Tanbur

Courses /
  • Instrument

From Fundamentals to Advanced Turkish Music Techniques

Our Tanbur lesson begins with the essential basics of handling the instrument and using the Bağa (plectrum) to play the strings.

We prioritize practical exercises to help you master common melody phrases in classical Turkish music. At this introductory stage, the focus is on developing a solid foundation without delving into Maqams (keys). Individual lessons are highly recommended to ensure focused, personalized instruction and to address any initial challenges, such as maintaining a secure grip on the instrument.

For advanced students, once you’ve become comfortable with the Tanbur’s long neck and its note placement, we shift to playing with musical notation. Developing proficiency in reading and understanding notation is crucial for advancing on the Tanbur. We then explore the complexities of Maqams, the key structures fundamental to classical Turkish and Mediterranean music. Over the course of two semesters, you’ll become acquainted with various Maqams such as Acem, Hicaz, and Rast, and gain confidence in performing a range of musical forms including Saz Semai, Peşrev, Sirto, Longa, Oyun Havası, Beste, and Şarkı.

Tanbur

Teacher

  • Schnupperstunde buchen

    Meral Cihan

    Singer and Expert in Turkish Classical Music

    Meral Cihan’s deep passion for traditional Turkish music began in Central Anatolia , where she was inspired by her grandfather’s singing.

    Musical Journey and Education

    Meral’s journey began at six with a debut performance at her village’s primary school. After moving to Berlin in the mid-1970s, her talent flourished, and she became a celebrated performer at school festivals and concerts. At 13, she studied under Osman Sıddık Doğan and learned Bağlama, a traditional Turkish lute. She also received instruction in rhythmics and Bendir from percussionist Matthias Bautz.

    In the early 2000s, Meral pursued formal education at the Conservatory for Turkish Music in Berlin, where she focused on classical singing, Tanbur, and Turkish classical music theory. Her training continued privately with N. Karademirli, culminating in a certificate after 12 years of dedicated study.

    Professional Accomplishments

    Inspired by Petra Luise Meyer, Meral trained as a singing therapist and now teaches classical singing, Tanbur, and music theory to students from around the world. In 2010, she founded the “Meral Cihan Ensemble” to celebrate Turkish classical music and later established the “Divan Ensemble” to promote cultural exchanges between East and West.

    At the Global Music School, Meral offers expert lessons in Turkish Singing and Tanbur

    Kurse

    • Tanbur

    • Turkish Classical Singing

    Sprachen

    German, English, Turkish