by the UK government and Arts Council England as an Exceptional Talent, I’m also an award-winning composer and internationally acclaimed performer, devoted to keeping this art form alive, vibrant, and accessible.
I first fell in love with the qanun at age 8, hearing its sound for the first time in a taxi. When the driver laughed and said, “Girls don’t play qanun,” something in me sparked. That moment became a mission: To make this beautiful instrument accessible to anyone—regardless of age, culture, or background.
Whether you're just starting or ready to deepen your craft, I’m here to help you build clarity, confidence, and a life connection to this magical instrument.
‘A master of her instrument’
'The Queen of The Qanun'
'An Exquisite performer'
Who is Qanun Mastery For?
This program is designed for passionate adult qanun players of all cultural backgrounds and all levels.
You’re in the right place if:
- You have a full-time job or business and want a proven path to progress with as little as 10 minutes of structured practice each day.
- You’re learning for personal enjoyment cultural connection—or to share your music with friends and family, whether casually or on stage.
- You’re a complete beginner with zero prior music knowledge ready to play your first tune and for steady joyful progress.
What Makes Qanun Mastery Different
Qanun learners don’t get stuck because they lack talent, Arab genes or discipline.They get stuck because they’ve never been given a clear, proven method to learn.
Traditional instruction jumps between scales, theory, imitation, and scattered advice — without showing how it all fits together or leads to real music. That’s why so many learners end up frustrated, overwhelmed, or convinced they’re “not musical enough.”
Qanun Mastery works differently.
It’s a structured, modern system built for real life — and real results.
Here’s what sets it apart:
You make music from day one.This is experiential learning. Instead of being stuck in theory or scale drills, you’re guided to play real tunes immediately — which builds confidence and connection right away.
Technique is built both in isolation and in context.
You’ll practice techniques, yes — but you’ll also apply those techniques inside songs, so you know exactly how to use them to create that rich authentic Arabic sound.
Maqam is taught as a language — not a mystery.
First, you’ll learn the “alphabet”: nine essential building blocks. From there, you’ll form the core nine maqamat, recognize them by ear, and eventually improvise authentic taqsim with fluency and emotional depth.
It meets you exactly where you are.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning player, or already intermediate, this method adapts to your level and gives you the exact tools and structure you need to progress — without overwhelm or wasted time.
Everything is connected.
This isn’t random lessons stitched together. It’s a unified path and a complete structured proven system where each step prepares you for the next — so your learning compounds over time and leads to real musical transformation in a few months.
It fits your real life.
You don’t need to quit your job or practice for hours a week. When you follow this system with just 10 minutes of focused daily practice, you’ll still see meaningful, steady progress — from the comfort of your home .
From Zero Music Training to Playing Real Music in Weeks
I never played an instrument — now I’m playing complex pieces.
I was skeptical because I’d tried other courses, but nothing compares to this.
Maya’s system is so clear, I was able to play songs from the start — and now I’m playing advanced pieces I never thought possible.
I’m so happy to be part of this qanun community and can’t recommend it enough."
Nicholas Baalbaki
Farm Owner
San Francisco USA
“As a complete beginner, I thought it would take decades — it took months to taqasim! ”
I started in my 30s with no theory, no experience — and was told the qanun was too hard.
Maya made it simple, joyful, and structured.
I can now instantly recognise maqam by ear, confidently play a taqsim, and my technique has improved beyond recognition—something I never thought possible without decades of intensive learning.
Sara Abanamy
Writer
France
If the enchanting sound of the qanun calls to you and you dream of learning and mastering , I would love to guide you on that journey.
This is not a course but a complete proven system that allows you to make decades worth of progress in months, you can finally bring your musical dream to life.
If you’re ready to make consistent, joyful progress with the qanun, this program is for you.
Start your qanun journey or take it to the next level
Fulfill your qanun dream- even with a full time job
Play your favorite songs with confidence and ease.
Have a structured approach to learning where you have unshakable confidence with your learning process.
Master maqam and instantly recognise it by ear with ease
Play an authentic taqsim in months- not years!
Create a magical shared experience by playing for loved ones, jamming or performing on stage.
Find a haven of Peace in your qanun practice, offering a soothing escape from the stresses of daily life.
Improve your technique consistently with just 10 minutes of daily practice!
Qanun Mastery
How Qanun Mastery Will Work
Over 6 months, I’ll guide you through a clear, step-by-step path to becoming a confident, expressive qanun player — no matter your starting point.
Yes, this is a group program. But not in the way you might expect.
