Spritual Music from the Arab world Booklet

Arabic Oud classes

Learn to Play the Oud this August !

Due to overwhelming interest in our taster sessions, we're excited to offer a complete beginner's oud course! This course consists of three Sunday sessions throughout August 2025, perfect for diving into the beautiful world of the Oud instrument.

Looking for something more tailored? We also offer private, personalised sessions to fit your specific learning needs.

Course Details

Our beginner's group sessions are five 2-hour classes (maximum 5 people per group) for £105 + booking fees. We'll cover everything you need to know to get started with the oud.

If you prefer one-on-one instruction, private 1-hour sessions are available for £45 + booking fees.

All sessions will be held at the CB1 community room near Cambridge train station: 8 Mill Park Rd, Cambridge CB2 1LE

August 2025 Schedule

Join us on Sundays throughout August: August 10th, 17th, and 24th.

Here's the Sunday schedule:

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Private Session
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Private Session
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Private Session
3:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. | Beginners Group Session (Max 5)
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Private Session
7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. | Private Session

Oud Rentals & Discounts

Oud Rentals Available: If you don't own an oud, we have a limited number available for rent. A small fee covers strings and basic maintenance for a 4-week period. Ouds should be returned by the end of this period.

Student Discount: Students with a valid ID can enjoy 15% off their booking! Just use promo code STUDENTOUD15 and remember to bring your student ID to your session.

Cancellation Policy

Group Oud Course: Fees for the group course are generally non-refundable. Refunds will only be considered in urgent, unforeseen circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us directly if you have an urgent matter.
Private Oud Sessions: You can receive a full refund for private sessions if you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled time. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will not be eligible for a refund.

Questions?

If you have any questions or specific requests, please email us at info@cambridgetakht.com.

Book your place

About the Instructor:

Tarek Elazhary is an Egyptian professional oud player and composer, whose music weaves the ancient sounds of Arabic music with a modern spirit. His artistry explores the space where tradition meets experimentation, creating emotive, universal soundscapes. Tarek has graced stages at festivals like Womad, OneBeat, Tarantella Power, Shambala and MiddleBeast. In 2016, he founded Dokkan, an innovative musical project that blends Egyptian and Arabic musical heritage with contemporary instrumentation. His recent collaboration with British Musician Tamsin Elliott resulted in “So Far We Have Come”, a critically acclaimed album exploring the connections between Egyptian and English folk traditions. A graduate of the Arabic Oud House, where he studied under the legendary Nasser Shamma, Tarek has taught oud at institutions like the Arabic Oud House, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar Arts School, and the German University in Cairo. passing on his expertise through years of teaching.

About the course

In-person in Cambridge| All levels welcome | No prior experience needed

This 5-week course offers a practical, hands-on introduction to the instrument, designed for absolute beginners and curious musicians alike. Whether you're completely new to music or already play another instrument, this course will guide you step-by-step into the world of the oud, Arabic music, and maqam-based improvisation.

🎼 What You’ll Learn:
● How to hold, tune, and care for your oud

● Basic technique: right-hand picking and left-hand fingering

● Introduction to maqam (Arabic melodic modes) in a clear, simple way

● Playing simple melodies and traditional phrases

● Rhythm exercises using Arabic iqa‘at (patterns)

🧭 Course Format:

● 5 weekly sessions ( 2h each)

● Small group format OR 1-to-1 private sessions

● Printed materials and audio resources included

● Bring your own oud (rentals or purchase advice available if needed)

🪕 Who is this for?

● Anyone curious about the oud
● Musicians from other traditions looking to explore Arabic music
● People of all ages and backgrounds — no music reading required

Advanced Study:
● If you'd prefer to study 1-on-1 or you’re an experienced oud player looking for more in-depth work, tailored sessions are also available. Just get in touch to arrange what suits you best.

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