TAQSIM

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain “ The Post-Script Project revisits selected key moments and stories that shaped my journey with the oud (gambus) from 2003 to 2024. Each reflection offers fresh insights, connecting past experiences to the present, while exploring the oud’s cultural and personal significance.” This post-script reflects on an article that marked the beginning of my career as a musician, educator and  oud  enthusiast over two decades ago. Published on 3rd September 2003 in the  Nuance  section title Sultan of Strings of the  New Straits Times  and written by journalist Fazli Ibrahim, it became a turning point in my mission to elevate the  oud  within Malaysia’s cultural landscape. The article highlighted the journey of Isa Al-Husam Shuhaimi Wa’sa, a Saudi-born Malaysian who played a key role in promoting the  oud  in Malaysia. It also represents the starting point of my own dedication to these instruments. The article discusses the...

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain In 2003, I was given a transformative opportunity to serve as a music tutor at the Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (now known as ASWARA), in its Music Department (now the Faculty of Music). This opportunity marked the beginning of my journey in curriculum design and syllabus development, specifically for the gambus, a traditional instrument with deep cultural and historical roots in the Malay world.      At that time, there was no formal syllabus for learning the gambus, not just at the Akademi Seni Kebangsaan, but in any higher learning institution in Malaysia. My task was unprecedented: to create a structured, systematic method of teaching the gambus as an instrumental study subject. After reviewing my draft syllabus, which proposed a unique approach combining Middle Eastern music theory with musical notation, the Head of the Department entrusted me with this pioneering role.      Drawing on my experience studying the instrument under...

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain This year marks the 20th anniversary of my first-ever trip to Cairo. Back then, it felt like stepping into a dream I never thought I’d live: visiting the land of the Pharaohs, a place steeped in mystery and history. Cairo, with its ancient soul and vibrant modern energy, left an impression on me that remains vivid even today. It was a trip that shaped not only my understanding of the world but also my appreciation for culture, history, and music.  Cairo is a city where the past and present coexist in a mesmerising dance. Walking through its streets, I felt transported back in time. The hustle and bustle of the city carried an energy unlike anything I had experienced before. Amidst the chaos of honking cars and hurried footsteps, there was a rhythm to life in Cairo that was hard to put into words—something alive, something ancient. The Pyramid of Giza: A Childhood Dream Fulfilled One of the most anticipated moments of my trip was visiting the Pyramids of Gi...

  by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain My educational journey has been anything but conventional, fueled by passion and resilience. It all began in 2000 when I earned a Higher National Diploma from the Musicians Institute in Acton, London. Returning to Malaysia in 2002, I immersed myself in teaching at higher learning institutions and contributing to the performing arts. But despite my dedication, I soon faced a challenge: my lack of formal higher education qualifications became a barrier to advancing in academia.      By 2014, I was at a turning point. Determined to move forward, I discovered the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) program offered by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). This pilot program was designed to recognize and validate non-formal and informal learning, offering individuals like me a second chance at academic progression. Among over 300 candidates, I was one of the few who successfully converted years of teaching and performing exp...