Center for Didactics of Art and Interdisciplinary Education
University of Applied Arts Vienna
American University (LAU) in Beirut, the multi-disciplinary Reflections event addressing issues
such as gender equality and human rights, attracted considerable attention. In addition to
music, dance and theatre performances by forgotten artists, the first queer fashion show in
Lebanon was staged at the campus. Founded by Dr. Seba Ali, the IMAGINE series has kicked off
a courageous and open dialogue on art, design, and gender, thus providing a significant
contribution to the public and academic discourse, as well as to promoting acceptance of
diversity.”
Iphi 2019 Revolution / Prof. Dr. Seba Ali, Beirut
Seba Ali (Beirut) is an internationally renowned pianist, professor, mother, Egyptian national, Muslim and activist, who, together with colleagues and students, launched the cultural Imagine event at the Lebanese American University in Beirut in 2016. The workshops, performances, and concerts in this series encouraged visitors to implement their own ideas and, free from any constraints, be themselves and live according to their own ideas. Seba Ali and her team have received the iphi 2019 in the category Revolution for the first-ever queer fashion show staged in Lebanon.
diversity.”
www.picdrop.de/florianyehfotografie/BSnwm26NpY
The Symposium is organized by UAlbany faculty member Max Lifchitz, this SUNY-wide conference includes public concerts, lecture/recitals, panel discussions, and master classes highlighting the artistic accomplishments of composers affiliated with the SUNY system.
Acclaimed for her masterful piano technique and wide-ranging musical imagination, Egyptian Pianist Seba Ali enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, educator, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. She has started playing the piano at the age of four and had her concert debut at the age of five. Having started performing as a soloist with the orchestras at an early age, she has performed with Lynn Philharmonia, Ars Flores Orchestra, Taipei Civic Symphony Orchestra, Redlands Symphony Orchestra, The Lebanese Philharmonic, Cairo Celebration, B.A. Chamber, and Cairo Symphony Orchestra. As a recitalist, Dr. Ali frequently performs at renowned venues including New York Public Library, Kaufmann Center, The Staller Center For The Arts, and Historic Asolo Theatre, and her performances have been broadcast on WQXR, KUOR, and Classical Variations. In high demand as an educator, Dr. Ali serves as an assistant professor of music at the Lebanese American University, a piano faculty at YES Academy – American Voices, a music faculty at Imagine Summer Arts Camp, and a chamber music faculty at Apple Hill Summer Chamber Music Workshop. She has served as the piano and chamber music faculty at the Stony Brook University undergraduate music department and pre-college division, Cairo Conservatory, and Long Island Conservatory, and has given
masterclasses and workshops across the Middle East and the United States. Having a strong passion for teaching, Dr. Ali maintains a piano studio for eighteen years. Her international student roster has won prestigious competitions and scholarships for postgraduate studies in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Dedicated to chamber music, Dr. Ali is a winner of the Ackerman Chamber Music Competition and has collaborated in performance with such leading chamber musicians as Monica Ellis, Karl Kramer, Christina McGann, Malinda Haslett, Jon Robertson, and Apple Hill String Quartet. Dr. Ali holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree and a Master’s Degree from The State University of New York at Stony Brook and a Professional Performance Certificate from Lynn Conservatory of Music. Her principal mentors include Christina Dahl, Roberta Rust, Amal El Shahed, Nibal Mounib, Colin Carr, Carol Wincenc, Elmar Oliveira, Andres Cardenes, Paquito D’Rivera, and the Emerson String Quartet. As a cultural entrepreneur, and driven by her passion for education and outreach to the community. Dr. Ali is the founder and the artistic director of the Imagine Initiative. She is the winner of the prestigious iphiGenia Gender Design Award, category “Revolution”, an award given for her leadership and commitment through her initiative’s production, raising awareness for gender equality, social justice, and human rights.
Like a braid [gadayel]: flexible, intimate, creative, and simple yet complex and strong, Gadayel’s core members are Egyptian artists pianist Seba Ali and hornist Amr Selim.
Classically trained musicians Seba and Amr were raised in musical families. Growing up, their musical experience was diverse; hearing Oud, Um Kalthum and folk Egyptian Poems in one room and Bach Cello Suites in the other.
