Nicola

Born and raised in Italy, Nicola arrived at the School of Oud Online without ever having heard an oud, a maqam system, or any musical tradition originating from the Arab world. Coming from a background completely outside Middle Eastern heritage, he stepped into a complex modal universe that has intimidated beginners for generations. What followed was a remarkable transformation built on curiosity, deep discipline, and continuous study.

Through RAMY’s 7-Layer Sheet Music System, Nicola unlocked the secrets of the instrument step-by-step. The system transformed complex microtones and intricate fingerings into a clear, precise map. Extremely detail-oriented, Nicola applied himself to mastering sight-reading, pick stroke precision, and regional ornamentations with rare focus. Today, when Nicola plays, his sound carries a profound level of authenticity and spiritual depth—capturing the true soul of the maqam as if he had studied it in traditional Middle Eastern courtyards his entire life.

Now preparing for his upcoming graduation in the final stages of the program, Nicola stands on the brink of a historic milestone. He is set to become the first Italian graduate of the School of Oud Online, establishing himself as a pioneer of the instrument in Italy, where few—if any—play with his degree of precision and cultural fluency. Nicola’s story is the ultimate proof that true art knows no borders: equipped with Ramy Adly\'s 7-layer method, a student starting from zero can rise to represent an entire nation on the global stage.