Mike's Oud Forums

Advice on taking lessons

kevin - 11-16-2006 at 05:31 AM

hey ya Oudis

I am working on taking a lesson with John Berberian soon, and since I might only be taking one or two lessons I want to take full advantage of it and get as much as can, god willing.

This will be my first private lesson on an instrument in like 15 years, any advice or snippets of wisdom to keep in mind, anything?

thanks chaps

Jason - 11-16-2006 at 06:56 AM

Focus on things you can't really learn from books or the internet. Maybe look at modulation ideas, effective ornaments, etc.

I'd stay away from having him show you maqams, rhythms, etc.

kevin - 11-16-2006 at 07:52 AM

good point, I was considering some of that, tremolo in particular. There is a lot of finesse work with tremolo or even some of the trills that happens between the right and left hands that I think is near impossible to transmit thru a book.

paulO - 11-16-2006 at 02:15 PM

Hi Kevin,

You're going to pick up a ton just from watching the guy play. Heck, when John came out to San Francisco, like 15 years ago I just stood next to the stage and watched the guy all night. Picked up a ton of stuff. I concur with Jason. Have fun dude !

Regards..paulO