This September, Nizar Rohana will join Conservatorium Maastricht as the lecturer for the brand-new Jazz Master Ud, a specialisation embedded within the Master of Music in Jazz, now open for enrolment until 1 May 2026. With a career spanning classical, jazz, world, and experimental music, Nizar brings both performance expertise and a deep passion for teaching to this unique programme. The Jazz Master Ud focuses on the artistic renewal and positioning of the ud within contemporary jazz practice.
Nizar first connected with Conservatorium Maastricht as an external ud lecturer for Jazz vocals student Elena Stamatopoúlou. “Through this experience, I gradually learned more about the Conservatorium,” he says. “The idea of starting a Jazz Master’s Ud slowly began to take shape through my contact with Irja Zeper, head of the Jazz Programme. I feel that there is a very special atmosphere at Conservatorium Maastricht, and I am very enthusiastic about becoming part of it.”
Growing up in a music-loving family, Nizar was immersed in sound from an early age. His father, an amateur ud player, inspired him to begin studying the instrument, while his home was always filled with diverse sounds, from J. S. Bach to MTV. He also explored piano and keyboards, and his lifelong interest in music from around the world led him to study classical music, jazz, Indian music, and many other traditions. Over the years, he has performed extensively, both as a soloist and ensemble player, in traditional, modern, experimental, and world music projects. “Alongside performing, I have placed a strong emphasis on composition, and my music has absorbed influences from many different musical worlds,” he explains. It is precisely this broad yet jazz-rooted expertise that makes him uniquely positioned to guide students in redefining the role of the ud within jazz contexts.
Teaching has been an essential part of Nizar’s career. He began teaching while still at the conservatoire and, at just 23, had the opportunity to teach at the Edward Said Conservatory in Jerusalem. “I always believed that teaching would also contribute to my maturity as a musician,” he says. “Although my main focus has always been making music and performing, teaching has consistently been an essential part of my career, and I cannot imagine myself without it.”
As a lecturer, Nizar emphasises flexibility. “I strongly believe that a music teacher should be flexible and able to adapt to a student’s abilities, knowledge, and musical and cultural background. For me, each student is a special case and may require a different approach to the study material, whether that involves playing and interpreting pieces, sharing exercises and tasks, or exploring other methods of learning.” Reflecting on what his students have taught him, he adds: “Each individual is a universe of their own. Being a competent teacher requires flexibility, openness, and hard work. Most importantly, both as a teacher and as a musician, you must continue to grow and evolve.”
For students considering the Jazz Master Ud, Nizar encourages boldness. “I can imagine that people might wonder what this programme has to offer them. To those candidates, I would say that this programme has a great deal to offer. It is for people who are looking for something special, or perhaps for those searching for a unique voice within traditions. Expect this programme to deepen your musical knowledge, develop your instrumental skills, and help you grow as a musician. Be courageous and join!”. Within the Jazz Master programme, students collaborate with fellow jazz musicians and composers, fostering creative exchange, inspiring new ideas, and forming meaningful musical partnerships.
Nizar himself draws inspiration from nature, landscapes, human emotions, and many art forms. “What stands out most for me is beauty. I am deeply moved by beauty and strong aesthetics in every aspect of life, and I try to convey that in my creative work and in my development as a musician.” For those pursuing careers in music, his advice is: “Music can also be about curiosity, courage, and dedication. Be courageous and open about your music and your skills. Don’t keep your work to yourself and don’t be shy to share it with the world. Every experiment and every creation are a learning experience, and it is important to value the process as much as the result. Whatever tradition you come from, and whatever styles you want to combine or fuse, give yourself enough time to really explore them. Listen a lot, spend time with great recordings, and try to understand what makes each tradition special before mixing it with something else. If you take the time to appreciate and learn deeply, you’ll build a strong foundation for your own music. And from that place, your creations will feel more honest and meaningful.”
As the lecturer of the new Jazz Master Ud, Nizar will inspire a new generation of ud players at Conservatorium Maastricht. Applications are open until 1 May 2026, offering students a unique opportunity to explore rich musical traditions through a jazz-oriented lens and develop their own unique sound. More information about the application process can be found here. Conservatorium Maastricht warmly welcomes Nizar to the teaching team and wishes him a wonderful start!
