Courses Oud Upper Beginner
Upper Beginner
Oud Upper Beginner
For students who have completed Oud Beginner (or been assessed by a teacher). Further analysis and transposition of the maqamaat — Nahawand, Ajam, Kurd, Hijaz, Bayat, Rast, Saba and Segah — through traditional songs and pieces.
Fee £350 (10 weeks)
Secure checkout hosted by the Arab British Centre , our partner venue.
About this course
For students who have completed Oud Beginner (or been assessed by a teacher). Further analysis and transposition of the maqamaat — Nahawand, Ajam, Kurd, Hijaz, Bayat, Rast, Saba and Segah — through traditional songs and pieces.
What you'll cover
The step up from Oud Beginner is analysis. You already know the eight fundamental maqamaat by sound and by feel. This term you take them apart — Nahawand, Ajam, Kurd, Hijaz, Bayat, Rast, Saba and Segah — and learn to transpose them, so that a maqam becomes something you can begin from any note rather than one fixed shape under your fingers.
The work is done through traditional songs and pieces rather than exercises. You learn the piece, then look at what it is doing and why it sits where it does.
Entry is either the Oud Beginner course or an assessment with a teacher. If you have played before but not with us, ask for the assessment — it takes about fifteen minutes and can save you a term in the wrong room.
Oud Intermediate follows on Saturday evenings for students who finish here.
Places are limited to eight to twelve students. Enrolment opens on the open day and closes when the class is full.
If you're unsure whether this is the right level, we're happy to arrange a fifteen-minute conversation to place you correctly.
How to enrol
- Send a short note using the button above, or come to the open day.
- Agree the right level — a brief chat by phone or video if you've played before.
- Book and pay — we send a booking link with the term fee.
Course fees include all teaching materials. The Mukhtar Method books are sold separately. Concessions available for students and OAPs — please ask.