They strive to bring folk music from all cultures, streamlining it to all people around the globe. Music that ranges from deep in the South of Egypt to Tibet. They believe it is rather special and effective to perform this music on usual Western instruments.
Vocalizing the Horn, utilizing the piano, Gadayel exceeds the expectations of their instruments to make adapting any folk music possible. They create this aura, sometimes by writing their own music.
In addition to evoking and extoling the standard literature, Gadayel feels very strongly about commissioning composers to write new works. Gadayel is always looking for collaborations with new artists and interdisciplinary projects.
Gadayel is a vigorous ensemble that wishes to revamp the horn and piano duo genre; which has long been missed from the chamber music scene.
With each component strand functionally equivalent in zigzagging through the overlapping mass of the others; their music will get you to see, feel and smell places you have not experienced.
Quintessentially, music has one heart. A heart that accepts all. Gadayel genuinely aims for that music. Gadayel is a love relationship between music and places. A life-long one; just like its members’ marriage.
Past Performances
Peter Winkler: Returning to the Roots (1999-2000)
Poulenc and Prokofiev
Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Shostakovich, Ginastera,
Messiaen, Ravel, Couperin
Seba is available for solo and collaboration concerts, master classes and private lessons.
For booking inquiries, please email seba@pianistseba.com
For masterclasses and private lessons, please email teaching@pianistseba.com
For booking inquiries, please email seba@pianistseba.com
For masterclasses and private lessons, please email teaching@pianistseba.com
Solo Piano
Gadayel
Other Audio
PHOTOS
PERFORMANCE PHOTOS
GADAYEL PHOTOS
Other Photos
Other Videos
John Cage: THREE DANCES FOR TWO PREPARED PIANIOS
Johann Sebastian Bach: The Goldberg Variations
Sergei Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf. Seba Ali - Pianist and Nar
Francis Poulenc: The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant. Seba A
Ravel piano concerto in G / Allegramente
Ravel piano concerto in G / Adagio
Ravel piano concerto in G / Presto
Teaching Philosophy
I started playing piano at the age of four and I remember experiencing a very unique and special excitement when my mom taught me how to play a melody on the piano. Shortly after, I joined the Cairo Conservatory and learned how teachers can become mentors to their students and nurture their talents. My teachers have been a great influence on my life, and I want to give the same to the next generation of pianists. I started teaching piano when I was fourteen, and since then my journey has been filled with precious students.
My philosophy of teaching comes from the people who taught and inspired me and from my own personal experiences. Through many years of studying, I have been very lucky to have wonderful and committed mentors and I am honored to continue their path. My teaching is not limited to age or ability. The same commitment and energy is spent on a Prokofiev piano concerto with an advanced student and on Mary Had a Little Lamb with a beginner; I was a beginner one day and the connection I had with the piano was and still priceless!
Although students differ in proficiency and development, I maintain high expectations for my students. I expect attention and dedication in lessons, efficiency and quality practicing at home, and creativity and artistry in collaborating and performing. I support my students by nurturing their strengths and strengthening their weaknesses, and I adapt to each student without compromising excellence, but seeking accuracy and artistry.
Along with building strong sight-reading, ear-training, musical and technical skills, my teaching methods include knowledge of music theory and history, improvisation, and collaboration. I do my best to make sure every student has complete confidence in themselves and their musical abilities and knowledge. I want them to be proud of who they are and what they can accomplish, and I strive for them to aspire to be their best.
It is very beneficial to every musician to perform; it motivates them to polish their pieces, consistently learn new repertoire, and build self-confidence. Performing is a life experience for individuals to express themselves, and it can bring out the best of people. I have heard from my students many times that their performances are some of the most magical and unforgettable moments of their lives.
I am keen to provide ample opportunities to perform in public through regular studio recitals, studio classes and participation in school, conservatory and university recitals, along with participation in competitions and auditions. I am happy to always meet new students and work towards a life-long love for music! If you have questions about my studio contact me!
