Do you want to hear a melody, understand it, and play it authentically?
Sound like what you want to achieve?
We spent a few months trying to really understand Oud learners in the Oud for Guitarists community. Specifically, we asked many of you about what you were struggling with when learning to play the Oud, so we knew how we could help you.
“The Maqam Mastery Program is truly unique. Navid is a wonderful teacher who breaks down the components of maqamat in simple and clear ways. Learning aurally through these modules is far better than working from a book, and for those who don’t have access to an oud teacher, the Maqam Mastery Program is priceless.”
– Larry Bitensky, composer and pianist, Professor of Music at Centre College (US)
Does this sound like you?
“I am not familiar with musical culture, tradition, not growing up with the music, to interpret and play authentically.”
“I hate the quartertones.”
“Recognizing maqams by ear is challenging.”
“Can’t remember maqams and seyir, too many of them.”
“Even if I think I can play tunes and improvise, I feel I don’t sound authentic.”
“Hard to hear what’s happening in a taqsim.”
Can you relate?
Introducing… the Maqam Mastery Program
Based on what we heard, we have come up with the idea of the “Maqam Mastery Program.” The Maqam Mastery Program will help you develop the ear for Middle Eastern music and play the Oud authentically.
- Hear and understand maqamat used in Middle Eastern melodies with ear training exercises
- Play taqsim with authentic, idiomatic phrases that are particular to each maqam
- Learn to develop and improvise melodies for taqsim authentically step by step for each maqam
- Hear and differentiate between different maqamat or different ajnas (the building blocks of maqamat).
- Play maqamat in a logical order with traditional modulations
- Understand the Middle Eastern musicians’ mindset and approach to music so you can think and feel like a Middle Eastern musician
In Oud playing…
It is crucial that you use your ear to break down the tunes you are listening to into ajnas and maqamat. You can then identify what maqamat are being played and more importantly, you can re-create it and make it your own.
The Maqam Mastery Program will help you…
Focus on ear training and learning how to develop melodies with traditional phrases in this program, NOT note reading or memorizing.
You will be fully equipped with the right tools and guidelines, so that months and years after completing the program, when you hear an unfamiliar maqam you will understand how to approach it, and know what to do with it.
“My main problem is sounding authentic, and this is where the melodic development part of the videos really comes in handy. After a little while of paying attention to the development of the melody as instructed, I got Ajam to sound like Ajam should, rather than my just hitting random notes in the scale.”
– Sam (UK)
About the Instructor
Navid is a Canadian-Iranian multi-instrumentalist that has studied Middle Eastern music since childhood. Navid has over 19 years performing and recording experience with western and eastern ensembles. “My goal is to reach out to musicians who grew up listening to Western music and help them enjoy the Oud and Middle Eastern music fully and authentically.” – Navid Goldrick
Choose Your Maqam Mastery Package
Choose one that best suits your needs and budget from these 3 packages.
Click on the “Buy Now” button to make your purchase and you will be redirected to our PayPal account under the name “Majnuun Music and Dance”. You can then make your payment with PayPal.
Scroll down to read a detailed description of the above packages.
Mastery Package
Everything you need to master the art of maqam music.
18 Video Modules – Learn how to develop melody with idiomatic phrases and how to modulate for each maqam step by step. Start “feeling” the maqamat. The fast track to playing maqamat authentically.
111-page Manual – Find sheet music for 23 traditional Middle Eastern songs in various maqamat, extra tips on how to play and practice each maqam. Follow along with the video modules.
Middle Eastern Ear Training Program – Listen to this 2-hour program with 350 examples of ajnas and phrases in various maqamat. Emulate, sing back, compare and copy them on your Oud – the best way to train your ear for quartertones and maqamat. Comes in mp3 audio format, so take it with you on your jog or on the way to work.
Maqam Mastery Reference Guide – Arabic maqamat, Turkish makamlar and Persian Dastgah all in one comprehensive 83-page maqam dictionary. Perfect for quick reference, comparison or self-study for many years to come. Check out our unique notation system for complex Turkish makamlar.
