FAQ — Duduk, Lessons, and Instruments
Q: What is the purpose of this website?
- This site exists to present my work as a recording artist.
Q: I want you to record a duduk part in my soundtrack/song. How can I do this?
- You can contact me directly through this site (Contact page) or via one of the platforms (SoundBetter, AirGigs) mentioned on the first page of this site.
Q: Do you sell duduks?
- No. I do not sell instruments. I can point to a limited number of Armenia-based makers whose instruments are reliable.
Q: How do I choose a duduk?
- Start with a standard key (A) and at least two professional reeds. Buy from the reliable maker only. Avoid decorative touristic instruments. If you travel to Armenia don't buy duduk at the Vernisage souvenir market in Yerevan. Don't buy duduk in Turkey, on eBay or Etsy.
Q: Can I buy a quality duduk in Israel?
- In most cases, no. The local market is extremely limited and inconsistent. High-quality instruments are rarely available. Occasionally, a good duduk appears second-hand, but this is not reliable as a primary option. Most serious players obtain instruments directly from established makers abroad.
Q: Is duduk easy to learn?
- No. Duduk requires an abnormal level of persistence. Over roughly twenty years I have met very few people who sustain that level of focus. Those are the only cases where I agreed to teach.
Q: Do you give lessons?
- Occasionally. Only in cases where long-term commitment is already evident. Most people underestimate the instrument. When they encounter unstable tone and physical demands, they stop. Filtering at the start avoids wasted time.
Q: I want my son/daughter to learn to play duduk. Is it possible?
Do your child a favor. Send him/her to study a normal instrument—clarinet, piano, guitar or drums—with a professional teacher. When they grow up, they will decide if they need another problem in their life.
Q: Can I learn without musical background or reading notation?
- Yes. Notation is optional. Listening accuracy and repetition matter more.
Q: What should I do if I want to start?
- Get a functional duduk and reeds. Listen a lot to Armenian music. If you are not interested in this tradition duduk is probably not for you. Work on producing a stable tone. Do not rush into repertoire.
Q: How long does it take to play something recognizable?
- A couple of lessons.
Q: Do I need circular breathing?
- No. It is irrelevant at the early stage.
Q: Why does the sound change from day to day?
- The reed is sensitive to environment (humidity, air temperature) and use.
Q: How important is the reed? How many reeds do I need?
- Critical. It defines response, tuning, and stability. You need at least two good reeds to start with. The more, the better.
Q: Can I learn on my own?
- Yes, with a higher probability of building inefficient technique.