John Berberian

John J. Berberian (born October 9, 1941) is an American musician known for his virtuosity on the oud, the Middle Eastern stringed instrument.

Early life Berberian was born in New York City as the son of Armenian immigrants. His father, Yervant Berberian, was an accomplished oud player and an instrument maker. Oud masters of Armenian, Turkish, and Greek heritage frequented his family's home. John Berberian started his musical education learning the violin, but by the age of 10 began imitating his father on the oud. At the age of 16, he had his first job as a musician, playing the oud in a band in Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

Education He graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in economics, and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. While a student, he performed regularly in Manhattan nightclubs. From the early 1960s, he recorded for a variety of labels including Mainstream Records (his first label), Personal life He is a trustee of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, and lives with his family in Shrewsbury.

Discography Expressions East (Mainstream, 1964) Oud Artistry (Mainstream, 1965) Music of the Middle East (Roulette, 1966) Middle Eastern Rock (Verve, 1969) A Mid Eastern Odyssey (Olympia, 1973) Echoes of Armenia (Olympia, 1976) The Dance Album (Olympia, 1978)

Accompaniment With Rosko, Music And Gibran (A Contemporary Interpretation) (Verve Forecast, 1968) (musical accompaniment)