Photo: Instagram.com/music_moc
When the Saudi Music Commission was established in 2020, it envisioned a future where music gave a melodious voice to the Kingdom. Keeping in mind its mission to discover, develop, and empower musical talent while raising awareness about Saudi musical heritage the Commission recently launched the Oud House Project.
The Riyadh-based project has opened applications for people interested in learning Arab musical instruments such as the oud, duf, rebab, and mizmar. Many of these instruments have been a part of regional musical culture for centuries and are often played at celebrations across the Kingdom. Not only are they then woven into the fabric of Saudi society, but emerge as a source of cultural pride and identity.
Most important amongst these is certainly the oud as it lends its name to the project. Dating back over 3000 years, the pear-shaped instrument is considered to be amongst the oldest and most important musical instruments in the region. Often called the ‘King of Instruments’ it is an integral part of Arab history and heritage and thus remains a priority for the Saudi Music Commission.
Oud House will preserve this musical heritage through a training center for budding musicians under the guidance of legendary oud player Naseer Shamma in addition to lectures and workshops on various other instruments. Applicants can expect the curriculum to include lessons from experts on playing instruments such as the flute, bezek, cello, and violin.
