I knew I had to make a video comparing Oud sounds. It was 5 years ago I made the Ultimate Oud Buyer’s Guide. Back then I didn’t actually have a few examples of these Ouds in real life to actually hear them side to side. Now, I have a few that I can show you in ONE video that showcases THREE different Ouds. The Ouds… Iraqi Oud Maker: Faik Fadel…
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 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 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…
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