An Exercise for Honing Your Taqasim

taqsim

In response to hearing a taqsim recorded by one of my Step-by-Step Taqasim students, I suggested the following exercise: One exercise you can do is take this recording of your taqsim and play it back and listen then try to recreate some of your melodies and think about what phrase you were trying to create at that moment. Then think about how you can refine it. By refining I mean,…

Read More

Important links about Maqams – and a cheatsheet

maqam

As you may already know by now. I’m really a big fan of learning about maqam and I like to geek out about it. So today, I’m going to share some links with you that have helped me over the years. AND, I’ll share with you some of the stuff I’ve written on maqams that you may not have seen on OudforGuitarists yet. Free Maqam Modulation Cheatsheet ALSO, I’m creating…

Read More

How to NEVER make a mistake when you play taqsim

How to never make a mistake when playing 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 More

Luth Traditionnel en Iraq – Album Review – Jamil Bashir

  Welcome to another Oud Geek album review.   I have been listening Jamil Bashir’s album for quite some time now, and as they say, it’s an oldie but a goodie!   If you haven’t heard it yourself yet, it is available for listening at the link below…   Mike Oud’s Rare Listening – Jamil Bashir and more (Jamil Bashir is at the top)   Please read the biographical information…

Read More