Inside Qanun Mastery, you’ll get personalized support from me, every step of the way — inside a safe, supportive community of fellow learners.
Each week, you’ll have direct access to me via Zoom and in our private group. When you ask a question or share your playing, you’ll receive my full focus — I stay with your question until you’re clear and supported. You’ll never be just a name on a call.
In fact, many students say they learn just as much from hearing others’ questions and feedback as they do from asking their own.
Zoom sessions are designed to feel just like in-person lessons. With multiple camera angles, I’ll show you exactly what to do and provide real-time answers to your questions—so you never feel stuck or unclear.
It’s all the guidance of in-person lessons, without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
What's included
It’s everything you’d get in private in person lessons — but with more support, more clarity, and the energy of a learning community that lifts you up. All without leaving the comfort of your home.
Qanun Mastery isn’t just about learning songs—it’s a complete proven system that helps you evolve to the next level of your playing naturally and with ease.
This transformation happens through my proven framework—the Qanun Success Path—which helps you achieve in a few months what often takes decades through traditional methods.
No more guesswork, confusion, or years of painfully slow progress—just a clear path with real results.
What You’ll Learn Inside the 6-Month Qanun Mastery Program
#1 Master The Basics
- Set Up & Tune with Ease: Learn how to prepare your qanun and adjust the levers correctly—so you can start playing with confidence from day one.
- Play a Song In Your First Hour: Skip theory and scales; jump straight into playing a music with a fun, simple beginner-friendly tune.
- Maintain Your Instrument: Master easy essential care techniques that keep your qanun in a great shape and ready to play.
#2 Unlock Consistent Progress
- Practice Efficiently in 10 Minutes a Day: Learn a simple structure that maximizes your time and keeps you improving consistently—even with a busy schedule.
- Sound Instantly Authentic : Discover the science behind achieving an authentic sound and avoid the common mistakes that make you sound off.
- Play a Full Song with Confidence: Master a complete piece with beautiful techniques, and learn how to change levers quickly and smoothly—this is when the REAL fun begins!
#3 Build Your Maqam Foundation
- The Alphabet of Arabic Music: Master the 9 key maqam building blocks that create 99% of Arabic music. Making maqam feel simple, intuitive, and fun—just like putting together a Lego set!
- Recognise Maqam by Ear With Ease: Use 11 simple techniques to build maqam recognition into your muscle memory, so you can identify and play by ear with ease.
- Add Depth with Technique: Expand your sound with five powerful ornamentation techniques that bring richness and color to your playing.
- Learn Iconic Repertoire: Start performing well-known pieces like Samaiat, Muwashahat, and classic intros from Umm Kulthum’s works with confidence and expression.
#4 Next level Technique
- Build the 9 Most Famous Maqamat (And Their Families): Never again drown in a sea of unnecessary irrelevant information. Learn the most important 9 maqamat used in Arabic music today with my revolutionary Maqam method.
- Master Advanced Technique: Learn 10 expressive techniques that allow you to shape any piece with nuance, musicality, allowing your unique musical voice to shine.
- Play Complex Pieces with Ease: Tackle advanced compositions like longas with both technical precision and musicality—so your playing becomes as expressive as it is impressive.
#5 Master Taqsim
- Understand How Taqsim Works: Learn the clear structure behind every great taqsim—and avoid the common pitfalls that leave it feeling flat or inauthentic.
- Switch Maqam Seamlessly: Use 7 simple strategies to transition smoothly between maqamat with confidence and authenticity.
- Create The Wow Factor of Tarab: Master three essential techniques to craft emotionally powerful taqsim that leave your audience mesmerized—and instinctively exclaiming “Allah!” in awe of your performance.
Finally… Maqam and Taqsim Make Sense
They Told Me Taqsim Would Be Impossible. They Were Wrong
I thought I was too old, not Arab, and not musical enough until I found Maya.
I thought I needed to do scales for months but with Maya, I played my first tune the very first class.
As a complete beginner, I was was always comfortable asking basic questions in a safe supportive environment.
Maya helped me go from zero to understanding maqam and playing taqasim confidently — no theory, no sheet music. I feel like I found my musical home.
Lene Dalen
Oslo, Norway
The Maqam Shortcuts Alone Are Worth The Price of The Program
I come from a jazz background, so qanun and Arabic music felt like another world.
I was initially concerned about taking online lessons, comprehensive library of videos, covering everything from how to tune the instrument to playing taqasim, along with prompt, detailed feedback that guides us through our progress.
