On 15 December 2021, I completed my PhD in artistic research at Leiden University Academy for Creative and Performing Arts. The graduation ceremony included a concert at the venue Sijthoff, followed by the defence at the prestigious Academiegebouw of Leiden University.

My thesis, ‘Ūd Taqsīm as a Model of Pre-Composition, includes a number of new compositions for solo Oud inspired by the improvisations of the great Egyptian ud players Muhmmad al-Qasabji and Riyad al-Sunbati. These pieces include some of the favourable works among my audience such as Safsaf Abyad (White Willow) and Mufradat Nahawand. 

Find out more about my PhD project here: