Dear Friends of Meshk,
After a short break, Meshk Society is launching a more active term with the addition of new classes. In the meantime, small adjustments have been made to some lessons to increase their effectiveness:
The ÂYÎN CLASS and ILÂHÎ CLASS will continue in the upcoming term.
In the ÂYÎN CLASS, which is designed for participants who have at least basic theoretical knowledge of Turkish music and sufficient performance skills, the lessons will continue to be held for 120 minutes (2 hours) per week in the new term.
As participants from previous classes are aware, the Âyîn Class introduces the composers and lyricists of âyîn-i şerîfs, analyzes the lyrics in terms of structure and meaning, and explains their relationship with rhythm and form. The classes particularly focus on modes (makâm), modulations (geçki), and pitch transitions of the pieces studied, aiming to enhance participants’ performance skills through practical exercises.
The first part of the class, which started on April 6 and covers the Râst Âyîn-i Şerîf by Kutbünnâyî Osmân Dede, has been completed in 18 hours (9 weeks); the remaining part will be completed in 24 hours (12 weeks).
In the ILÂHÎ CLASS, which also started on April 6 and continues for 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) per week, approximately 15 hours have been completed in 9 weeks. From now on, based on participants’ requests, this class will be conducted in two parts:
In the first part, which will continue to last 90 minutes per week, basic concepts of Turkish music and Sufi music culture will be conveyed through ilâhî hymns. Brief information about the composers and lyricists of the hymns will be shared, the lyrics will be explained, modes, modulations, and pitch characteristics will be emphasized, and performance will follow rhythmic patterns (usûl). This section will not include individual practice, and it is open to ilâhî enthusiasts of all levels.
In the second part, also lasting 90 minutes per week, each ilâhî will be individually practiced by playing and singing to improve the participants’ performance skills.
This part is for those who wish to develop or improve their performance abilities. These lessons will continue indefinitely, without a set term limit.
Participants in the Tuesday classes since February 4 have been found to be at a suitable level to join these new classes. Therefore, separate classes are not necessary, and those attending Tuesday sessions may now join the ÂYÎN CLASS and/or the ILÂHÎ CLASS.
You can register for classes on the registration page.
In addition, preparations for the following classes to begin in the upcoming term have been completed:
NOTATION CLASS – I
This class aims to teach participants European music notation so that they can read and play Turkish Music pieces written in this system.
The program will last 8 weeks, with 120-minute (2-hour) sessions per week.
It is open to those who have no knowledge of notation or feel their knowledge is insufficient.
BENDÎR and KUDÛM CLASS – I
This class will focus on developing and enhancing the ability to play bendîr and kudûm through practical work.
The program will also last 8 weeks, with 120-minute (2-hour) sessions per week.
It is open to those who wish to learn or improve their playing of these instruments.
Also planned for the upcoming term:
TURKISH AND OLD TURKISH (OTTOMAN TURKISH IN ARABIC SCRIPT) CLASS
Turkish was written in Arabic script for over a thousand years. During this time, many Arabic and Persian words and elements entered the Turkish language. These lessons will enhance understanding of the structure, rhythm, style, and content of Turkish music works.
RHYTHM THEORY AND PRACTICE (WITH BENDÎR AND KUDÛM) CLASS
Rhythm (usûl) is the foundation of Turkish Music (especially Sufi Music). Since compositions are built and performed within rhythmic cycles, these lessons will focus on rhythm through hands-on practice.
MAKÂM THEORY AND EAR TRAINING CLASS
Makâm cannot be learned through theory alone. In Turkish music education, theory is a supportive tool that aids practice. Thus, these lessons will also be conducted through musical pieces.
LYRIC (GÜFTE) ANALYSIS CLASS
Including aruz and syllabic meter systems, poetic forms, concepts, terminology, symbols, metaphors, and related stories.
NEY CLASSES
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced levels
ÛD CLASSES
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced levels
MEVLEVÎ MUSIC LYRICS CLASS
Study of Persian, Arabic, and Old Turkish couplets from Mevlevî Âyîns.
ILÂHÎ LYRICS CLASS
Study of lyrics from mosque and lodge (tekke) compositions categorized under the general theme of ilâhî.
CALLIGRAPHY (HÜSN-İ HAT) CLASS
MINIATURE ART CLASS
