2017 is going by fast. It has been a very eventful year. I haven’t released any new videos on YouTube in a while, but a few things developed which you can totally take advantage of right now. You can now hear my self-recorded and self-released solo Oud album. And it’s free. I’m working on a new project with Cumbus with Oud strings. I would love to hear your opinion on a rough…
Read MoreTeaching Oud in Japan
Here I am with my Oud in Japan. I’ve visited Japan a few times since 2010, and this is the first time I dared to bring my Oud to Japan. I decided that on this trip I would contact some Japanese middle eastern musicians this time because… hey, there are A LOT of Darbuka, and Oud players there… And, why not… So here’s the short of how it went: …
Read MoreTaqasim Program – Research Begins
A couple weeks ago I announced that I would be creating a step-by-step taqasim learning program. I’m not talking about a “learn someone else’s taqasim” program. This will get you to the point where you can create your own taqasim. Response The response confirmed that this program is needed and wanted in the Oud learning world. So it’s happening, it’s a go! What’s Next? I have been compiling recordings of…
Read MoreTaqsim Study Material – Practice Oud Taqsim
How do you learn how to play taqasim? This is a subject that is difficult to articulate. There are very few materials out there that teach taqasim. There are not many study materials written on paper about taqasim. For some Oud players, taqasim might eventually develop. For others, it takes some guess work, trial and error, and coaching. I’m of two minds in regards to this: From one perspective, you…
Read More3 Essential, Fun and Effective Oud Exercises
Here are a few essential, fun and effective Oud exercises that are perfect for warming up your fingers or learning the fundamental basics of the Oud, and advancing your technique. I wrote these for a student who needed to work on some specific things to improve their Oud playing. Exercise 1: This exercise is really important for anyone who wants to play fast. It helps develop playing up strokes when…
Read MoreHow I learned Ear Training – Learn Music by Ear (and your voice)
In the last post, you learned about active listening. Active listening is to learn music by ear. Well today I have a story about that, which I’m sure you can relate to. I was eleven when I started learning Persian Santoor. Back then, I didn’t know the difference between scales. My teacher would play one scale for me, and then play a different one, and I couldn’t really tell what…
Read MoreLearn Arabic Music With Your Ears and Your Voice
I’m sure you’ve heard it before… especially when you ask… “What’s the best way to learn maqams?” or “How do you learn how to play a taqasim?” Typical answer: “You have to listen to middle eastern music a lot.” Or sometimes… you might think or say to yourself… “It’s hard to learn because I didn’t grow up in a middle eastern background.” “Middle eastern people have an advantage…
Read MoreArabic Maqam Ear Training Program now open for enrolment!
Great news! The Arabic Maqam Ear Training Program is now open for enrolment.
Read MoreEar Training Enrolment Next Week!
I’m almost done the new Ear Training Program, and it’s sounding fantastic. At the end of the program, you’ll be humming Arabic melodies all day. I want you to be the first to hear about when it will be released next week. AND, I want you to try it out for free. So click the link below to get on the newsletter. And just for signing up, I’ll send you…
Read MoreInspiration – Ross Daly
Anybody who knows me, knows that I’m a big fan of Ross Daly. I have a lot of respect and admiration for this guy. I learned about Ross and his work around 2004-2005, and was instantly blown away by his music and work. He continues to be an inspiration for me today. I’ll never forget having emailed him (back when myspace was popular) and inquired about one of his works, “Exorise me…
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