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 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…
Read MoreThe Most Important Thing in Arabic Music: Music Interpretation
Last week I talked about how I learned to use techniques and embellishments in my Oud playing, and now I want to demonstrate this in action. I’ll show you three ways I interpret my own music and apply different techniques and embellishments to the same basic melody to create different a different feeling and vibe. If you want to these techniques and learn more about how and when…
Read MoreA common question: How do you know when to use certain techniques and embellishments in music?
A common question I get from Oud players is how do you know when to use certain techniques and embellishments in music. The question that is really being asked here is more a question of style and musicality. But where did I learn how to use techniques and embellishments? Watch the video below to find out. Next week I’m going to play some examples from my own music to…
Read MoreFlashy Oud vs Emotional Oud: What’s better?
There’s a lot of debate about what’s better: to be able to play flashy techniques and play really fast, or to be able to play with a lot of feeling and emotion in your playing. What do you think? Watch this video, then share with me your favourite Oud video from YouTube. Post a link in the comments section below, and tell me why you it’s your favourite. …
Read MoreSultan of Soundboards – The Oudman Najib Shaheen
I attended the 2016 Arabic Music Retreat hosted by Simon Shaheen, and I had a great time. It was a great experience to spend a whole week with some of the greatest Arabic musicians. The first character I met when I arrived there was Najib Shaheen, Simon Shaheen’s older brother. I like to call him Sultan-a-Soundboard… Because it seemed like every other Oud player at the retreat was playing…
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