Testimonials
My daughter has been taking lessons with Dr. Ali for the past 10 years in New York and online. She has won several awards, got a full scholarship to her university, and still enjoying studying, composing, and performing under Dr. Ali's mentorship. Dr. Ali goes out of her way to make sure her students are having the greatest time while building all the needed skills to make them such unique performers. I have witnessed many success stories and I cannot express how grateful we are for Dr. Ali. San Jose is lucky to have her as an artist and educator in residence.Jackie Lee - Amy's mother
Dr. Ali is AMAZING! Both my kids were constantly getting high distinctions and the best feedback for their RCM and ABRSM assessments. She held tri-annual recitals for all of her students. She keeps her students fully engaged and excited to perform in recitals and competitions. It was tough for us to see her move away. My kids miss her very much, but we kept checking her impressive work in Lebanon, and we are happy that she is back in the States. The Bay Area and San Jose community are very lucky to have Dr. Ali!Nicole Harvey - Sarah and Adam's mother
Seba is one of the most passionate teachers I have had. From her it is not only the piano skills I learned, but also how to be a good person. She would go out of her way to help her students, like when she took out extra time for me if I ever needed any, even when herself is living on an extremely busy schedule. Seba is absolutely a supreme performer, but she is also undoubtedly a supreme teacher. With her everything is so easy; she is really good at exploring people’s potential. With her I always felt like that I could go further and further. She knows the materials, and she knows what fits the student the best.
Seba is also a great mentor. She is willing to go beyond her duties as teacher and be there for you when you have to face negativity in your life, no matter what kind, and make you feel better. I am lucky to have Seba as a teacher, because she truly has such a good heart and caring personality.ZHENLING ZHANG Stony Brook University. Bachelor in Music - Piano Performance
Seba is also a great mentor. She is willing to go beyond her duties as teacher and be there for you when you have to face negativity in your life, no matter what kind, and make you feel better. I am lucky to have Seba as a teacher, because she truly has such a good heart and caring personality.
It was a tough decision on choosing a piano teacher for my 4 year old daughter (Elaine) to start. Friend of mine introduced Seba Ali to me. During past four months, I found Seba is not only professional in Music, she is also the protagonist for young child to study from. Elaine loves Seba's teaching style and within 4 months her progress on playing piano amazed people around us. Seba has great patience and understanding for my daughter and also well prepared for each class. As a piano teacher, she earned my respect with her teaching philosophy on reaching out maximum potential from her students. I would highly recommend Seba to anyone I know because she is the best!Elaine’s Mother
I have had the privilege of working with Seba during my undergrad years at Stony Brook University. One of the most memorable moments I have had was when Seba and I performed a four-hand piece for the end of the year concert during Christmas season. I remember sharing voluminous laughters with her during the practices. She is not only a wonderful piano instructor, but also a kind-hearted, open-minded human being with an infectious bubbly personality. Seba's sincere love for music and her students is demonstrated through her teaching. She often uses descriptive imagery to portray a certain character of a piece so that the students are able to understand and expand their creativity and artistry along with technicality. Mrs. Ali is a brilliant piano teacher, mentor, and friend who is near and dear to my heart.JINJU HONG Stony Brook University. Bachelor in Music - Piano Performance
I am a Phd student in computer science department at Stony Brook. I fell in love with piano quite late, a year back when I came across the Japanese pianist Joe Hisaishi. I wanted to learn piano but I had never played the instrument before and had to start off as a beginner. I was looking for a piano instructor, and through the music school at Stony Brook came to know about Seba. I found Seba, had an amazing love for her craft and she thoroughly enjoyed teaching. Her great quality as an instructor is she is very patient and at the same time quite creative in helping her students out. In my case, there were a few things I found difficult to learn. She suggested interesting techniques to help me out, while at the same time instilling the value of practise and patience in learning piano. She is also very well organized, ensuring that each session serves a purpose for the student. Her sessions were usually accompanied with interesting readings. She was always available if I needed extra time for practise sessions. She organized regular recitals for her students, and the recitals were a fun experience. Overall, my experience was of great learning and fun.ZAFAR QAZI Stony Brook Univeristy - PHD in Computer Science
