Dear Friends,

Thanks so much to everyone who was able to join us today for the introductory classes in the new series being offered by Timuçin Çevikoğlu through the Society for Turkish Classical Music. We were exposed to a lot of information, and the structure of what is proposed to be taught over the twelve-week session was clarified for us. Some people attended both classes to see which would feel most appropriate to choose, and some people may wish to modify their selection of classes based on what was described by Timucin Hoca. We will try to summarize for everyone’s benefit.

There are two primary areas of study that will be taught in this session of classes, and each topic will be taught with a theoretical and a practical component offered.

One set of classes will focus mainly on the study of ilahis. The theoretical component will use the modern Turkish theory system to give a basic understanding of the elements of makam (the melodic modes) and rhythm. Examples will be drawn from the large body of ilahis that form an important part of Turkish Sufi music. The theory provides a framework and vocabulary for understanding the structure of ilahi compositions and facilitates a more effective and authentic performance of this beautiful genre of music. The basic theory class with ilahi focus (Class “A”) is offered for 1.5 hours every Saturday (10 AM Pacific time). This theory class will have some practical content as examples from the ilahi repertoire will be studied to illustrate proper application.

The practical aspect of the ilahi study (Class “C”) will be offered every other week (Sundays at 10 AM Pacific time) in a three-hour intensive class. Here the focus will be on improving the practice of the music and developing a repertoire of ilahis in different makams. This class will be offered with more of a meşk format in which participants will sing/drum/play along with Timucin (while muted), and receive practical guidance on refining and improving their skills. Some individualized instruction may be incorporated and the meanings of the texts will also be looked at. There will be some theoretical component of this class to underscore basic principles and differentiate subtle characteristics, but the focus will be mostly practical. The 1.5-hour weekly basic theory class provides excellent support for this hands-on experience but is not strictly required to take this three-hour intensive class.

The other set of classes will use the Mevlevi Ayin repertoire as a primary source of study material. The 1.5-hour deep theory with Ayin focus class (Class “B”) will be offered every Saturday at 11:45 AM Pacific time (after the basic theory class), and uses the traditional Turkish music theory system to understand the more subtle aspects of makam needed to portray the authentic flavors of the music. This class will mostly address the theory but will use some practical examples to illustrate the concepts and features described. Timucin Hoca is proposing to try a new teaching approach with us aimed at facilitating a more accurate perception and application of the melodic nuances needed to correctly render the repertoire. 

The practical component of the Ayin study (Class “D”) will be done in the meşk style (as much as the Zoom format will permit). The three-hour intensive will be offered on alternating Sundays (at 10 AM Pacific) with the focus on improving understanding and practical application skills. In each class, students will have a chance to individually repeat passages demonstrated by Timucin Hoca and receive personalized direct feedback. Although the practice is emphasized most, the theory will necessarily be referenced in this intensive class, and it is strongly recommended to take the related 1.5-hour deep theory class (Class “B”) to be able to participate at this level.

Please consider these descriptions and the times and details shown on our website and be welcome to make (or revise if needed ) your registration choices to let us know how you may like to continue. 

We understand that some may need more time to understand the differences between the classes to find the right fit,  you are welcome to try the other classes anytime to help make a decision.

Thank you again for your interest and support of this musical tradition, and we look forward to learning with everyone in this wonderful opportunity.

STCM Board🌷

Meg Emine Savlov

Mahmud Burton

Timothy Kinsella

Gary Haggerty

Fatima

Fumiko Wellington