Maya’s method made maqam and taqsim feel logical, expressive, and finally understandable. Her teaching breaks it all down. It's genius!
Ron Snedon
San Francisco, USA
From thinking taqsim was impossible to performing it like a pro.
I have a classical music background, but maqam always felt abstract.
Maya is an incredible teacher who has a unique ability to break down complex concepts, making them accessible to students of all levels.
Since joining, I’ve made tremendous progress. My technique has improved drastically, I now understand maqam, can recognise it by ear and I can play taqasim—something that felt impossible before.
With access to weekly Q&As where we receive direct feedback from Maya, detailed bite-sized videos on qanun techniques maqam taqasim , and a supportive community, you truly feel like part of a second family."
Ibada M
Canda
Here is Everything You Get Inside Qanun Mastery:
- 1-1 Personalized Assessment (£500 value)
- 3 Monthly Q&As over 6 months (£18,000 value)
- Qanun Kickstarter Masterclass (£200 value)
- Next Level Technique Trainings (£1000 value)
- Fundamentals of Practice (£100 value)
- Maqam Building Block System (£3000 value)
- Taqsim Video Tutorials (£9000 value)
- Exclusive Private Group (£500 value)
Bonuses:
- Bonus #1: The Song Vault (£500 value)
- Bonus #2: Ear Training Essentials (£250 value)
- Bonus #3: VIP Backstage Pass to My Personal Qanun and Maqam Collection (£200 value)
- Bonus #4: Qanun A to Z Care Guide (£200 value)
- Bonus #5: Lifetime Access to the Qanun Mastery Learning Vault (£1000 value)
Total Value £34,450
Your Investment
Qanun Mastery for.
£ 3000
One - time payment
Payment Plan
6 payments of £ 650
6 monthly payments
If you were to access this level of guidance privately — including live mentorship, maqam and taqsim training, and lifetime resources — you’d spend over £17,000.
But Qanun Mastery isn’t priced like private instruction.
It’s built to give you premium-level access, structure, and support — for a fraction of the cost.
But that’s not all! You will also access these incredible bonuses
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
7 Day Guarantee
I believe deeply in this program — not just because of the system I’ve built, but because of the hundreds of students who have walked this path before you.
But I also believe in making decisions from experience, not pressure.
So here’s my promise:
Join Qanun Mastery. Explore the material. Attend a session. Ask your questions.
If within 7 days you feel this isn’t the right fit — for any reason — I’ll give you a full refund. No awkward emails. No judgment. Just a clear, respectful step back.
Because you deserve to feel safe saying yes — and safe saying no.
This journey starts with trust. And that goes both ways.
How to Get Started & What to Expect
Getting started is simple. Here’s what happens when you join
Step. 1
Choose your payment option and enroll
Pay in full or choose the payment plan that works for you.
Step. 2
Get instant access to the course portal and community
The moment you join, you’ll receive access to the full Qanun Mastery Portal and our private community space, where you’ll begin your journey alongside passionate players from around the world.
Step. 3
Meet with Maya for your personalized assessment
In this private 30 minutes call with me, we’ll create a tailored learning plan based on your level, your goals, and your schedule — so you know exactly how to focus your energy and get the most from the program.
Step. 4
Join the live Q&A sessions and start learning
You’ll be able to attend your first live session right away, submit questions, and start getting direct guidance. Whether you’re just starting or already experienced, you’ll start progressing — week by week, with full support.
Real Progress After Years of Feeling Stuck
“After years of feeling stuck, I’m am playing complex songs and taqsim.”
I was initially skeptical, but I was quickly impressed by the wealth of the well-structured tutorials and Q&As.
I thought maqam was an ocean I’d never understand. Maya’s method gave me clarity, confidence, and structure I’ve never had — even after years of learning.
I was finally able to play longer, more complex pieces and, to my complete amazement, I was able to play a taqsim!
The detailed feedback and continuous encouragement from Maya were invaluable.
Dr. Samia Touati
Raleigh, North Carolina
Working with Maya was a life-changer!
"Since I played other instruments, I decided to teach myself to play the Qanun - but my technique was all wrong and I needed help. Then I found the Qanun Mastery Academy and everything changed!
Maya has been supportive, inspirational and brilliant in her approach - both in Maqam and in Qanun instruction. She always seem to know exactly what I need, is extremely encouraging, and I'm making constant progress every week. It has been a life-changer for me!"
Ken Genetti
Multi-instrumentalist
California USA
I Was Mystified by Maqam and Taqsim for 30 Years — Until I Found Maya.
