Bassam Halaka, BA, BA, MA
(born April 6, 1977, in Al-Jahra, Kuwait)
is an Austrian-Egyptian composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, sound artist, multimedia producer, and certified adult educator. His professional expertise bridges contemporary art music, advanced software development, digital learning administration, and integration pedagogy.
Personal & Contact Information
- Name: Bassam Halaka, BA, BA, MA
- Date & Place of Birth: April 6, 1977, Al-Jahra, Kuwait
- Citizenship: Austrian
- Address: Müglendergasse 5/1/8, 1170 Vienna, Austria
- Mobile: (+43) 676 9667 445
- Email: info@bassamhalaka.com
- Website: www.bassamhalaka.com
Academic Qualifications
- Master of Arts (MA / Mag.art.) in Computer Music: University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (IEM), Austria (2012–2018). Thesis: “Divide et Impera” – Concerto Grosso for 24 loudspeakers.
- Artistic Diploma in Composition & Music Theory: Joseph Haydn Konservatorium, Eisenstadt, Austria (2009–2012) – graduated with distinction.
- Bachelor of Arts in Composition and Conducting: Cairo Conservatoire, Academy of Arts, Egypt (2003–2007).
- Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy – Cello, Piano, Guitar, Voice): Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt (1995–2002).
Certifications & Professional Training
- ÖIF-Certified Trainer & Licensed Examiner: Certified for German integration courses from literacy/Alpha up to level B2 by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).
- ISO/IEC 17024 Certified Fachtrainer: Certified Adult Educator and Trainer (ZTEB21W0006) via WIFI Vienna (2021).
- DaF/DaZ Advanced Expert Certificate: Plativio modern training GmbH, Vienna (2025).
- ECDL Advanced Expert & Computing Certificates: Certified Expert and instructor for core, standard, and advanced modules (ÖGC).
- Gender & Diversity Management: Certified seminar leader and certifier (2022).
Professional Experience & Teaching Career
- Trainer, Examiner & Integration Coach: update training GmbH, Vienna (October 2025–Present) – Delivering group training in communication, values, orientation, and official ÖIF examination simulations.
- DaZ-Trainer, Coach & Support Manager: Mentor GmbH & Co OG, Vienna (April 2023–August 2025) – Working on projects including Jugendcollege #advanced and #basic, Startpaket Deutsch & Integration, and AMS qualification programs.
- Integration Trainer: Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), Vienna (September 2022–April 2023) – Leading integration workshops, orientation courses, and labor market preparation.
- IT, Programming & ECDL Trainer: Plativio modern training, ipcenter.at, and ZIB-Training, Vienna (2022) – Instruction in Python, C#, web development, and computer literacy.
- Instrumental & Vocal Instructor: Musisches Zentrum Wien & regional music schools in Burgenland (2018–Present) – Teaching classical guitar, piano, cello, and vocal performance.
- Software & iOS Developer: IBM-Austria and Apptec-Austria (2015–2017) – Developing iOS applications, infrastructure administration, and software support; recipient of the 2015 IBM Volunteer Excellence Award.
- Academic Lecturer & Theory Instructor: Cairo Conservatoire, Academy of Arts (2006–2009) – Lecturing in harmony, counterpoint, general bass, and ear training.
Research & Theoretical Frameworks
- Sudoku Algorithmic Composition Theory (SACT) (2014–2017): Generative compositional methods utilizing numerical grid logic.
- Multichannel Ambisonic Composition (2016–2018): Spatial audio research and 3D sound diffusion design at IEM Graz.
- Microtonal Arabic Maqams (2004–2010): Structural integration of traditional Middle Eastern tetrachords within Western contemporary spectral music.
- Pedagogic Methods for Electronic Music (2018–Present): Curriculum development for introducing classical composers to live electronics and digital signal processing.
Technical & IT Skills
- Operating Systems: macOS, Linux OS, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android.
- Audio Engineering & DAWs: Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Max for Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, FL Studio, Final Cut Pro X, Kontakt, MainStage, Sibelius.
- Programming & Scripting: Max/MSP, Pure Data, SuperCollider, Python, Swift (iOS), HTML5, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL.
- Web Design, Graphics & LMS: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects), WordPress, Moodle (LMS administration and instructional design).
Languages
- Arabic: Native (Egyptian Arabic) – C1 Arabic
- German: Native / C2 (Fluent / Professional working proficiency)
- English: Fluent
- Italian: A2 (Reading and speaking)
