Learn from the Masters

Ahmed Mukhtar

Oud · Arabic Music Theory · Percussion

Born in Baghdad, Mukhtar has played the oud and Arabic percussion since 1979. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad under masters Ghanim Haddad and Jameel Jerjis, worked with Arabic orchestras, and performed on Iraqi TV throughout the 1980s.

He completed an MA Diploma at the London College of Music in 1999 and a Masters in Performance from SOAS in 2003. He founded the school in 2011 to make the oud teachable in groups — properly — to adult students with no prior background in Arabic music.

Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde

Oud · Arabic Music Theory

A flamenco guitarist, producer and recording engineer based in London. Musician of the Year at the Latin UK Awards 2019. He holds a Doctorate from J H Pestalozzi University, is an Honorary Fellow of the North and Midlands School of Music, and a Fellow of the Guild of Musicians and Singers.

His recordings have been released on Nonclassical, Orpheus, ARC Music, Naxos and Orchid Classics, and include work at Abbey Road Studios. He has collaborated closely with Ahmed Mukhtar in performance and has taught oud at Taqasim since joining the school.

Saife Al-Naffakh

Oud

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Saife has had a lifelong passion for Arabic music. He studied classical music theory between 1996 and 1997 before beginning oud lessons in 2009, which covered Arabic scales (Maqamat) and solfege. He has participated in many musical events and contributed to discussions about Iraqi and Arabic music.