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Baha Yetkin

As everyone knows, everything is moving to the digital environment with the changing world. Instruments and music that only local people know and played for centuries can be listened to and learned in every corner of the world thanks to the internet and online platforms. Thanks to the internet, the OUD instrument, which has been included in the concerts and albums of many musicians and artists recently, is becoming more and more popular in the world.

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As everyone knows, everything is moving to the digital environment with the changing world. Instruments and music that only local people know and played for centuries can be listened to and learned in every corner of the world thanks to the internet and online platforms. Thanks to the internet, the OUD instrument, which has been included in the concerts and albums of many musicians and artists recently, is becoming more and more popular in the world.

I have been teaching the oud since 2003. I have had more than 1000 students so far. I prepared a method book to make more people love and teach the oud. I wanted to share the videos of the exercises and explanations of this method with you through this platform.

If you want to start or continue this journey with me, this course perfectly fits you. With this course, you will see how easy it is to learn an instrument with simple exercises. Even just half an hour a day will allow you to learn this lovely instrument.

In this course, you will learn how to hold our oud and plectrum(mizrap/risha), basic notes in main positions, and basic plectrum(mizrap/risha) techniques, and improve yourself with technical exercises. Also, you will apply the technique that you learn to some masterpieces from Ottoman/Turkish music.

You can buy the book on my Bandcamp page(in print and signed for your name) or digital versions in Apple and Google stores. Also, you can buy it on Amazon as a print on demand.

Besides, if you share the exercises you practice by tagging me on your own social media accounts, I will see your progress, and also it will be helpful to improve your self-confidence.

If you have any questions about the course or if you need any recommendations about buying oud please send me a message. I will be happy to answer them.

Tune your Oud and let’s start.

Baha

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn to play oud in turkish style
  • Learn how to hold oud and mizrap/risha, how to use our fingers, how to stroke and reinforce what you learn on exercises and apply to masterpieces
  • Understand how to practice yourself and practice repeatedly and patiently
  • Advise: try to play some original masterpieces from ottoman/turkish music to reinforce

Syllabus

You will be informed about the course, how to hold oud and mizrap(plectrum), main strokes
Welcome to my Turkish Oud Method Volume 1's Exercise Videos
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In this video, you will see and learn how we hold our oud and mizrap(plectrum).

In this video, you will learn our main strokes and how to play those.

We will practice this exercise before starting practicing anything. While practicing this exercise please check your holding position both body and wrist.

This subdivision has one 8th note and then two 16th notes. They are mostly written together as in the example.

This subdivision has two 16th notes and then one 8th note. They are mostly written together as in the example.

In this subdivision, the 8th note is in the middle of the group. So, the structure is one 16th then one 8th then again one 16th note. They are mostly written together as in the example.

This subdivision has four 16th notes after by after as you can see in the example.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a structured approach to learning the oud, starting with basic techniques and progressing to playing Ottoman/Turkish masterpieces
Explores the fundamentals of oud playing, including how to hold the instrument and plectrum, which are essential for developing proper technique
Features exercises that focus on specific techniques, such as using different fingers and strokes, which helps learners build a solid foundation
Recommends purchasing a method book, which may be an additional cost for learners who prefer a comprehensive learning experience
Encourages learners to share their progress on social media, which can be a great way to receive feedback and build confidence

