Volunteer state artists introduce young talents to Turkish music

Through volunteer work, young people are provided with the opportunity to study Turkish Music without any charge.

In the Singing and Sazing Workshops and the Executive Committee, state artists keep the master-apprentice tradition alive and provide young talents with both stage experience and cultural support.

TRT Ankara Radio kanun artist Vedat Erdem Koca, who commented on the subject to an AA correspondent, said that they want to pass on the master-apprentice relationship and the chain of practice to future artist candidates.

Koca stated that he and his wife Zeyneb Altuntaş, a vocal artist at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Ankara Turkish World Music Ensemble, have been helping students for years through their own efforts, and that under the umbrella of VİSİOTT Art Music, these efforts have become professional and they have reached more young people.

Koca stated that they do not charge any fees for their work, and pointed out that examples of scholarships and support frequently heard in Western music are almost never on the agenda for Turkish music.

Koca said, "However, in this country, we need to provide more support, scholarships, and support them with all our knowledge, equipment, and network, without charging any fees, not even the cost of a photocopy of a sheet music. That's why we're gathering these young people together. There's no participation fee, no dues, no financial reward of any kind. Our only requirements are love, a passion for music, discipline, and aspiring artists."

Koca, who described music as "a never-ending journey," said, "The only difference between us and them is that we embarked on this journey earlier. Therefore, we want to share our experiences with young people and guide them."

Koca pointed out that young people draw strength from one another within the community, saying, "The biggest gain here is that young people can come together with their peers, people they don't even know, see someone like them in that community, and, motivated by this, lean into their love of Turkish music. This is a great joy for us."

Koca stated that in addition to the projects carried out, the concert revenues were also donated to the Turkish Education Foundation, and emphasized that they had no financial expectations.

Koca gave the young people the message, "Music is a challenging journey, a piece of iron. But without love, there is no practice. If there is love, that piece of iron will turn into cotton. Patience is needed, discipline is needed, education is needed, and most importantly, love is needed."

Zeyneb Altuntaş, a vocalist with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Ankara Turkic World Music Ensemble, explained that they began working on "how we can keep classical Turkish music alive, how we can continue to make young people love it, and how we can raise young people who think the same way we do."

Altuntaş, noting that one day a week is dedicated to the vocal and saz workshops, while the other day is dedicated to the Executive Committee, said, "We strive to provide young people with training in a wide range of repertoire forms from the 14th century to the present. They try to learn everything from repertoire, usul, theory, voice training, and theory to practice. We offer part-time classes similar to those offered at the State Conservatory."

Altuntaş, stating that they have completed many projects in a short time, said that they performed Erol Sayan's "One of You" to raise awareness about violence against women on March 8, Women's Day, that they performed hymns during Ramadan, that they undertook "homeland"-themed works as part of the Çanakkale Victory, and that they organized a concert called "Mahur Classic Team" at the end of the season.

Altuntaş reminded that applications for the new season continue until August 31st, and stated that candidates are primarily required to have a love for Turkish music, basic knowledge, and be between the ages of 15 and 30.

Altuntaş explained that young people can apply online through the institution's website with visuals showing their musical background and performances, and that they are then evaluated through an interview process.

Altuntaş stated that they aim to hold at least three concerts, soloist concerts, and thematic projects for special occasions in the new season, which begins in September, and that young people will also be supported with special training.