OUD
January 2 to 6, 2025
CLASSES IN ENGLISH
PURPOSE
- Develop your performance by analyzing theoretical and practical concepts
- Improve your musical knowledge and instrumental technique
- Acquire the tools (tetrachord modes) to develop improvisation techniques (taqsim)
- Explore the different methods of interpretations
- Develop your analytical and listening skills
- Extend your practice of classical Arabic music through different modes of playing
EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
Teaching methods: Beyond the so-called « traditional » teaching, the program will be constituted around a new approach which will allow to widen the various modes of interpretations based on the rhythmic use of the plectrum (device allowing to pluck or scratch the strings of the Arabic Luth – Oud).
TITLES OF MUSICAL WORKS
upcoming…
Scores will be made available after registration
TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
Each participant will come with their own instrument, footrest, music stand, accessories and printed scores.
You will need to understand english or arabic as the teacher cannot speak french.
REGISTER NOW
>> ON-LINE REGISTRATION <<
>> RATES & REGISTRATION PROCESS <<
BIOGRAPHY
AHMAD AL KHATIB
The composer and soul of the group, Ahmad Al Khatib’s knowledge and understanding of the musical culture of his ancestors is impeccable. As their recognized successor, he develops that culture in new directions. From the age of eight, he was under the rigorous instruction of oud master Ahmad Abdel Qasem, going on to complete a university course in musicology and Western classical cello with flying colors. After several years teaching at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in East Jerusalem, he was forced to leave Palestine, thereafter publishing several works on oud instruction and on musical transcription for modern Arab composers which have become essential references.
Since 2004, he has taught the theory of modal music, composition and ensemble music at the University of Gothenburg. In Sweden, he enjoys playing alongside musicians interested in exploring Scandinavian folklore. Whilst across the Middle East the red carpet is rolled out for this respected master, in the West he is invited to “World Music” festivals where he listens with fascination to the many traditions from around the globe. An inquisitive inventor of languages who has gone beyond the language of his roots, he has had plenty of opportunity to feed his creative juices from all sorts of inspirations. Although he has equally come to cherish and lay claim to those painful roots.
One foot in the past, one foot in the future: the image is also fitting for Ahmad the instrumentalist, a performer of great purity and depth, who is constantly exploring the oud’s entire range of expression and tirelessly seeking out its finest nuances.
Teaching :
>> Gothenburg University (Sweden) – The Academy of Music and Drama – Since 2006:
• Theory teacher at the world music department
• Ensembles coaching
• Individual instrument teacher
>> At the gearing committee with Stig-Magnus Thorsén planning for a research on Palestinian music.
>> The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) (Ramallah, Palestine) – From 1998 to 2015 :
• Head of the Oriental music department and the publication unit. Edited a Syllabus for Middle Eastern music grading system used at the ESNCM in Palestine
• Oud, Cello and music theory teacher at the National Conservatory of Music (from 1998 to 2002). Yarmouk University (Irbid – Jordan) College of Fine Arts – From 1997 to 1998.
• Cello Teacher
Publications:
• Contemporary Arab Composers Series: Arabic instrumental Music, (5 Books). Published by the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music
• Arabic Music: Teaching traditional music in modern institutions, master thesis in music education, Academy of Music and Drama, Göteborg University Sharqiyat,
• An Anthology of Oriental Music Pieces (5 Books). Transcribed and Edited by Ahmad Al-Khatib. Published by the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music.
• Musiqana.net, Website for Arabic music theory and improvisation
Awards:
• First Prize: Solo Playing Competition, Amman, Jordan, 1990, 1991.
• Planeta Prize 2013, Inspirer of the year, Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Aga Khan Music Awards in Performance 2019, in recognition of high artistic achievement as a Finalist.