مشروع طموح لتأسيس مدرسة مغربية لآلة القانون والحفاظ على التراث الموسيقي

The Moroccan artist and academic Othmane Alami, a renowned qanun player, teacher, and instrument maker, was featured on the radio program “Ya Msaharni” on Medina FM. The episode highlighted his artistic and academic journey, with a focus on his ambitious project to establish a uniquely Moroccan school for the qanun, rooted in local heritage and craftsmanship. <h2>From Oud to Qanun: A Journey of Passion and Specialization</h2>Born in March 1978, Othmane Alami developed an interest in music at the age of sixteen. He began his training with the oud before transitioning to the qanun, where he found his true calling.He earned a diploma from the Municipal Conservatory of Music in Meknes and continued his studies under Professor Moulay Idriss El Ouazzani. His academic excellence was recognized with an honorary prize from the Ministry of Culture, one of the highest distinctions awarded in Morocco’s musical field.Today, Alami teaches qanun at the Regional Institute of Music in Fez and lectures on music culture and history at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, contributing to interdisciplinary education, including engineering programs. <h2>Crafting a Moroccan Sound: The Andalus Workshop</h2>In 2005, Alami founded the “Andalus” workshop in Fez, dedicated to crafting qanuns. Over nearly a decade, he developed a professional manufacturing approach using local woods such as cedar and Moroccan walnut, combined with traditional decorative elements.His goal: to create a distinct Moroccan sound that differs from Middle Eastern and Turkish styles, both in tone and aesthetic identity. <h2>Towards a Moroccan Qanun School</h2>Beyond craftsmanship, Alami is actively working to reshape how the qanun is taught. He advocates integrating Moroccan musical traditions—such as Andalusian music, Malhun, Gharnati, and Hassani and Amazigh modes—into academic curricula, rather than relying solely on Eastern repertoires.This vision aims to anchor the instrument within Morocco’s cultural identity while ensuring its transmission to future generations. <h2>Collective Engagement and Cultural Leadership</h2>Alami’s work extends into cultural organization and performance. He is the president of the “Dar Al Qanun Morocco” association, founded in 2021, and leads the “Nagham” ensemble for traditional music.Since 2004, he has also been a member of the orchestra of the late Haj Abdelkrim Raïs, currently directed by الأستاذ محمد بريول, reinforcing his deep connection to Morocco’s classical Andalusian tradition. <h2>Testimonials: A Teacher and Cultural Visionary</h2>The program featured testimonials from students and colleagues who praised Alami’s impact.Educational inspector Fatima Zemmouhi described him as a cultural project leader whose work goes beyond teaching, highlighting his ability to adapt to students’ individual needs.Poet Abdelaziz Alaoui emphasized the ethical and cultural role of his music, portraying him as a defender of Moroccan identity amid ongoing debates over heritage.Professor Mohamed Foussi noted the success of introducing music culture courses to engineering students, crediting Alami with making the qanun accessible and appealing to younger generations. <h2>A Call to Preserve and Document Heritage</h2>In closing, Othmane Alami stressed that preserving Morocco’s musical heritage is a national responsibility. He called on musicians and researchers to prioritize the documentation and notation of traditional melodies to ensure their academic transmission and long-term survival. <h2>FAQ</h2>Who is Othmane Alami? He is a Moroccan qanun player, educator, and instrument maker known for promoting a distinct Moroccan approach to the qanun.What is his main project? He aims to establish a Moroccan school for the qanun by integrating local musical traditions and developing locally crafted instruments.Why is documenting musical heritage important? Documentation ensures that traditional music can be preserved, studied, and transmitted accurately to future generations.