Part 1 of 3 There’s no how-to manual on how to play a taqasim. Most students get thrown to the wolves when they learn taqasim with their teachers telling them to “just feel it”, “create your own melody”, etc, etc, etc. AND, very few teachers know how to teach melody creation, or how to go about playing a taqasim. This is one of the plateaus we reach when learning Oud…
Read MoreSaid Chraibi Album Review/Analysis – Oud
Some of you said in our survey that you would like to know “what combination of technique, knowledge and execution it takes to emulate the great masters.” Well, let’s get familiar with some big names. In the next few months, I will write a series of articles discussing “celebrity Oud styles” and reviewing albums. Today, I want to discuss one of my favorite albums, Said Chraibi’s Oud. After reading this…
Read MoreThe Art of Oud Taqsim – 6 Secrets that will make you sound like Farid Al-Attrash
An Oud Taqsim is probably one of the most well-known musical forms in the Middle East. If you want to play the Oud, you must learn how to play a Taqsim, an Oud solo. Without going into too many details about maqams and theory, here are 6 essential things to think about when you are practicing your taqsim. 1. Opening Your Oud Taqsim The opening first notes that you play…
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