Taqasim Music School - Oud and Arabic Music Theory Courses
Taqasim Music School, based at The Arab British Centre in London, was established in 2011 to teach one of the most significant Oriental instruments called the Oud, among other instruments and disciplines that represent Middle Eastern Music. The school was founded by the Iraqi Oud Master Ahmed Mukhtar who is the current director. What distinguishes the Taqasim Music School is its unique style. Its approach, both cultural and academic, is delivered by committed and experienced teachers.
Since its establishment, the school has been attracting students from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. This development is reflected in the expansion of taught courses that cover different levels and topics including oud, darbuka and music literacy. This has contributed to the creation of an inclusive environment that promotes cultural exchange and awareness.
The name, Taqasim, is the word used in the context of Arabic music to represent the purest expression of the maqam music system. It requires deep knowledge of the history, theory, practice and spirit of this system, and playing Taqasim is the most advanced form of improvisation in the music of the Middle East.
Scroll down to see all of the Arabic Music Theory and Oud courses available for the September - December term. To see Darbuka courses click here.
Want to meet the tutors or ask a question before signing up? Drop into the Taqasim Open Day on Saturday 4 September from 12-4pm at The Arab British Centre.
Please note bookings for all courses will close on Friday 18 September
Arabic Music Theory I
Saturdays 11am-12pm
26 Sep | 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct | 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov | 5 Dec
This course is highly recommended for students who want to take oud lessons for the first time but haven’t seriously studied music before.
Learning a new instrument is challenging enough as it is: new ideas, new techniques, new pieces of music and lots and lots of practice! So, let’s make things a little easier. In this short series of classes, consisting of 5 lessons, you will learn all the basic skills you need to read, write and “talk” music. Taking a practical approach to music theory, we will be adapting the best bits from Western classical music theory and Arab classical music theory to give you all the tools you need to start your new life as a musician.
Topics for the course will include:
· Reading and writing rhythms
· Reading and writing melodies
· Understanding music theory basics
· Recognizing maqamaat in notation
· Understanding the signs and symbols in a musical score
Note: We highly encourage students interested in this course to also sign up for the Oud
Beginners course running straight after it on Saturdays from 12:00 – 14:00
Registration: £175 Register here
Course Book: Buy online
Oud Beginners
Saturdays 12-2pm
26 Sep | 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct | 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov | 5 Dec
The objective of the beginner course is to acquire the fundamental techniques needed to play the oud and understand the characteristics of the Maqam Music System while studying the eight fundamental maqamaat together with traditional and popular repertoire.
No previous music knowledge is required to attend this course, as most music is notated as tablature – a visual representation which does not require an understanding of music notation. However, we highly encourage beginners to sign up for our Arabic Music Theory I.
This course is 10 lessons long. Each lesson runs for 2 hours. The for a maximum capacity is 7 students. Lessons are taught on a weekly basis.
It is recommended that students spend time practicing material learned in between lessons.
Students must have their own instrument. Teachers are available to assist in finding an Oud and to assess instruments.
Registration: £300 Register here
Course Book: Buy online
Oud Upper Beginners
Saturdays 4:30-6:30pm
26 Sep | 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct | 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov | 5 Dec
The Taqasim Music School offers a more advanced set of courses for groups of students who are interested in further improving their Oud playing skills.
To enroll for this course, students need to have completed the Oud Beginner Course or be assessed by a teacher. To arrange for an assessment please email: school@taqasim.net
Students must have their own instrument. Teachers are available to assist in finding an Oud and to assess
This course is 10 lessons long. Each lesson runs for 2 hours. The for a maximum capacity is 7 students. Lessons are taught on a weekly basis. It is recommended that students spend time practicing material learned in between lessons.
The maqamaat that will be further analyzed and transposed from different keys during this course through the study of traditional songs and piece are: Nahawand, Ajam, Kurd, Hijaz, Bayat, Rast, Saba and Segah.
Registration: £350 Register here
Course Book: Buy online
Oud Intermediate
Saturdays 6:30-8:30pm
26 Sep | 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct | 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov | 5 Dec
We offer a more advanced set of courses for groups of students who are interested in improving their Oud playing skills further.
