Turkish, Byzantine
OudDescription
This course will explore Eastern Mediterranean music as expressed on the oud. We will focus on oud technique, particularly picking techniques and ornamentation. We will implement this in the interpretation of selected repertoire in fundamental makamlar (modes), while also introducing the concept of taksim (rule-based melodic improvisation) and its components: structure, phraseology, and development.
Our material will be the classical repertoire of the Ottoman period, which developed out of the many cultures that lived under the umbrella of the Ottoman Empire. This musical language is founded on melodic development at both the compositional and improvisational levels. We will pay particular attention to the analysis of melodic phrases of the selected compositions.
This course is for oud players who are comfortable with their instruments, already somewhat familiar with the makam system and some pieces. As this course focuses on Ottoman repertoire, it is ideal to have an oud with standard Turkish or Arabic tuning - D or C. By the end of this course you will have a significant amount of information in order to further develop your playing and perception of the oud and makam system.
Day 1: Makam Rast
Compositions: “Rast Semai” - Kemani Tatyos
Day 2: Makam Ussak
Compositions: “Ussak Semai” - Salih Dede
Day 3: Makam Huseyni
Compositions: “Huseyni Peşrev” - Lavtaci Andon
Day 4: Makam Segah
Compositions: “Segah Peşrev” - Yusuf Paşa
Day 5: Question and answer session
Discussion based on all the previous sessions. It would be best for participants to write their questions beforehand.
TIME CHANGES: This course's schedule includes a transition to/from Daylight Saving Time (aka Summer Time), which may mean that the class times will vary for you. Please check the schedule carefully, so you don't miss anything
This course includes
- 15 Hours of Instruction
- Lifetime Access to Video Recordings
- Certificate of Completion
Student requirements
- Instrumental technique: basic
- Western theory: any level
- Modal music theory: basic
- Sight reading: basic
- Transposition: basic
- Learning by ear: basic
- Composition: any level
- Improvisation: any level
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