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Reviews summary

Beginner turkish oud instruction part 1

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation for absolute beginners wanting to learn the Turkish Oud. Students frequently praise the instructor, Baha Yetkin, for his clear explanations, passionate teaching style, and encouraging approach. Many find the course structure logical, starting with basics like holding the oud and mizrap, tuning, and fundamental strokes before moving to notes and simple exercises. The included exercises are often described as helpful and well-paced for building muscle memory and technique. While the course is highly regarded for getting beginners started, some students note the value of having the companion method book, which is mentioned as a separate purchase, to fully benefit from the course material.
Requires separate purchase of method book.
"You definitely need to get the book."
"The videos are great, but the book is essential for sheet music."
"It helps greatly to have the book to follow along with the exercises."
"I found that having the method book alongside the videos significantly enhanced the learning experience."
Generally good, but some mention minor issues.
"The video quality is good and easy to follow."
"Video and audio quality are excellent."
"Videos are generally clear, though sometimes lighting could be improved slightly."
"Mostly clear videos, making it easy to see the fingering and technique."
Systematic exercises build fundamental technique.
"The exercises are well structured and easy to follow."
"I really appreciate the exercises Baha gives us."
"The exercises helped me a lot to build muscle memory and practice."
"Following the exercises systematically is very helpful for developing basic technique."
Passionate, clear, and encouraging instruction.
"Baha Yetkin has a wonderful personality and a contagious passion for the Oud."
"Baha is a wonderful teacher: clear, encouraging, and patient."
"He is a very good teacher. His explanations are clear and logical."
"The instructor's love for the instrument shines through, which is very motivating."
Excellent starting point for absolute beginners.
"It is perfect for someone who is picking up the oud for the very first time."
"This course is perfect for beginners."
"Excellent course, takes you from the beginning with the oud."
"Provides a clear path for understanding the fundamentals from scratch."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn Turkish Oud - Part 1 by Baha Yetkin with these activities:
Review Music Theory Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of music theory concepts like rhythm, scales, and time signatures to better grasp the exercises and musical pieces in the course.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Review basic musical notation and symbols.
  • Practice identifying notes and rhythms.
  • Study time signatures and their impact on musical pieces.
Explore 'The Oud: History, Music and Practice'
Gain a deeper understanding of the oud's history, construction, and playing techniques to enhance your learning experience in the course.
View Color and Culture on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read about the history and cultural significance of the oud.
  • Study the different parts of the oud and their functions.
  • Practice the exercises and musical examples provided in the book.
Daily Open String Exercises
Improve your finger dexterity and plectrum control by practicing open string exercises daily, reinforcing the techniques taught in the course.
Show steps
  • Practice playing each open string individually.
  • Alternate between different open strings.
  • Focus on maintaining a consistent tone and rhythm.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice with a Peer
Refine your technique and learn from others by practicing with a peer, providing valuable feedback and collaborative learning.
Show steps
  • Find a peer who is also learning the oud.
  • Practice exercises and musical pieces together.
  • Provide each other with feedback on technique and performance.
Record and Share Your Progress
Track your progress and receive feedback by recording yourself playing the oud and sharing it on social media, as suggested by the instructor.
Show steps
  • Record yourself playing the exercises and musical pieces.
  • Share your recordings on social media, tagging the instructor.
  • Ask for feedback from the instructor and other learners.
Study 'Turkish Music: An Overview'
Deepen your understanding of Turkish music theory and history to better appreciate the musical pieces you are learning in the course.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read about the history of Turkish music.
  • Study the different genres and styles of Turkish music.
  • Learn about the scales, rhythms, and melodic structures used in Turkish music.
Transcribe a Simple Turkish Folk Song
Develop your ear training and transcription skills by transcribing a simple Turkish folk song for the oud, applying the knowledge gained in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple Turkish folk song.
  • Listen to the song repeatedly and transcribe the melody.
  • Notate the melody for the oud, including fingerings and rhythms.
  • Practice playing your transcription on the oud.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Turkish Oud - Part 1 by Baha Yetkin will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Private Music Instructor
Private music instructors provide personalized lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. This course helps instructors who want to expand their repertoire and offer Turkish oud lessons. The course focuses on the Turkish oud, covering its techniques and repertoire. An instructor can use this course to gain proficiency in playing the oud. The course includes exercises, explanations, and applications to masterpieces, which provides a structured approach to teaching the instrument.
Oud Teacher
An oud teacher instructs students in the techniques and repertoire of oud playing. This course is specifically designed for those who want to learn the Turkish style of oud playing. It introduces fundamental techniques, including how to hold the oud and plectrum, basic notes in main positions, and basic plectrum techniques. The course also helps develop skills through technical exercises and applying techniques to Ottoman/Turkish music masterpieces. Someone who is interested in becoming an oud teacher may find the course helpful because it provides a structured method for learning and teaching the instrument. The course includes exercises, explanations, and applications to famous pieces, mirroring the kind of material an oud teacher uses with students.
World Music Performer
A world music performer specializes in playing music from different cultures around the globe. This course is particularly useful for performers who want to add Turkish oud to their skillset and repertoire. The course provides the techniques and skills necessary to play the Turkish oud. The course includes exercises and applications to famous pieces, which provides a foundational understanding of the instrument and allows performers to incorporate it into their world music performances.
Session Musician