Seba is a passionate and loving teacher. Over the past 2 1/2 years, my daughters, Rubaiya and Afia, made great advances in their music. My older daughter wanted to start piano the summer before middle school. Seba was patient with her and I saw that within 5 months, Rubaiya had made incredible progress. My younger daughter, Afia, started off with little musical knowledge. Now she amazes me each time her fingers strike the keys. Seba always goes through music from diverse cultures and lets her pupil choose what is best for them. With her personality and knowledge, Seba made music fascinating for my daughters. She always takes the extra time to help create a better understanding, even though she runs on a tight schedule. Seba is a wonderful person. I would recommend her to anyone with an interest in music.Rubaiya and Afia' Mother
Seba gives me the support and encouragement to better myself as a pianist and as a person.JEAN-PIERRE DOMINGUEZ Stony Brook University. Minor in Music - Piano Performance
Seba Ali is an immensely talented pianist and musician who happens to possess a natural gift for teaching. She has managed to impart her enthusiasm for music to my daughter and son. I was always impressed by her knowledge of piano repertoires, her high standards of performance, her insightful observations on the music and her many practical suggestions for tackling those extremely annoying, technically challenging passages. Best of all, she maintains a very high expectation of excellence while balancing the relationship with the student in a very caring and concerned way. It is a privilege to have her as my kids' teacher.Amy and Alex' Mother
Seba is a great piano teacher for young kids. I can feel that she brings her heartful passion for the piano to my son during the instruction . She is not only teaching my son how to play piano in the right posture and fingering , she also constantly explains how the music piece was created so my son can have the closer feeling that the composer tried to express. She is using every minute efficiently during the class to make sure that my son can learn more and play more. What is nice about her not only stays in the class, she does a lot after the class. She responses our questions fast. She picks videos of some very best piano performance for the student to watch at home. With thoughtful and detailed plans, as well as neat preparation together with the students in advance, she holds the concert twice a year in the beautiful piano exhibition hall for all her students to celebrate the music achievement together. We all love her and her teaching very much !Zekey's Mother
Seba helped me a tremendous amount through her lessons. She is pointed out many bad habits that I had and helped me work through them patiently. But I also learned through Seba how to better express myself through music and how to show people exactly what I want to show them. Seba is a wonderful teacher!KEVIN KRAJEWSKI Stony Brook University. Minor in Music - Piano Performance
The Imagine Workshop and Concert Series (IWCS) is a series of events – from concerts, workshops, panel discussions, art exhibitions, outreach and education programs, bringing all arts disciplines together, to commissioning projects and supporting LAU students and alumni, and young students and artists. The purposes for which IWCS is created are to stimulate and support the appreciation, performance and composition of performing arts. IWCS aims for excellence in performance, education and outreach to further enrich the experience of the students of LAU’s Department of Communication Arts and University wide.
IWCS strives to contribute to the cultural richness of the community by promoting top quality performances to a diverse local audience; welcoming internationally acclaimed guest artists to collaborate with our faculty and students at LAU, students from middle and high schools in Lebanon, and a diverse community; commissioning and premiering new works by emerging and established composers, choreographers and storytellers; cultivating young artists and new audiences through traditional and innovative educational outreach initiatives; collaborating with other community organizations in multi-cultural and multi-media projects; creating and championing projects that promote peace, harmony and acceptance among our community and the whole world; implementing sensory-friendly programs for special kids with special talents; Celebrating youth, women, and the LGBTQ+ community; promoting LAU as a cultural center in Lebanon; creating curriculum-connected programs with visiting artists to cover the gaps and further enhance the performing arts program curricula; collaborating with other entities; LAU’s department and schools and outside organizations; and introducing the underprivileged and displaced communities to the power of arts.
Imagine Workshop and Concert Series
A message from Dr. Seba Ali
www.genderdesign.org/tag/dr-seba-ali/
World Premiere - Variations on Ya Tira Tiri by Naji Hakim
The Lebanese Premiere of The Rite of Spring
Music and Conflict
Ray Furuta, Flute
Seba Ali, Piano
Amr Selim, French Horn
Ghassan Sahab, Qanun
Roger Azar, poetry
Nour Hourani, Poetry
Soumar Al-Kamand, visuals