OUD CAFE - Suggested Method Books

Here is a list of three method books I believe should be very helpful for you. The first was written by me for the beginning to intermediate student, with a focus on Makam study, using thoughtful exposure to repertoire as the key mode of learning (as we do here). It is in English and includes audio for all the scores. The remaining two suggestions are in Turkish and Greek respectively, and are much larger in size and scope. Though you may not read either of these languages, the exercises and musical examples themselves are well worth the investment. Unfortunately, Mutlu Torun's book as of late seems hard to come by. Of course, there are many method books out there, and you are welcome to try them and see if they are helpful to you.

School of Oud, by Mavrothi Kontanis

SCHOOL OF OUD LINK

This method and its accompanying recording are for the beginning and intermediate oud student interested in gaining a stronger understanding of makam theory and practice on the oud, while also providing advice and exercises useful for improving overall playing technique. Three beautiful and commonly heard makams are presented, specifically Rast, Mahur and Nikriz. The unique characteristics of each of these makams are described and illustrated in detail through exercises, etudes and traditional repertoire, using a wide variety of rhythms and compositional forms, and paired with audio recordings to guide you in your practice.

The most comprehensive method book for the Turkish style oud was written by Mutlu Torun, a very well-known and respected performer, composer, and teacher on the oud. It is called UD METODU.

Another extremely helpful and well-written method book is called (transliterated from Greek) TO OUTI: METHODOS EKMATHISIS. It was written by the very talented player and teacher Kyriakos Kalaitzidis, who teaches in Thessaloniki, Greece at the En Xordais music school. Search his name or En Xordais/En Chordais on the web for more information.