Oh Beautiful

A Ya Zain

The melody known as "A Ya Zain" (also "Aya Zein" or "Ayazein,") is most often credited as an Egyptian folk song. The tune is easily recognizable as having Arabic origins by its use of the double harmonic minor scale (containing two augmented 2nd intervals). This arrangement gives us a good opportunity to expose young players to non-western tonalities. The use of short melodic sequences and repetition in the melody make it especially appropriate for young instrumentalists.