Greek Music & Beyond
Online Greek Oud Lessons
Learn the Greek oud — makam theory, taximi (improvisation), and the rich repertoire of Asia Minor and early rebetiko, on the fretless instrument at the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The oud is one of the oldest and most widely played instruments in the world. In the Eastern Mediterranean, it carries centuries of Greek, Ottoman, and Arabic musical thought. Yet in the West, it is often taught in isolation from the living traditions that shaped it. These lessons are rooted specifically in the Greek and Asia Minor oud tradition — the sound of early rebetiko recordings, the cafes of Smyrna and Constantinople, the expressive language of masters like Agapios Tomboulis and Udi Hrant.
The fretless neck of the oud opens the full microtonal world of the Eastern Mediterranean — intervals that no fretted instrument can produce, ornaments that depend on precise intonation, and a freedom of expression unique to fretless playing. We start from the basics of posture and risha (plectrum) technique, and build progressively toward makam-based improvisation and expressive playing. The goal is always musical fluency, not just technical accuracy.
What these oud lessons cover
- Right-hand technique — risha (plectrum) grip, stroke directions, tremolo, and dynamic control
- Left-hand technique — intonation on a fretless neck, microtonal intervals, slides, vibrato, and ornaments
- The makam system and its relationship to Greek dromi — theory, ear training, and practical application
- Taximi — the art of unmetered modal improvisation, from structure to spontaneity
- Greek and Asia Minor repertoire — songs and instrumentals from the Smyrna tradition, early rebetiko, and Ottoman-influenced compositions
- Tuning systems — standard Arabic tuning, Turkish tuning, and how tuning affects makam expression
Who this is for
No prior oud experience is needed — beginners are welcome. Guitarists and bouzouki players adapt quickly to the right hand; the fretless left hand and the makam system require patience and are taught step by step. Intermediate and advanced oud players are also welcome, particularly those who want to deepen their understanding of makam theory or explore the specifically Greek and Asia Minor dimension of the instrument.
If you are drawn to the oud but not sure whether to approach it through Greek, Turkish, or Arabic repertoire, we can discuss this in the free trial lesson. My focus is the Greek and Asia Minor tradition, but the makam system is shared across these cultures, and much of what you learn here applies broadly.
How the lessons work
- Live one-to-one sessions via Google Meet, from anywhere in the world
- Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes — longer if we need to finish a topic
- Every lesson recorded and sent to you in full, with PDFs and audio tracks for home practice
- Flexible scheduling across multiple time zones — we find a time that works for you
- Fully personalized progression — no fixed syllabus, built around your goals and pace
- Available in English, Italian, Spanish, and Greek
FAQs about oud lessons
What type of oud do I need?
For these lessons, any standard oud in Arabic or Turkish tuning works well. For these lessons, any standard oud works well — Arabic or Turkish. Arabic tuning is recommended, though Turkish tuning is also suitable. If you do not own an oud yet, I can recommend reliable makers and suppliers at various price points. We can discuss this before or during your free trial lesson.
Do I need experience to start oud lessons?
No. Complete beginners are welcome, including those with no prior musical experience at all. The oud is a demanding instrument — particularly because of its fretless neck — but we build technique gradually and systematically. If you already play guitar, bouzouki, or another string instrument, your right-hand skills will transfer, though the left hand requires a fresh approach.
What is the difference between Greek, Turkish, and Arabic oud traditions?
All three traditions share the makam system as their modal foundation, and much of the repertoire and technique overlaps historically. The Greek oud tradition is rooted in the music of Asia Minor (Smyrna, Constantinople) and in early rebetiko — it has a distinctive melodic vocabulary and a specific ornamental style. These lessons focus on the Greek and Asia Minor tradition, but the makam knowledge you gain applies across all three traditions.
What is taximi?
Taximi (also spelled taksim or taqsim) is a form of unmetered modal improvisation — a solo exploration of a makam, building from simple phrases to more complex melodic development. It is one of the highest expressive forms in Mediterranean music. Learning taximi is a central part of these lessons: we approach it gradually, starting with the structure and characteristic phrases of each makam, and building toward free, spontaneous improvisation.
What are makams, and how do they relate to Greek dromi?
Makams are the modal framework of Ottoman and Arabic music. Each makam has its own range, dominant notes, characteristic phrases, and rules for melodic development. The Greek dromi (singular: dromos) are essentially the same system as applied to Greek equal-tempered instruments. In these lessons, we learn both the makam terminology and the Greek terminology, and explore where the two traditions converge and diverge.
Is the oud hard to learn for guitarists?
The right hand adapts quickly — the risha (oud plectrum) technique is different from a guitar pick but learnable in the first few lessons. The real challenge is the fretless left hand: without frets, intonation depends entirely on your ear and finger placement. This takes time and patient practice, but it also gives you expressive freedom that no fretted instrument can match. Many of my students are guitarists, and they consistently find the transition rewarding.
Can I study both oud and bouzouki?
Yes, and several students do. The two instruments share deep historical roots and use the same modal system, but their technique and musical roles are very different. Studying both gives you a broader understanding of the Eastern Mediterranean musical world — the fretless expressiveness of the oud and the rhythmic precision of the bouzouki complement each other well.
Ready to start oud lessons?
Your first lesson is free and comes with no obligation. We meet online, I hear you play (or we start from zero if you are a complete beginner), and together we map out a learning path — whether your interest is in makam theory, taximi improvisation, specific repertoire, or all of the above.
Deepen your understanding
My books on Greek modal theory, folk music, and rebetiko complement these lessons directly. Many students use them as reference material between sessions.
