The Kanoon holds a special significance to my grandfather Morris M. He always had a passion for Arabic music. He became very good friends with Muhammad El Akad. He was a Arab who played for the king of Egypt for 3 generations. He also played with Abdul Wahab, who was the greatest singer in Arabic music. My grandfather was fortunate enough to know both of them, which only made his love for Arabic music stronger. He was also able to go and visit Abdul Wahab in Lebanon when it was a very dangerous time there.

The Kanoon was a gift from a very special friend. It is the hardest instrument to learn how to play. Muhammad El Akad used to play for my grandfather all the time. Arabic music has encouraged my family to understand their heritage, which comes from Egypt and Syria. My grandparents for many years would have "haflas", which is a party in Arabic, and share their love of Arabic music with friends and family.