My Music and Compositions

My name is Bahaa Alddine Makarem. I am Lebanese, born and raised in Syria, where I also received my education.

From an early age, I was captivated by music. At eleven, I began playing a small electronic keyboard and composed my first pieces within the first week, which further ignited my passion for music. My exploration of global musical albums across various eras only deepened my enthusiasm.

At seventeen, my mother, with her unwavering support, managed to save enough to gift me a piano on my birthday.

Self-Taught Journey

Having a piano allowed my love for music to flourish. I delved deeper into the field, teaching myself music notation. After five years of self-study, I joined the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus, Syria.

I spent two years preparing for the preparatory year to enter the piano studies program at the Higher Institute of Music.

However, due to the conflict in Syria, I was compelled to leave and continue my studies at the Lebanese National Conservatory in Beirut.

Advanced Education, Performances, Composing, and Recording

In 2011, amid the upheaval in Syria, I enrolled in the Lebanese National Conservatory and due to my advanced education I have been accepted at the eighth level after passing a placement test in piano performance. This advanced level paved the way for my continued studies at the Higher Institute of Music in Beirut, where I performed numerous classical works from various composers such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin.

The diploma level, which signifies graduation from the Higher Institute of Music, was the next milestone. I prepared for it in just two years, a feat accomplished in half the usual time. My dedication led to my graduation from the institute.

During this period, I composed numerous pieces in classical and romantic styles. I created a waltz in C-sharp minor, rich with classical harmonic techniques, and handwritten. I also composed an etude in D minor, among other works, including a nocturne, prelude, and sonata. These compositions were born from a deep personal drive and passion, crafted without formal guidance, reflecting my unique artistic vision.

Settling in Lebanon, I recorded my debut album, “A Time of Luxury”, which was well-received across platforms like Anghami, Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, featuring an array of beautiful compositions.

I have also performed numerous solo piano recitals in Syria and Lebanon, where my performances were warmly embraced by audiences.

Born in Sweida, Syria, I relocated to Lebanon after the events there. My Lebanese hometown is Ras el-Matn. During this time, I frequently travelled to Dubai, UAE, and was inspired to obtain the Golden Visa. After being granted this visa, I moved to the UAE and am now fulfilling my passion as a piano teacher, which brings me immense joy.

Belief in Simplicity and Persistence

Currently, I am preparing to record my second piano album, featuring an array of intricate and beautiful classical compositions.

Many ask how I can compose music without formal education in composition. The answer lies in the blend of talent, passion, and sincerity. As Frederic Chopin wisely said, “All great works in this world are simple.” Simplicity, when combined with depth, creates some of the most beautiful and unique compositions.

Understanding music involves recognising its mathematical relationships. A piece in A-flat major I composed, built on three fundamental chords—the tonic, dominant, and subdominant—demonstrates this principle.

Through these three chords, I extracted the relative minor of A flat major. I composed the entire piece based on these three chords. The simplicity of these chords, applied with skill, resulted in a beautiful and intricate composition.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, you must have unwavering belief in your ambitions, trust in yourself, and persistently strive to realise your dreams.

Challenges and scepticism from others are merely tests.

Stay committed, give your best, and remain resilient in achieving your goals!