I teach the Turkish instrument known as a Baglama or as most know it as Saz ( Saz means instrument in turkish ), and is one of the very first stringed instruments created, upto 6000 yrs ago.
It is the Grandfather of all stringed instruments.
I have been teaching since 1986 and have had many students who have succeed either abroad or locally, I am the only Baglama teacher in NSW, who has special permission to Teach from the Turkish Radio and Television ( TRT ) notation archives.
All Folk songs are taught the way it was originally written, Including regional Tavir strumming and regional tuning of various styles. I have also studied music in Turkey, Ankara by the legendary teacher, Ihsan Ozturk. ( Student of Nida Tufekci, and was linked to Muzaffer Sarisozzen, Father of Modern Day Turkish Folk Music by introducing notation to Turkiye in the early 1940’s ).
I have taught for Mariif International Schools Auburn Campus, The Academy of Turkish music and fine arts and Musali performing arts.
I came First for the world music competition at the event held by Sydney eisteddfod music challenge competition and have performed at many festivals, from Sydney Opera house to Bellingen and Woodford festival, ( to many to list)
Techniques and reading notes are taught on a individual set program to ensure the success and learning ability of each student. Once the student has completed their song, he or she will then record a solo on video to guarantee he or she has as a memory for future use or as a reminder of songs learnt. Some parents have granted me to use some students Solo Performance video to be shown on YouTube,
search : Seztunes or
YouTube@seztunes
and you will see some examples of my students , young and old completing their songs learnt.
You will learn …
1. Karaduzen
2. Fidayda düzen
3. Misket düzen
4. Baglama düzen
5. And finally Tavır düzen.
Düzen is the various tuning styles the Baglama has, according to region and method.
But most importantly, music is rhythm and if you don’t strum in rhythm then it just sounds as noise..
The pick ( or tezene) , hand is most important part of the baglama, not the finger position pressing the notes, please don’t get deccived by thinking otherwise.
My students are from many nations and are still impressed by my teaching style.. but eventually, the student becomes the
( teacher/master/performer/ …)
Some interesting Facts: true.
There are only 3 instruments in the world that you can play non stop for 24hrs to people and they will not find it disturbing, Annoying or irritating,
1st. Piano,
2nd. Acoustic Guitar, and
3rd. The Baglama. (Saz)
Musical Regards