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+).

• You must be able to hold a standard size Arabic or Turkish oud.

• No prior musical experience is necessary.

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

• Ouds should be strung and tuned to an Arabic tuning - ‘Arabic’ Do-Do/‘Iraqi’ Fa-Fa - ready for the first lesson.

• You will need a ‘risha’ (oud pick).

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

• Half an hour a day practice is highly 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. For more info on the latest projects, please ask! (Note: Cotton Thistle Studio has no official partnerships in this regard).