In order to enroll for the Intermediate course, it is required to have attended a Oud Upper Beginner course, and have your own instrument. The teachers are available to assist in finding an Oud and in assessing instruments.
Students with existing knowledge may apply but will need to be assessed by a teacher: please contact: school@taqasim.net The level is more advanced, so students need to allocate time for daily practice and study in order to see an improvement in their playing technique. The Oud Intermediate course is made up of 10 lessons of 2 hours each, for a maximum group of 7 students. Lessons are taught on a weekly basis. It is recommended that students spend time practicing material learned in between lessons.
During the course, a selection of maqams (Ajam, Hijaz, Hijaz Kar, Rast, Suznak) will be analyzed in detail while studying traditional repertoire to highlight the characteristics of each maqam, accompanied by technical studies on right-hand techniques, left-hand positions, and 2 octave scales.
Registration: £350 Register here
Course Book: Buy online
Oud Upper Intermediate
Sundays 4-6pm
27 Sep | 4, 11, 18, 25 Oct | 8, 15, 22, 25 Nov | 6 Dec
New maqamaat that will be covered in this course include: Nahawand, Kurd, Lami, Bayat and Maqam Bayat Shor. You will also learn new techniques using the second octave and some ornamentation.
This course is designed for students who are interested in improving their Oud ornamentation techniques and to extend their knowledge of the maqam system. In order to enroll for the Upper Intermediate course, it is required to have attended an Oud Intermediate course or to be comfortable with previously covered material and have your own instrument. Students with existing knowledge may apply but must be assessed by a teacher. Please contact: school@taqasim.net for an assessment.
Students need to allocate time for daily practice and study. This course consists of 10 lessons of 2 hours each. The maximum number of students is 7. Lessons are taught on a weekly basis.
Registration: £350 Register here
Course Book: Buy online
Oud Ensemble
Sundays 6-8pm
27 Sep | 4, 11, 18, 25 Oct | 8, 15, 22, 25 Nov | 6 Dec
New maqamaat that will be covered in this course include: Nahawand, Kurd, Lami, Bayat and Maqam Bayat Shor. You will also learn new techniques using the second octave and some ornamentation.
This course is designed for students who are interested in improving their Oud ornamentation techniques and to extend their knowledge of the maqam system. In order to enroll for the Upper Intermediate course, it is required to have attended an Oud Intermediate course or to be comfortable with previously covered material and have your own instrument. Students with existing knowledge may apply but must be assessed by a teacher. Please contact: school@taqasim.net for an assessment.
Students need to allocate time for daily practice and study. This course consists of 10 lessons of 2 hours each. The maximum number of students is 7. Lessons are taught on a weekly basis.
Registration: £350 Register here
Course Book: Buy online
FAQs
Do I need my own instrument and where can I buy one?
You will need your own instrument so you can practice at home in between classes. Taqasim tutors will be able to advise you where you can buy your own oud and darbuka. We recommend signing up to Beginners courses at least a few weeks in advance of the courses starting to ensure you have time to procure an instrument and buy your course book.
When do the courses run?
We run courses three times a year, January – March, May – July and September – December.
Can I book a place and pay later?
No, your place on the course will only be confirmed on receipt of the course fee in full.
What is your refund policy?
Our courses rely on meeting minimum numbers to run, and are often over-subscribed, so the sooner you let us know you’ve changed your mind the better. We can then open your place up to someone else. Our rules on refunds are:
- Full refund (minus Stripe booking fees) if you let us know up to 2 weeks before the start date of the course
- 50% refund (minus Stripe booking fees) if you let us know 8-13 days before the start date of the course
- no refund if you let us know 1 week or less before the start of the course
For every booking made on our website we have to pay Stripe a small fee. If you request a refund, this fee will be deducted from your refunded amount.
What happens if you cancel the course?
We will endeavour to ensure courses are not cancelled but if this does happen we will contact you as quickly as we can to let you know and to arrange a full refund.
Please contact us if you have any further questions on 020 78321310 or info@arabbritishcentre.org.uk