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Yes. Most of our students join us with no music background. We cater for learners of all levels, including complete beginners. If you do not read music, we highly recommend you also register for our course Arabic Music Theory I. This course will give you the tools to read music notation.
We conduct our in-person courses at the Arab British Centre in the heart of London. The address is 1 Gough Square, EC4A 3DE, London, UK.
Yes. You need your own instrument. We can suggest options and help you with the choice.
We have encouraged our students to buy from the online retailer Thomann as their prices are reasonable at this level and the quality is sound. At this stage, go for an instrument that suits your budget. Arabic-style ouds are larger and more bulbous; Turkish-style ouds are smaller and better suited for smaller builds. We will help you in class. Avoid electric models.
We do not rent ouds. However, we have a few school ouds that can be used during a lesson while you wait for your own to arrive. These ouds may not be taken home.
We use Fa-to-fa (F-to-F) tuning. Fa, La, Re, Sol, Do, Fa (F, A, D, g, c, f).
The Mukhtar Method is available online. The best place to purchase a copy is from Lulu Press. See The Mukhtar Method page for the full series.
Yes. It is important to practise at home between classes to see progress. We recommend at least one hour of practice per day to begin seeing results.
We specialise in teaching adults aged 18 and over. At present, we do not teach students younger than 18.
Yes. Private one-to-one lessons are available in person and online. Arabic Music Theory I runs for 5 consecutive weeks of one-hour lessons, total £150 plus the coursebook. For other private lesson rates, please contact the school.