The oud is one of the most important instruments in Arabic music - for composers, singers and soloists - making it a great choice for anyone who wants to learn this tradition.

If you’re interested in the classics and tarab styles - a feeling of being moved by beautiful maqam music and song - or by more modern ta‘biri- expressive - artistry, the oud is the perfect companion.

This tailor-made approach recognises that ‘you’ are the music. So whilst there’s a shared tradition of materials (see below), everyone’s path will be meaningfully different.

‘Al-Maqamat’ are a collection of modes - musical scales - shared by traditional, classical, contemporary and popular Arabic musics.

Lessons usually begin by introducing nine foundational maqams, followed by the many secondary maqams.

You’ll get to know a variety of genres and styles including: popular songs, notably from the greatest stars like Umm Kulthum, Muhammed Abdu or Fairuz; traditional song forms like the muwashshahat or qasa’id; classical instrumental forms like the samai, bashraf, longa and dulab; as well as improvisation, both in free irtijali and structured taqasim forms.

If you have a particular interest in specific ‘local’ traditions, such as the Iraqi Maqam or Moroccan Andalusi tradition amongst others, materials can be included in lessons. However, if these traditions are your main priority, it’s strongly recommended that you find a specialist as your guide.

Please note that all maqamat will be presented in their Arabic forms, which differ to those of the closely related Turkish/Ottoman tradition, Persian music, or other mugham traditions.

• Currently students must be 18+ (soon to be from 12+).

• If you want to learn the maqamat on an instrument you already play that is NOT the oud, you must have a good ability in the techniques of your chosen instrument.

• No prior musical experience is necessary for oud lessons. Beginners are welcome!

• Oud students must be able to hold a regular Arabic or Turkish oud.

• Your oud should have a minimum of 9 pegs/strings, 11 is preferred.

• Ouds should be strung and tuned to an Arabic tuning - either the ‘Arabic’ Do-Do tuning, or the ‘Iraqi’ Fa-Fa tuning. For more info, get in touch.

• You will need a ‘risha’ (oud pick).

• You’ll need to receive/view PDF documents whilst maintaining a video call.

• You’ll also need to run a metronome at the same time as the video call and PDF. (This may be possible via an app, or you may need to get a metronome, depending on your setup).

• Half an hour a day practice is recommended.

• You may want a foot rest to help secure the oud.

£1 from every lesson with Cotton Thistle Studio will be donated to supporting conservation projects. The latest project donated to was for the restoration of seagrass habitats in the UK. For more info, please ask! (Note: Cotton Thistle Studio has no official partnerships in this regard).