The Art of Şelpe: A Bağlama Fingerstyle Workshop

2 Hours

All levels

0 lessons

0 quizzes

1 student

Overview
Curriculum
Instructor

Workshop: Bağlama Şelpe Session For All Levels

Date: Tuesday, 9th June 2026

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm (UK time)

Duration: 2 hours

Fee: £30

Class Size: Min. 5 – Max. 15 Students

Instructor: Ahmet Ozan Baysal

Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street and Goodge Street)

What is Şelpe?

Şelpe is one of the most distinctive and deeply rooted playing techniques of the bağlama tradition in Anatolia. Played directly with the fingers rather than with a plectrum, it can transform the instrument’s sound world so radically that it may at times evoke the impression of an entirely different instrument. In this sense, şelpe not only reshapes the sonic character of the bağlama, but also expands its expressive and musical horizons through rhythm, polyphony, resonance, touch, and subtle ornamentation.

Workshop Overview

This two-hour event is structured in two parts: the first hour will offer an open introductory workshop for curious listeners, beginners, and anyone interested in discovering the bağlama and the musical world of şelpe through cultural context, live demonstration, and simple practical exercises; the second hour will be a more focused practical session for intermediate and advanced bağlama players, concentrating on technical development, interpretation, and selected musical material from the repertoire.

The session lasts 2 hours and offers a unique opportunity to engage with Turkish musical heritage in a vibrant, communal setting.

Entry Requirements

Participants must be 16 years or older.
Bringing your own Bağlama (Saz) is highly recommended.
If you play a different instrument and would like to join the Şelpe session as part of the ensemble, you are also welcome to participate.

Disclaimer

The workshop will be delivered in English; however, some Turkish musical terminology may be used.
Please note that photography and filming may take place throughout the event for promotional and archival purposes. By registering, attendees consent to the use of their image and likeness in such materials.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 15 days before the scheduled session.
Cancellations made less than 15 days in advance are non-refundable.
If the session is cancelled by the organiser, all participants will receive a full refund.

For any questions, please contact us at londra@yee.org.tr

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Ahmet Ozan Baysal

Ahmet Ozan Baysal is a Turkish Bağlama (saz) player, composer, and performer. He specialises in şelpe technique - an Anatolian Bağlama performance technique which uses a plectrum. Having played the instrument from a very early age, much of his music is a synthesis of traditional Bağlama şelpe performance practices and inovative harmonic practices in tonal and jazz music. Baysal has performed a special design double-necked Bağlama (saz) throughout Europe, including at Festival d’Aix-en-Provence in Marseille, Walden Festival in Brussels and the EFG London Jazz Festival and the Making Tracks International Music Exchange Programme in the UK. Baysal’s interest and expertise in the Bağlama extends into academic study as a dedicated researcher of şelpe technique. After first studying as a research assistant and completing his Ph.D. (2013-2020) at Istanbul Technical University, Centre for Advanced Studies in Music (MIAM), Ozan is now a visiting scholar at SOAS, University of London, conducting his post-doctoral research. https://www.ahmetozanbaysal.com/