Learn taqsim… Easier said than done… This post is about the hard truth about learning how to play a taqsim on the Oud (or any instrument). The reality is much harsher than anyone wants to admit. And so, I made a video about the Dark Side of learning taqsim. I want you to see exactly what you have to do to learn how to improvise or play a taqsim on…
Read MoreSkype Oud Lessons
Skype Oud Lessons Do you have any burning questions about the Oud? Are you feeling stuck with your Oud playing? Do you need exercises for the left hand or the right hand? You can now get Oud lessons on Skype from me. You can be a bare beginner, a novice, or an intermediate player. You can get Oud lessons tailored to your specific needs. Lesson times: North America…
Read MoreWhere is the Oud going?
Recently I’ve been really wracking my brain around something. And I think I need your help with it. I’m really wondering… where the Oud is going… for me, for the world, for everyone… Where are we taking the Oud? I want to know what’s next. I wrote a post on MikeOud Forums about it… I wrote: “I’ve always been interested in encouraging the development of the Oud in education, in…
Read MoreBuy Your Dream Oud – An Ultimate Guide for You
I’ve recently made some updates to the Ultimate Oud Buyers’ Guide so you have the most up-to-date information about buying an Oud. I’ve also created a new PDF format that you can download and read on your own time. To download, click the picture above, enter your name and email address and click the checkbox to receive emails. I will email you the Ultimate Oud Buyers’ Guide right away and…
Read MoreOud Comparison Video: Iraqi, Turkish, Syrian
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 MoreYildirim Palabiyik Oud: First Sounds
So I’ve been playing this Yildirim Palabiyik Oud for a couple weeks now, but I made a video of what it sounds like basically after getting it in tune the same day after unboxing. My first reaction to this Oud was that the sound was incredibly balanced from high string to low string. It gives a clear, crisp, yet mellow sound. The strings are still new and I’m breaking them…
Read MoreYildirim Palabiyik Oud UNBOXING
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 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 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 More
