Meşk is the traditional Turkish model of education in the arts. Much more than mere music lessons, it is based on the centuries-old practice of direct transmission from teacher to student in an atmosphere of mutual respect and
affection. We learn this music by studying and playing through repertoire that includes ilahiler (short, devotional Sufi hymns), Ottoman classical instrumental music, and the ayin form of Mevlevi music, a combined vocal and instrumental genre considered to be the pinnacle of Turkish music composition. Students of all levels are taught together in individual and group settings, learning much from observing the interactions between teacher and students. Vocalists of all
levels, and players of all instruments capable of playing easily outside of standard western equal- temperament (this excludes fretted and keyboard
instruments, as they are incapable of rendering the microtones inherent to Ottoman makam music) are welcome to participate.
Dr. Timuçin Çevikoğlu has devoted his life to the study and practice of Ottoman and Mevlevi musics. A superb vocalist currently living in Ankara, he is also a
master of the Ney (reed flute), Kudum (kettle drums), and Bendir (frame drum). Holding a Ph.D. in Musical Sciences, Dr. Çevikoğlu is an active researcher in
Turkish music, having authored several books and numerous articles on the traditional musical arts. He is a frequent performer in Türkiye and abroad, and
has visited the US regularly to offer musical instruction since 2010. He has taught in several Turkish universities, and has been the director of state
musical ensembles, as well as directing the annual pan-cultural Konya Festival of Mystical Music. He is featured on many recordings of Mevlevi music, and
can be seen on numerous YouTube videos.
It is possible and likely that Timuçin hoca (teacher) will be available on certain early afternoons during the week of December 11-15 for individual or small group meşk sessions,either at a private residence or the Interfaith
Sanctuary. Details will be forthcoming.
A compendium of related events:
https://linktr.ee/turkishclassicalmusic
Wednesday
December 13th 5:00 8:30 PM
Friday
December 15th 5:00 8:30 PM
Saturday
December 16th 5:00 8:30 PM
with special “Ilahi Intensive Class” 2:00 -3:30PM
Each class costs $35-$50 sliding scale
Classes held at
Interfaith Community Sanctuary
1763 NW 62nd Street
Seattle, Washington 98107
https://interfaithcommunitysanctuary.org/
