Turkish Saz Mastery | Hybrid One-to-One Course | All Levels
Date: Any day agreed with the Instructor between 28 April – 12 July 2025
Time: 30-minute slots each week for online lessons; 60-minute slots for in-person sessions
Duration: 10 weeks
Fee: £275
Class Size: One-to-one (Group lessons in Week 5 and Week 10)
Instructor: Ahmet Ozan Baysal
Location: ONLINE platforms or 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street and Goodge Street)
Hybrid Course Structure:
- Weeks 1-4: Online one-to-one lessons
- Week 5: In-person group lesson (Meşk) at the Institute, open to students and guests (60 minutes) | June 5th between 6:30 – 7:30 pm
- Weeks 6-9: Online one-to-one lessons
- Week 10: Final in-person group lesson (Meşk) at the Institute, open to students and guests (60 minutes) | July 12th between 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Online One-to-One Lessons:
Students have the flexibility to schedule online one-to-one lessons on any day agreed upon with the instructor. Each session will last 30 minutes.
In-Person Group Lessons at the Institute (Meşk Sessions):
Week 5 (5th June) and Week 10 (12th July) will feature in-person group sessions at the Institute. These sessions will be structured as traditional “Meşk” gatherings, where students play together and experience collective learning. Each session will last 60 minutes. Outsiders interested in trying the Bağlama are welcome to attend these sessions for a fee (Outsiders who would like to attend or try out the classes for Week 5 and Week 10 will need to pay a fee of £25 for each session. Please contact the Institute at londra@yee.org.tr to register for one of these sessions.)
Entry Requirements
You must be 16+ to attend the course.
A Saz is required for this course.
Students are required to complete the form to register successfully.
Course Overview
This hybrid course provides personalized instruction with flexible scheduling options for both online and in-person lessons over a 10-week period.
The course introduces students to the Bağlama (Saz), one of the most well-known instruments in Anatolian folk music. It offers a practical introduction to the Kisa-sap Bağlama in bağlama düzeni and uzun-sap Bağlama in bozuk düzen, and its basic performance styles using a plectrum.
Classes will be conducted online and in-person at the Institute. Online lessons will be 30-minute individual one-to-one sessions, while in-person sessions (including group Meşk sessions) will last 60 minutes. The group lessons in Week 5 and Week 10 will offer students an opportunity to play in an ensemble and gain experience in a communal setting.
📩 To book your weekly session, please arrange your 30-minute slot with the instructor at ahmetozanbaysal@gmail.com after registration.
Methods of Teaching
The course will be taught according to the traditional training and the educational model used in Istanbul, which has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years.
Assessment & Certification
- Students will receive a hand-out at the beginning of the course detailing terminology and key concepts.
- Feedback will be provided throughout the course to track progress.
- A digital certificate of attendance or completion will be issued upon request via email.
Required Equipment & Materials
- A Bağlama (saz) is required for this course. Students must have their own instrument before starting the course.
- If purchasing a Bağlama online, allow at least two weeks for shipment to ensure timely receipt before the course begins.
- Contact Ozan Baysal at ahmetozanbaysal@gmail.com for purchasing recommendations.
Course Policies and Guidelines
- The course is primarily taught in English, but some terminology may be in Turkish. Your instructor will clarify any terms or concepts as needed during the class.
- Some classes may require specific equipment or materials. Please check the course requirements beforehand to ensure you have everything you need to fully participate.
- For your safety and comfort, we recommend avoiding wearing loose clothing, especially items with large cuffs and neckties, during classes.
- While the Cultural Institute strives to maintain a safe learning environment, students are reminded that they are solely responsible for the security of their personal belongings. The Institute assumes no liability for any loss or damage to personal items incurred during course activities.
- The Cultural Institute endeavors to maintain a conducive learning environment by ensuring that courses meet a minimum enrollment. If this requirement is not met by the end of the registration period, the Institute reserves the right to cancel the course one day prior to its scheduled start. In such cases, any course fees paid by enrolled students will be promptly refunded in full. Refunds will be processed to the student’s designated bank account, unless the course was purchased online, in which case refunds will be issued via PayPal.
- Classes may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling based on unforeseen circumstances. We will make every effort to notify you in advance and offer alternative arrangements if possible. We advise students to keep two weeks free from the course end date.
- Applicants can withdraw their application without incurring any charges up until the commencement date of the course. Withdrawals made after the course has started will incur a 25% administration fee, deducted from any refundable amount. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after the completion of two weeks of course instruction.
- Successful completion of the course requires a minimum attendance of 60%. Students failing to meet this requirement will not be eligible for course certification.
- Photography and videos may be taken during classes for archival and promotional purposes. Your participation in the class implies consent for us to use these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform your instructor.
- Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding the class structure or content, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor, the administrative staff or the coordinator.
By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.
If you have any questions or queries, please direct them to us on londra@yee.org.tr