On my 60th birthday, I finally got a qanun. I’d wanted to learn for decades — but I didn’t have a method, just scattered lessons and vague advice.
When I joined Qanun Mastery, I had a structured, step-by-step system to truly learn the instrument.
And one of the biggest breakthroughs for me was maqam. I’d spent over 30 years confused by it.
But the way Maya teaches, made it finally click. She broke down maqam as a language, and taqsim as a clear, learnable structure.
Now I not only understand maqam and recognise it by ear — I can play taqasim Confidently.
What started as a six-month experiment has become five years of joy. I can’t imagine my life now without Maya, this system, and our weekly sessions.
Andrea Fishman
Classics Lecturer at Santa Barbara University
USA
Qanun Mastery Gave Me the Structure and Support I Couldn't Find in the Conservatory
"After studying qanun at a conservatory in Morocco and taking private lessons for 3 years, I was left frustrated. I wasn’t given the tools I needed—just told to practice scales.
Qanun Mastery Academy, was the missing link I had been looking for. With Maya’s guidance, I’ve improved my technique and reached the playing level I always wanted.
The program is well-organized and works for all levels, offering the structure and support that I never found in the conservatory.
Hasnaa Rouane
Engineer
Morocco
Join hundreds of qanun players worldwide who have have built real skill, unlocked creative confidence, and brought their musical dreams to life.
Just like Samia, who was blown away by the incredible progress she made in just a few months—after YEARS of feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward.
Now, she’s confidently playing complex tunes and creating an authentic taqsim—something she once thought was out of reach.
Whether you’re playing for yourself, your loved ones, or a live audience, imagine the pride and fulfillment you’ll feel as you create unforgettable moments—and bring people together through the timeless beauty of the qanun.
Here’s Everything You’ll Get Inside Qanun Mastery
Join me live three times a month for 60-minute group Q&A calls. I’ll review your submitted videos, answer your questions, and give you precise, personalised feedback—so you always know your next step and avoid bad habits. Sessions are recorded and fully searchable for easy reference.
You’ll benefit not only from feedback on your own playing but also from the guidance and insights shared with other students at different stages of the journey.
Maqam Building Block System
Master maqam from the ground up—even if you know nothing about theory . This 30-day system starts with simple, bite-sized building blocks and guides you step-by-step to confidently mastering the 9 essential maqamat. You’ll also discover rare variations, giving you the foundation to sound authentic and expressive in any context.
How Quickly You Can Expect Results:
While each student progresses at their own pace, these are the typical results you can expect inside Qanun Mastery:
- In under 2 hours: You'll have your qanun set up, tuned, and playing a simple, short tune.
- In just one week: You'll know exactly how to practice effectively and will be able to play a full song with ornamentation by the end of the week.
- In 90 days: You'll instantly recognize maqam, master the 9 main maqamat, and confidently play longer, more complex songs with more advanced techniques.
Express Your Unique Musical Voice From Day 1!
Never settle for being a copy of my playing or anyone else's. My mission is to empower you to express your own unique musical voice from day one, while staying true to the rich tradition of the qanun.
In Qanun Mastery, you'll not only honor the authenticity of this ancient art form, but also discover the freedom to shape it with your own unique character, allowing your true voice to shine through every note.
Imagine This
- You’re confidently playing music that moves you—beautifully, expressively, and with ease.
- You share the magical sound of the qanun with your loved ones, in quiet moments or on stage.
- Your fingers move with clarity and speed, navigating lever changes with precision.
- Your repertoire grows to include iconic folk and classical pieces.
- You reconnect with your cultural roots—or step into a rich tradition you’ve always admired.
- And within months—not years—you perform an authentic taqsim with pride and joy.
Getting this level of personalized input from me would normally mean investing tens of thousands.
…but right now I’m giving you the opportunity to work with me for as little as £550 per month.
In just 6 months, you’ll transform from a complete beginner—or a stuck player—into a confident, expressive qanunist.
Can’t I Just Learn This On My Own, from Lessons or at a Conservatoire?
here’s the truth:
Becoming a confident, expressive qanun player isn’t just about playing notes, how much theory you study, or how many years you put in.
You could spend the next decade trying to piece together maqam, technique, and taqsim from books, scattered lessons, or even conservatoire programs—and still not feel clear, connected, or confident in your playing.
Why? Because no other system brings all the essential elements together in a structured, intuitive way like this one does.
What I teach inside Qanun Mastery simply doesn’t exist anywhere else.It’s a comprehensive method built from decades of lived experience—designed specifically to help you progress faster, with more clarity and less overwhelm.
