Meşk – The Traditional Learning System of the Ottoman Tradition

This group class is intended for already advanced students. Good sight-reading skills and/or an excellent memory are required: the repertoire we will study consists of some of the most advanced instrumental works in this tradition—often long and complex pieces. Students are therefore expected to prepare before each class to have a relative command of the piece(s) being studied that week. 

The course is conducted somewhat like a masterclass, in which each student plays a section of the piece solo and receives feedback and demonstrations from the instructor. The piece is also played as a group to develop a musicality that considers the diverse contributions of the different types of instruments (plucked strings versus sustained tones, for example). 

 With a few exceptions, it is necessary to play an instrument capable of producing the various microtones characteristic of this tradition.