Setar is a long-necked pear shape string instrument. The Setar is typically made of blackberry or walnut trees and has 25 to 28 adjustable gut frets. This instrument has four strings. The first string from down to up is named the "White String" and made of steel. The second string is called the "Yellow String" and made of brass or bronze. The third and fourth string from down to up have different names and are tuned in an octave or to different tones. The setar is suitable for both solo performances and accompaniments.

Learn how to play the setar through one of our comprehensive methods that takes you through a progressive approach addressing technique, musicality, and so much more.

Program Information

The setar is a very in-demand instrument, and we will offer you many new and exciting musical opportunities. The Farabius Academy of Music provides one-on-one instruction and group sessions on multiple Iranian instruments. All students are taught from basic instrumental technique, posture, technical exercises, radif* and playing Iranian repertoires.

Each online setar lesson takes place between one teacher and one student for either 30 or 60 minutes. For children's sessions, parents can attend their child's classes.

*Radif is the collection of 300-350 pieces, each one up to 3 minutes in length, used as a basis for improvisation.

Goals:

Our goal is the development of our students to their highest musical level through private lessons. Creating the correct foundation for technique and appropriate repertoire is utmost importance. Our amazing setar faculty takes care of utilizing elements of different teaching methods that work best for each student. Beginner students start with the fundamentals, including correct holding the instrument, finger placement, reading music, rhythm, and learning simple songs. Intermediate and advanced students continue to progress with increased proficiency in techniques and significant Iranian repertoire. Our tar curriculum covers the following subjects:

• Note reading and recognition
• Iranian traditional ornaments
• Counting, rhythm reading
• Technique (scales, dorrab, tekiyeh, trill)
• Rudiments of theory
• Memorization
• Ear training

Levels / Ages offered:

The Farabius Academy of Music provides online private setar study at all levels and ages. No experience is needed at all, anyone can join our programs, and we will ensure you have an enjoyable experience. We provide for the wide range and variety of learning styles and difficulty levels for our students, to make sure each individual will grow at their own pace.

Requirements:

• No skills required; you can be a beginner student
• You will need a setar
• The most important part of music study takes place at home; the more you practice, the better you will be
• Get excited about learning setar, as an inspired learner learns faster and easier

Repertoire

Selecting repertoire is one of the most challenging and important tasks that we take on in the development of our students’ musical educations. Students at all levels will be given a selection of repertoire from multiple eras of music (Traditional and Folk) to study and perfect.

Important Facts & FAQs

• Highly recommended for students of 6 years or older
• Offered but less recommended for students 5 years or younger
• Extremely useful for children and adult learners
• The most effective format for learning technique, traditional repertoire and radif