Reviews of
"Arabic Musical Scales:
Basic Maqam Teachings with 2 CD's"

 amscov
All I have to say is “WOW”!
You just put together what I was looking for , a concise but yet comprehensive material for someone like me to study and get on with my ultimate passion, Arabic music!
Several years ago, I bought an oud during a visit to Egypt. Today, I am in my forties, and still learning to read music, play the oud and the ney. The problem was: I was never able to advance because of the lack of material available to guide and teach me about Arabic music.
I bought your CD’s and book (Basic Maqam Techniques). It was a wonderful surprise. Your CD’s and book put everything I was looking for in my hands with no effort!
Thank you very much for the diligent work. Please keep it up for people like me and for every one who is willing to learn and advance in Arabic music.
I recently purchased your book entitled "Arabic Musal Scales: Basic Maqam Teachings" and I just wanted to express my appreciation for your work.I am a native of Bahrain (a small island nation in the Persian Gulf), and I have been playing the Oud for nearly 4 years now. I am currently a graduate student in one of the universities in Tokyo.
I find your book encouraging to me, as a player of the Oud. It is a good record for me to refresh and review my current knowledge of Maqam Theory, and to learn some new maqamat and modulation concepts. In my case, I have mostly taken the "oud" itself as a study subject, without focusing much on maqam theory. For this, I find your book a very useful and encouraging.
Also, as a Middle Easterner myself, I also feel very happy to see such a book in print, as it sheds light on a unique aspect of a region highly misunderstood and full of troubles in modern times.
Once again, thank you,
Hasan
I recently received your book and CD's of the Arabic scales and maqam. Thank You so much for writing such a comprehensive work. I am a former bouzoukee player .I am currently studying the cello. I am a member of the Hellenic and Near Eastern Music Society Orchestra. I am of Asia Minor heritage. My parents were born in the Smyrna Area of Turkey. They gave to me the rich traditions of that area of the world. The music is in my soul.
As much as I love playing the bouzoukee, I felt constrained at not being able to hit the quarter tones and I do hear them and feel them. The cello is the instrument I chose to allow me to express myself. Your book and CD's are a perfect tool for learning even more than I know now. I play classical music as well , but my heart and soul are in my roots.
Keep on doing what you and your beloved are doing. We need to spread Love and Peace on this Planet and Music and the arts are a fundamental way of doing this. I would love to sit and play my cello with you.
Alex
Dear Cameron,
A pleasure! You're book has just arrived and it's a godsend. Found it difficult to source a book on the nuts and bolts of Arabic music and yours fits the bill perfectly, particularly as there are supporting CDs. A really great resource - thanks!
Julian