Session musicians are freelance musicians who are hired to play on recordings or in live performances. This course offers the techniques of Turkish oud playing. The course introduces the basics, including how to hold the oud, basic notes, and plectrum techniques. The exercises, explanations, and applications to famous pieces can develop one's skills and add a unique musical texture to a session musician's playing.
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologists study music in its cultural context. This course may be useful to ethnomusicologists as it offers a focused study of the Turkish oud, its playing techniques, and its repertoire within Ottoman/Turkish musical traditions. The course helps one understand the practical aspects of playing the instrument, which enhances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Ethnomusicologists can use this course to deepen their knowledge of the oud and its cultural significance. The course includes exercises, explanations, and applications to famous pieces, which adds depth to one's understanding of the instrument.
Composer
Composers create original music for various purposes, such as film, television, or personal enjoyment. This course introduces composers to the Turkish oud, offering them a new instrument to integrate into their compositions. Someone who wishes to compose music that incorporates Middle Eastern or Turkish elements may find this course helpful. The course introduces basic techniques and allows someone to apply those techniques to Ottoman/Turkish music masterpieces. With the exercises, explanations, and applications to famous pieces, this course can develop one's understanding of the instrument, which helps composers in their work.
Music Therapist
Music therapists use music to address clients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. This course may be useful for music therapists who wish to incorporate the oud into their practice, particularly for clients interested in Turkish or Ottoman music traditions. The course introduces the basics of playing the Turkish oud, including holding techniques, basic notes, and plectrum techniques. Music therapists can broaden their musical toolkit and offer culturally specific musical experiences to their clients. The course offers exercises and applications to masterpieces, which may provide music therapists with material to share with their clients.
Museum curator
Museum curators are responsible for managing and interpreting collections of artifacts, often specializing in a particular area. This course may be useful for curators who work with musical instrument collections as the course introduces the Turkish oud. The course teaches its playing techniques, and its role in Ottoman/Turkish music. The course includes exercises, explanations, and applications to famous pieces, providing context for the oud.
Orchestrator
Orchestrators arrange music for orchestras, considering the unique timbres and capabilities of different instruments. This course helps orchestrators understand how the oud can be integrated into orchestral arrangements, especially when aiming for a Middle Eastern or Turkish sound. The course introduces the techniques and nuances of Turkish oud playing. An orchestrator can use this course to explore the instrument's capabilities and incorporate it effectively into their compositions. The course includes exercises, explanations, and applications to famous pieces, providing the orchestrator with a deeper understanding of the instrument.
Choir Director
Choir directors lead and manage choirs, selecting repertoire and guiding rehearsals and performances. This course may be useful for directors interested in incorporating Turkish music into their choir programs. The course provides an introduction to the techniques and nuances of playing the Turkish oud. This knowledge allows the choir director to better understand and integrate the oud into choral arrangements.
Music Director
A music director is responsible for the artistic and musical direction of an ensemble or organization. This course may be useful for music directors looking to expand their knowledge of world music traditions. The course specifically focuses on the Turkish oud and its techniques and repertoire. A music director can use this knowledge to incorporate the oud into performances or educational programs. The course's exercises and applications to Ottoman/Turkish masterpieces may provide valuable insights for program development.
Music Journalist
A music journalist writes about music, musicians, and the music industry for various publications. This course may be useful for a journalist who wants to expand their knowledge of musical instruments. The journalist may benefit from a deep understanding of the Turkish oud. This course offers a focused practical introduction to the instrument. A music journalist can use the course to develop insights into the techniques and cultural significance of the oud, which may be useful in their writing.
Instrument Repair Technician
Instrument repair technicians specialize in maintaining musical instruments. While this course does not deal with the repair of the oud itself, it may be useful for a technician who wishes to have a working familiarity with the instrument. They may want to develop an understanding of the oud, its construction, and the nuances of its sound production. This course introduces the basics of playing the Turkish oud. It offers a foundational exposure to the instrument which may be useful in communicating with musicians.
Music Store Manager
Music store managers oversee the operations of a retail store that sells musical instruments and accessories. This course may be useful for managers who wish to learn about the oud. The course introduces the instrument, its parts, and the basics of how to play it. This helps music store managers to better understand the needs of their customers, especially those interested in the Turkish oud.
Cultural Arts Administrator
Cultural arts administrators manage and promote cultural arts programs and organizations. This course may be useful for administrators who want to broaden their knowledge of musical instruments. The course provides an introduction to the Turkish oud. Understanding the oud and its musical traditions helps administrators to better support and promote related cultural arts initiatives.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn Turkish Oud - Part 1 by Baha Yetkin.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the oud, covering its history, construction, playing techniques, and musical styles. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the instrument's cultural significance and technical aspects. It would be a valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding of the oud beyond the basics covered in the course. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Turkish music, covering its history, theory, and various genres. It valuable resource for understanding the cultural context of the music you are learning to play on the oud. The book explores the unique characteristics of Turkish music, including its scales, rhythms, and melodic structures. It is recommended as additional reading to deepen your appreciation and understanding of the musical tradition.

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