Dear Musical Friends,
The Society for Turkish Classical Music (STCM) is pleased to announce a new session of classes with Dr. Timuçin Çevikoğlu.
We will continue with the online format successfully developed in our first year of remote classes. This incorporates strong elements of the traditional meşk instruction, with individualized feedback from the teacher, and permits us to come together from our various international locations. If the conditions of the pandemic become more favorable we hope for an in-person meşk experience later this year.
Course Offerings
The following courses will be offered this session. Here is the link to the Course Calendar for Spring 2022. Here is the link to the Registration Page.
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Class A: Ilahi Meshk
This course explores the many dimensions of the ilahis and their importance in the tradition. Students will learn about the lyrics and their meanings; the lyricists and composers; as well as the purpose and characteristics of each piece, and relevant information on rendition. Participants will deepen their knowledge of content presented in the Ilahi Intensive Class (Class D) as well as their appreciation and understanding of this special musical form. Class A meets weekly for 1.5 hours.
- Class B: Deep Theory
This course provides in depth study of makam and usul theory as taught in the traditional meşk system. Students are guided in a systematic approach to recognizing the essential characteristics of each makam studied. Each 1.5 hour session will expand on material from the previous Deep Theory course. Class B is recommended for those participating in the Ayin Intensive course. Students who have previous experience with this music may join the class even if they did not attend last semester.
- Class C: Ayin Intensive Study
Three hour classes will meet on alternating weeks for intensive study of the most highly developed forms of Turkish classical music. One of the great Mevlevi Ayins will be chosen for in depth exploration, and examples from some of the tradition’s most important forms of instrumental composition will be explored. As part of the group learning experience, each student will receive personalized instruction from the teacher. The Deep Theory course is recommended but not mandatory as a corequisite for those taking the Ayin Intensive Study class.
- Class D: Ilahi Intensive Study
This three hour class meets on alternating weeks and provides a rare opportunity for those who love to sing and play ilahis. Emphasis is given to the practical musical experience for singers, drummers, and instrumentalists. A variety of ilahis will be presented with the focus on building repertoire and practicing the music together. No background in Turkish music theory is necessary to participate in this class, although for enhanced understanding of the material, the Class A Ilahi Meşk course is recommended as a companion course.
Session Calendar
The upcoming online course session will begin on Saturday, March 5th. The A and B courses will be held weekly on Saturdays from March 5th through May 21st, each for a total of 12 classes. The C and D courses will meet on alternating Sundays. Each will meet for a total of six classes during the 12 week session. Please refer to the course calendar for meeting dates and times.
Registration and Course Materials
Course registration via the website is required before the initial class meeting. Each class builds cumulatively on previous knowledge presented; it is therefore strongly encouraged to commit to the entire series of a given class. Meetings will be recorded, and links to the recordings will be made available to registered students. Course notations will become available shortly before the start of each class.
Fees, Payment, and Scholarships
The course fee is $300 for each A, B, C or D class series. This works out to $25 per 1.5 hour class and $50 per 3 hour class. People registering for two or more class series will receive a 10% discount off the total cost. Students who register and pay in full by the date of the first class are offered a 10% discount off the total cost of courses selected. Those completing registration and payment 7 days prior to the first class will automatically receive an early registration discount of 20%. Payment can be made by check or by PayPal through the website link. PayPal now offers a Pay Later option which allows qualifying purchasers to pay within 6 months with no interest.
STCM is committed to supporting the study of this great musical tradition and strives to make these opportunities accessible to all who sincerely wish to learn. If you need financial assistance or to ask about other payment options, please let us know and we can discuss scholarship help.
Cancellation and Refund Policy/ Trial Classes
The first two A or B classes or the first C or D class may be attended on a trial basis for new students without registering. Registration and payment will be required to attend the remainder of the class series and gain access links to the class recordings.
Registration for a class series may be cancelled with full refund until two days following completion of the second meeting of an A or B class, or the first meeting of a C or D class. Subsequent refund/cancellation requests will be considered on a per case basis by STCM.
Please contact us if you have questions about the classes or scholarships. We look forward to welcoming you to the Spring 2022 class sessions and thank you for being a part of the STCM community.
With Best Wishes,
STCM Board of Directors