The Maqam Wheel – A beautiful visual representation of maqamat and relationships between ajnas. Have it in front of you when playing taqsim. Powerful tool to help you visualize and create your own modulations. Continue your creative flow and move from feeling to feeling. What connections can you make?
Bonus Video “Important Lesson on Posture” – Experiencing physical pains? Feeling awkward when playing the Oud? Get your posture right, so you can focus on playing the Oud without frustration.
Bonus Video “The Mindset of the Middle Eastern Musicians” – To play the Oud authentically, you need an understanding of how and in what occasions the Oud is played in the Middle East, and how musicians are seen or treated. The video will show you an overview of the Middle Eastern music culture and mindset.
“It is really good for me (non-oriental) to get the basics right. Most of the time, people from arabic origin find the maqam so ‘natural’, that they can not start to explain and you are really giving me a good starting position.”
– Ernest (Belgium)
“The Maqam Wheel is a nice memory aid.”
– Paul (Canada)
Oud Geek Package
For those who want to start playing maqam music authentically.
18 Video Modules – Learn how to develop melody with idiomatic phrases and how to modulate for each maqam step by step. Start “feeling” the maqamat. The fast track to playing maqamat authentically.
111-page Manual – Find sheet music for 23 traditional Middle Eastern songs in various maqamat, extra tips on how to play and practice each maqam. Follow along with the video modules.
Middle Eastern Ear Training Program – Listen to this 2-hour program with 350 examples of ajnas and phrases in various maqamat. Emulate, sing back, compare and copy them on your Oud – the best way to train your ear for quartertones and maqamat. Comes in mp3 audio format, so take it with you on your jog or way to work.
Bonus Video “Important Lesson on Posture” – Experiencing physical pains? Feeling awkward when playing the Oud? Get your posture right, so you can focus on playing the Oud without frustration.
Bonus Video “The Mindset of the Middle Eastern Musicians” – To play the Oud authentically, you need an understanding of how and in what occasions the Oud is played in the Middle East, and how musicians are seen or treated. The video will show you an overview of the Middle Eastern music culture and mindset.
“Maqam Mastery program is a comprehensive guide like no other. It breaks down the complex maqamat into digestible modules, drawing comparison with western music for easier understanding. It feels like I’m actually taking a music lesson with Navid, but at convenient time at my own pace. Each video module is accompanied by audio tracks that encourage me to listen and sing along to jins or maqam, then to guess what is being played.
The Maqam Wheel is a great tool for a visual learner like myself that helps you remember ajnas and their relationships to each other.”
–Lynn (Canada)
Apprentice Package
Budget option with all bases covered.
18 Video Modules – Learn how to develop melody with idiomatic phrases and how to modulate for each maqam step by step. Start “feeling” the maqamat. The fast track to playing maqamat authentically.
111-page Manual – Find sheet music for 23 traditional Middle Eastern songs in various maqamat, extra tips on how to play and practice each maqam. Follow along with the video modules.
Want the Maqam Mastery Program as a teaching aid for your students? Please contact us and ask about a school license.
60-Day Money Back Guarantee
Let us take the risk off your shoulders. If you don’t enjoy the Maqam Mastery Program, email us within 60 days from your purchase, and we will refund every penny immediately.
For the price of several in-person lessons, you can gain a foundational understanding of maqam music and tools to develop your ear and your own melodies authentically.
Questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions or email us at support@oudforguitarists.com.
“Wow. I simply cannot believe what you guys have done here. It is completely utterly amazing how you have demystified maqamat. The lessons are so clear and explanatory – must have taken forever. And the manual alone looks like it was a daunting task. You really have done a nice job here and should be very proud. It is a historical move for players and admirers of the instrument. In a way it’s almost as if you have unveiled the tricks of a magicians performance. For me and other musicians this is a huge win! For traditional players this could be a huge upset to their craft – but all in all, bringing forward the importance and beauty of the oud and middle eastern music in general out weighs everything.
Modulation had always been a struggle, so hats off to you for creating an amazing program that conquers it’s intricacies! Super excited to work through all the content!
Worth every penny and then some!”
– Dann (US) www.ambientoud.com