Ever wonder what instrument Roly is playing when he's not on the drums?

Learn about ancient instrument the oud in a 1 hour lesson with Samuel R. Torjman Thomas, a performer, professor of ethnomusicology and Sephardi studies, a woodwind specialist, percussionist, composer, vocalist, and oud player extraordinaire

The oud (ood... rhymes with food) is one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world, and likely originated in Mesopotania.  It dates back to at least 3000 BCE, at which point it began to appear in works of art and on decorative functional items. The oud has existed in its "modern" form for well over five hundred years. It is characterized by a round-backed body with either one or three holes, and a pegbox that is bent back from the neck. Ouds are fretless, allowing the musicians to bend and slide notes, and add vibrato.

Thomas performs worldwide, presents programming/workshops on different topics related to music and Sephardi history and culture, and teaches hazzanut for the ALEPH Institute cantorial program. He is the founder and bandleader of ASEFA, an ensemble devoted to contemporary approaches to Sephardic, north African and jazz traditions, and the artistic director of the New York Andalus Ensemble. Thomas also serves as executive director of JAMs (Jewish Awareness Through Music), an applied ethnomusicology organization.

*Time and date to be mutually agreed upon