Traditional Methods vs. Qanun Mastery Academy
Traditional Learning
- No structured system: Requires years of trial and error to figure out maqam and taqsim, with no clear pathway to success.
- 10 years to understand maqam: costly and time-consuming.
- 20-30 years of trial and error to play authentic taqsim leaving you exhausted and discouraged.
- No guarantee of success: Time and money are spent with no certainty of mastering the qanun.
- Figure it out on your own with trial and error read some books here, get few lessons there and piece meal it all together yourself.
- £££ Time and money wasted on fragmented, incomplete lessons with no clear specific guidance.
Qanun Mastery Academy
- Proven, step-by-step system: Clear, structured learning path for mastering qanun, maqam, and taqsim in months.
- Understand maqam in just weeks: Learn the fundamentals in under 3 hours and the main maqamat in a few weeks!
- Play authentic taqsim in 6 months: Develop skills quickly with proven results.
- 100% success rate: Hundreds of students have mastered qanun maqam and taqsim with this method.
- Structured learning system: Play confidently and sound like a real qanunist with a proven system that saves you years (if not decades)
- Efficient learning: Save time, money, and effort with an all-in-one program covering everything you need for life.
If you're ready for a clear, proven path—and want my personal support along the way, apply now.
Now You Have a Choice:
You can keep piecing things together on your own—getting stuck, second-guessing, and spending years chasing slow, scattered progress.
You can follow traditional paths and take lessons that offer surface-level instruction, confusing theory, or teachers who don’t understand what you need.
Or… you can choose a clear, proven system.
One that meets you where you are, guides you step by step, and helps you finally play with confidence, creativity, and joy.
Just like Roxy did—you could achieve your qanun dream in a matter of months.
The choice is yours.
You Don’t Need to Quit Your Job to Learn the Qanun
From believing she'd never grasp maqam to recognizing it by ear within seconds!
I wanted to learn the qanun to help me relax and enhance my overall well-being. However, I was intimidated by the complexity.
When I found Maya on Facebook, her fun and approachable style convinced me she was the right teacher for me. I signed up for Qanun Mastery and later joined the VIP program, and my playing transformed beyond my expectations.
In just a few months, I improved my technique and played my first taqsim. Maya’s unique way of teaching maqam, especially using her ‘Lego’ method, made everything click and kept me eager to learn more.
I never thought I could learn the qanun online, but Maya was able to guide me just as effectively as in-person lessons—helping me with posture, technique, and progress.
If you’re intimidated by the qanun or maqam, don’t hesitate—sign up.
Maya’s passion, generosity, and personalized guidance will help you get where you want to go."
Roxy Stimpson
Cyber Security Manager
USA
The most effective music learning experience I’ve ever had
"In the beginning, I found Maya's website, bought her courses, and was immediately blown away by the level of detail. I then quickly joined Qanun Mastery.
The video library is structured in digestible, practical nuggets, allowing you to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule.
What sets Maya apart is her thoughtful teaching approach in qanun and maqam . Unlike other intimidating methods, she breaks things down in a way that's easy to understand, meeting you where you are and guiding you step by step.
As an amateur and music enthusiast, I’ve gained more confidence and understanding through Maya’s teaching than I ever thought possible."
Yaman S.
Attorney
San Francisco, USA
I was able to master the qanun without having to quit my job
I did wonder about the effectiveness of online sessions.
Before I started working with Maya, I felt my qanun skills had reached a plateau. I also noticed I was memorizing maqams without fully understanding their complexities.
Within just a few months of working with Maya, I’ve significantly improved my technical skills, including dynamics and ornamentation, and expanded my understanding of Maqam. I can now even play a taqsim!
I now approach playing the qanun with so much more confidence and joy.I also cannot stress enough the immense value I find in the maqam resources available.
Working with Maya has been invaluable. Her engaging and insightful approach goes beyond simply learning Arabic music and Maqam; it reaches the essence of becoming a more confident and skilled qanun player.
Maya's guidance is not just informative; it's sincere and transformative."
Haneen M.
Lawyer and Qanunist
Jordan
Lene's Taqsim Went Viral: People Couldn't Believe This Came From a Norwegian Who Never Studied Music
Ibada Performed This Killer Rendition of Lamma Bada
Sara Performed This Iconic Samai With Confidence
Nick Nailed This Famous
Umm Kulthum Song
Ready to Answer The Call of The Qanun?
@Copyright 2026, All rights reserved. @Maya Youssef