ra3oodi - 7-14-2007 at 04:26 AM
Hi all,
I've always loved the sound of the Oud and had a secret desire to be able to play but not having a musical history has deterred me. Now, however,
someone who has noted my admiration has kindly bought me one back from Syria and i'd like to begin playing. I know it will be hard, so with that said,
i'd very much appreciate any tips from you guys on how to get started and any learning material that you can pass on : )
P.S. i'm 23 so i guess that's old by musical standards and have no previous experience with any string instruments so be generous!
Thanks everyone.
arsene - 7-14-2007 at 12:22 PM
To start with:
http://www.maqamworld.com
http://www.mikeouds.com
And check out the posting in this forum on Jameel Bashir's ud method (do a search) 
Don't worry about the age. You're never too old.
MatthewW - 7-15-2007 at 05:18 AM
welcome to the forum ra3oodi! hey, 23 is as good as age to start as any; may you still be playing at 100! The Jamil Bashir method is at this
link:http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=6257
If you are in London you can contact Caravansary, they hold oud workshops near Kings Cross with an excellent player, Ahmed Mukhtar. here is the
link-http://www.caravansary.org/artists/ahmedmukhtar/index.htm
so get yourself tuned up, sit down with the oud learning video clips on this website, and go for it!
ra3oodi - 7-15-2007 at 10:01 AM
Oh thanks guys! That's very helpful.
Actually, the Ahmed Mukhtar workshop is over in two classes, two of which have already gone by : ( I've emailed Caravansary though, to find out if
they'll be running similar such things. I hear he teaches at SOAS! My favourite Uni !
I've been looking through these forums as well, Oud jargon is scary! Not to mention the Jamil Bashir material, just looking at it made me hold my
breath, I don't read music nor arabic well! I hope with my efforts that will soon change though!
Matthew i notice that you're in 'near London', do you know of anyone that might instruct?
Anyway, thanks for the encouragement : )
P.S. Has anyone has used Learnoud.com, the Ali Hassan online teaching?
Marina - 7-15-2007 at 11:02 PM
Ali Hasan is great for begining - he gives begining lessons for free, I think 15 lessons! Just sign up. It's in Arabic, but just try to sign up
logicly in obvious fields for you e-mail & password.