Recent events have taught me that I have a lot to learn about what makes a good Oud, and what a good Oud sounds like. Enter: Yildirim Palabiyik Oud. In December, I ordered a Yildirim Palabiyik Oud. I’ve been dying to get my hands on one. Anyway, it arrived last month, just as I was leaving the country for vacation. I got back last week and I was finally able to…
Read MoreExactly What To Do When You Learn Maqams
In the last few posts, we’ve talked about some of the big mistakes I’ve made trying to learn maqams. The 3 mistakes were: Taking theory books too seriously Thinking that maqams are scales Trying to do it all by myself Most people believe they need to know a lot of theory and a lot of details in order for maqams to flow through you musically, and authentically. Instead,…
Read MoreWhat Not To Do When Learning Maqams [Part 2]
Imagine being able to come home from work, kick off your shoes, sit on the couch and grab your Oud, and start playing a taqsim. Or play your new favourite song even when you don’t have the notation. This may seem like a dream, but it’s more realistic than you realize. I taught myself Arabic music and figured out Arabic maqams by myself. It took a very…
Read MoreWhat Not To Do When Learning Maqams (Part 1)
Finding time to learn maqams can be challenging and difficult. Who’s got time to learn all these maqams? You’ve got a family to feed, the kids to play with, work all day, and bills to pay. It’s impossible to learn all these maqams. Or is it? Let me tell you about my own experience learning maqams. Before attending the Simon Shaheen’s Arabic Music Retreat I never really GOT Maqam…
Read MoreDo you add bass to your Oud playing? If you’re not, you’re missing out.
I gotta have more bass… I have a new tutorial for you here for adding bass notes. I used to play bass note jumping with down strokes mainly. But now I experimented with down-up patterns and it works really nicely. And it’s faster, maybe even better? Check out the OLD video here. See, even I’m still learning things. Learning is what keeps you young, don’t you think? Keep pushing yourself…
Read MoreHow to NEVER make a mistake when you play taqsim
Playing a taqsim can be intimidating. …especially when your teacher or musically-versed audience is watching you intently. In this video, you’ll find out how to NEVER make a mistake when you play taqsim. Click here to check out Step by Step Taqasim! How to NEVER make a mistake when you play taqsim In 2016, I went to the Arabic music retreat and was put…
Read More2017 Highlights & Step-by-Step Taqasim
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…
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