DavidJE - 2-13-2014 at 12:55 PM
I've taken 4 Skype lessons with Mavrothi now (contact info here), and wanted to write a short review for anyone considering Skype lessons.
I started playing the oud last March, so I'm fairly new to it. I do have a teacher where I live, but I felt I was missing depth in some fundamental
areas, and since I play a Turkish oud and have been learning Turkish makams/compositions, I figured I'd give Mavrothi a try.
The lessons have been fantastic. I've learned more in the last 4 lessons than in the last 4 months, and I can't say enough about how good Mavrothi is
as a teacher. I was a teacher myself for nearly 20 years, so I know how much goes into putting together a good curriculum, and giving students what
they need, when they need it.
One of my favorite things about the lessons is that they're so open ended. Each exercise or thing he has me practice has an element of structure and
an element of creativity/thinking. It's just the right combination of both...the structure has me getting better at fundamental things, and the
creative/thinking aspect has me really getting to know my oud, the possibilities, and how to make music on my own.
So anyway, if you are considering Skype lessons, I would highly recommend contacting Mavrothi!