Bait Al Oud offers free qanun and oud lessons

Dubai: Music institute Bait Al Oud is offering qanun and oud lessons throughout Ramadan.

Established by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority, Bait Al Oud is holding free classes for everyone interested in learning more about Arabic music.

Instructor Bassam Shiha and his students will lead classes for the qanun. Mohammad Dohai, Sherine Tohami and Mazen Al Bager will lead the oud classes. The lessons are part of Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Ramadan evenings, which were launched this year.

In addition to classes, two concerts will be held on June 9 and 16. Popular musician Fathallah Ahmad will perform on June 9, while performers for the second concert are yet to be determined.

Oud and qanun classes will take place till June 17 at the Circle Stage in Manarat Al Saadiyat between 7.30pm and 11.30pm.

The oud, which means ‘wood’ in Arabic, is considered to be one of the oldest and key components of Arabic music compositions. Many believe the pear-shaped, string instrument is the ancestor of the European lute.

The qanun resembles a harp and is believed to have descended from the Egyptian harp. Qanun, which means ‘law’ in Arabic, has been played since the 10th century and continues to be a significant part of Arabic music today.