Mike's Oud Forums

a can of worms

littleseb - 11-19-2009 at 06:13 AM

I really opened a can of worms....
About 8 months ago I got myself my first oud, and started taking lessons.
Back then I din't know nothing about Arabic music, but I liked the sound of the oud and wanted to acquire very basic skills, just to jam along with my band and to entertain myself at home. My teacher said from the very first lesson that studying with him would be done in an academic manner, meaning that I heard to learn the theory behing Iraqi/Arabic classical music and that sloppy playing was a big NO NO.
I agreed to learn his way, and half-heartedly plugged along for 6 months, learning scales and the odd very simple tune, but nothing to write home about.
Then my teacher asked me if I wanted to play a concert with him. I reluctantly agreed, not thinking my skills would be up to the standard, and they sure weren't at the time.
Anyway, the requirement to play this show was discipline, dedication, and a lot of practice, having to learn eight pieces, difficult Reesha techinques and speed on the right and left hand. Hence I locked myself away for 2 months, took time off work and practiced for 12 hours a day. All this practice payed off, and I now know all about samaii's, longas, quarter tones, various composers, and picking styles. I even mastered the tremolo. I can do it loudly, quietly, fast, slow, with a soft or a hard Reesha, at 7am and 10pm, wherever I am, at any time. All skills and knowledge I never wanted to acquire, but I'm very glad I did. If somebody would have told me 3 months ago that I'd be at this level by now I would have laughed.
So - my run of intensive hardcore-practicing finally comes to an end. Today is the last day of practice and tomorrow is the concert to celebrate my teacher's 30th oud anniversary. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm looking forward to seeing my girlfriend again after being locked away in my flat for the last two months.
Coming back to the 'Can of Worms', I realised that Arabic music is very rewarding to study, and I now want to know all about it. I've barely scratched the surface, and I'm sure it will keep me busy for the next 50 years. Fine by me!
Who would have thought 3 months ago what a turn my life would take........

PS: If anybody wants to come to an evening of Iraqi music -
7pm, Rivercourt Church, Hammersmith, London W6 9JT

hama - 11-19-2009 at 07:03 AM

I will be watching you tomorrow evening and looking forward to it

BTW , Is the Church Located on King Street near the Polish Centre??
all the best
Hama

littleseb - 11-19-2009 at 07:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by hama  
I will be watching you tomorrow evening and looking forward to it

BTW , Is teh Church Locate don King Street next to Polish Centre??
all the best
Hama


yes it's opposite the polish centre by ravenscourt park.
sorry, ive benn a bit quiet, like i said - i locked myself away.
will be good to finally meet you, after all - you recommended Ehsan to me!:)

hama - 11-19-2009 at 07:15 AM

I look forward to it, I am happy to hear that you have progressed so much ,due to lack of practice time and lack of taking lessons I haven't moved forward much this year , hopefully next year will be different ( i might get inspiration from you guys tomorrow night)

DaveH - 11-19-2009 at 08:53 AM

Hi Littleseb and Hama, good luck tonight. Great to hear you've been progressing so rapidly. I'm more following hama's track! I'm only an hour from West London, so perhaps we could meet up some time when I'm coming to town.

D

Christian1095 - 11-19-2009 at 09:21 AM

Congrats... I know that for me, the lack of raw talent has been greatly augmented by a borderline obsessive compulsive drive to learn this instrument... In much the same way, I feel like I'm finally starting to get some things... and my ear has gotten much better...

Congrats on your progression.

Christian1095 - 11-19-2009 at 09:27 AM

If you get a chance, post your performance on Youtube...

hama - 11-19-2009 at 11:30 AM

Thanks Guys for kind words, but it is seb who progreaased alot and sadly not me, i am going to the event tomorrow night as a guest to see them playing.
Dave, if you are only 1 hour away why dont you come along tomorrow night, I have to travel back from milton keynes for this as i work there , i am sureyou can make it too , there will be achance to meet Ehsan Emam, Seb, Khyam Alami and afew others .

Ararat66 - 11-19-2009 at 11:57 AM

Hi Seb

I which I could come along, best of luck and congratulations on yur progress.

Hama

We'll meet some time soon I'll be in touch ... promise. Also don't be too hard on yourself, we don't all have the chance to do what Seb has done, me included. I'm sure you play far better than you think. I'd love to meet you all, Seb, Ehshan and Khyam up there so I'll set aside some time soon.

Dave

Hello, good to hear from you.

Cheers

Leon

Kelly - 11-19-2009 at 12:34 PM


Hi Seb
Sounds like your dedication and hard work has paid off.
Best Wishes for all of you playing tomorrow night. I hope it goes well.

Sazi - 11-19-2009 at 04:08 PM

Best wishes for the concert Seb! Keep up the good (hard) work, (I'm sure it gets easier). Wish I could be there to see y'all.

fernandraynaud - 11-20-2009 at 03:29 AM

Seb, What a great story! I'm sure if you relax and focus, it will go very well. Look at it this way, who can be really sure what you are SUPPOSED to play? So you are OK even if you drift a bit, no waorries, mate! I wish I could be there, do try to post a recording!

littleseb - 11-21-2009 at 07:20 AM

thanks everybody!

i think it went really well yesterday......i played better than ever.
:xtreme::xtreme::xtreme:
hama - really nice to meet you, sorry had sooooo many people to talk to, and after shaking everybody's hands you were gone...but see you soon i hope!

hama - 11-22-2009 at 11:01 AM

Hi Seb , It was nice to meet u too, I know u where on demand that night and there was along que of people
waiting for you,
I enjoyed the evening very much like the rest of the people there, the church hall was packed, the turnout was massive, the music was great ,there was alot of skills on show , you played very well indeed i dont know what you were worried about befor the concert.your techneque, speed of both hands was very advanced , i havent seen you playng before but you definitely up there with the best, i congratulate you with the rest for the successful evening.
what was amazing is you were playing alot of iraqi and arabic samai and longa from memory without having the music scores infront of you.
well done and keep up thegod work