Oud - Sornai Music School

Oud lessons are offered either as group or as individual lessons.
Group lessons are usually organised in a package of 12 sessions which cover a specific learning path. Individual lessons are customised to the student interests and follow an agreed progression plan. In both cases we advise to get in touch with the teacher, via the school, to discuss any questions you might have. We often organise open-days where you can meet the teachers in person and they are the ideal opportunity to visit the school and meet in person with Sornai’s educational and admin staff.

Please consult the fees page for up-to-date information regarding fees and terms and conditions.

Groups consists of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 students, and runs for 12 continuous weeks. It starts whenever a group is formed, please get in touch for more information regarding the current schedule.

At present we are offering 2 group classes, in addition to individual lessons

Introduction to the Oud
(for beginners)
Iraqi Oud techniques and repertoire
(for intermediate / advanced students)

1. Introduction to the Oud

This group class is the ideal entrance to the Oud world for absolute beginners and for musicians coming from a different background. The course aims at providing the necessary skills to play basic tunes on the Oud, and explores the most important music traditions and their relevant Oud repertoire.

Organised in 12 sessions of 1 hour and half each, it starts whenever a group is formed. Minimum 3 students, no more than 5 students in order to dedicate attention to all the partecipants. Familiarity with Western music notation can be helpful, although not strictly necessary as alternative notation systems, such as tablatures, can be provided as part of the class. Students will be given access to the Sornai e-learning system which includes materials of the course in digital format plus a number of additional resources and media.

The first 4 sessions are dedicated to the foundations of playing the Oud, the remaining 8 classes explore the Arabic, Turkish, Iraqi and Persian music traditions with short pieces playable by the students in order to gain an understanding of the different Oud styles. Lessons are usually run in iterations comprising a short listening experience of important recordings and musicians, a brief theoretical analysis, the practice of instrumental techniques followed by the study of the chosen repertoire.

Syllabus

Instrument characteristics, maintenance, tuning and stringing
Posture
Left hand positions and fingering
The use of the Risha / Mizrap: right hand plucking techniques
Modal music systems (Arabic Maqam / Ottoman Makam / Persian Dastgah)
Common rhythmic cycles
Technical studies and exercises
Traditional forms and repertoire in the Middle-East, including popular songs
Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Iraqi Oud style, techniques and characteristic repertoire

Type: group class (minimum 3, maximum 5 students)

Duration: 12 weekly lessons of 1 hour and half

Fee: Please consult our fees page

Teacher: Francesco Iannuzzelli

Requirements:

Students need to have their own instruments. Please get in touch with the school for suggestions regarding the purchase of an instrument.
Alternatively there are a few Ouds available for hire
One clip-on chromatic tuner
Familiarity with Western music notation can be helpful, although not strictly necessary as alternative notation systems, such as tablatures, can be provided as part of the class. We recommend our Music Foundation class for those interested in acquiring music reading skills.

2. Iraqi Oud techniques and repertoire

The Iraqi school of Oud players, initiated in the Insitute of Fine Arts of Baghdad by Sherif Muhiddin haydar in 1930s / 40s, came to international prominence with the works of the brothers Jamil and Munir Bashir, and has had enormous influence in the soloist repertoire for the Oud.

This group class, also organised in 12 sessions of 1 hour and half each, is suitable for intermediate / advanced Oud players with a good degree of familiarity with the instrument and willing to explore in detail the Iraqi repertoire and techniques. The course starts whenever a group is formed. Minimum 3 students, no more than 5 students in order to dedicate attention to all the partecipants. Music sight-reading skills are necessary. Students will be given access to the Sornai e-learning system which includes materials of the course in digital format plus a number of additional resources and media.