Bağlama (Turkish Saz) | Hybrid One-to-One Course | All Levels
Starting Week: 5 October 2026
Duration: 10 weeks (10 one-to-one lessons)
Lesson Length: 45 minutes
Class Size: One-to-one
Instructor: Ahmet Ozan Baysal
Format: Online or in person
Location: Online or Yunus Emre Institute London, 10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
Fee: £385
Course Overview
Discover the rich musical tradition of the bağlama (saz), one of the most widely recognised instruments of Anatolian folk music, through this 10-week hybrid one-to-one course.
Designed for students of all levels, the course offers personalised instruction tailored to each student’s experience, pace and musical goals. Students are introduced to the kısa-sap bağlama in bağlama düzeni and the uzun-sap bağlama in bozuk düzen, alongside fundamental performance techniques using a plectrum.
Combining traditional approaches to learning Turkish music with individual tuition, students develop their instrumental technique, repertoire, listening skills and musical understanding through listening, repetition and guided performance.
Lessons may be taken online, in person at Yunus Emre Institute London, or through a combination of both formats, subject to availability.
When Are the Lessons Held?
As this is a one-to-one course, there is no fixed weekly class day or time. The course begins during the week commencing 5 October 2026 and runs for 10 weeks, with one 45-minute individual lesson per week.
Lessons are scheduled directly with the instructor according to mutual availability. Students may choose online or in-person tuition, or a combination of both, subject to availability.
After registration, students should contact Ahmet Ozan Baysal at ahmetozanbaysal@gmail.com to arrange their individual lesson schedule.
Entry Requirements & Equipment
Students must be 16 or over to attend the course. No previous musical experience is required for beginners, while students with previous experience will receive instruction tailored to their level and individual learning goals.
Students must have their own bağlama (saz) available for each lesson and are responsible for ensuring that their instrument is in suitable playing condition.
If purchasing a bağlama online, students are advised to allow sufficient time for delivery before their first lesson. For guidance on selecting a suitable instrument, please contact Ahmet Ozan Baysal at ahmetozanbaysal@gmail.com.
The Institute and instructor cannot accept responsibility for the condition, maintenance, loss or damage of students’ personal instruments or other belongings, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
To complete registration, students are required to submit the registration form.
Methods of Teaching
The course draws on Meşk, the traditional method of teaching Turkish music through listening, repetition and direct transmission between teacher and student, alongside contemporary one-to-one teaching methods.
Lessons are adapted to each student’s level and progress, gradually developing instrumental technique, traditional repertoire, listening skills and performance practice. As this is an individual course, lesson content and pace may vary according to the student’s experience and learning needs.
Assessment & Certification
Students will receive relevant learning materials covering key terminology, concepts and repertoire as appropriate to their level.
Individual feedback will be provided throughout the course to support and monitor progress.
A digital certificate of attendance or completion may be issued upon request, subject to meeting the course attendance requirements.
Course Policies and Guidelines
The course is primarily taught in English, although Turkish musical terminology may be used where appropriate. The instructor will explain unfamiliar terms and concepts during lessons.
As this is a one-to-one course, registration does not guarantee a particular lesson day or time. Lessons are arranged individually between the student and instructor according to mutual availability. Students are expected to communicate promptly when arranging or changing their schedule.
Students who need to reschedule a lesson should provide the instructor with at least 24 hours’ notice wherever possible. Lessons missed or cancelled by the student with less than 24 hours’ notice may be treated as attended and may not be rescheduled or refunded, except where otherwise agreed by the Institute in exceptional circumstances.
If the instructor or Institute needs to cancel or reschedule a lesson, reasonable efforts will be made to offer an alternative date or time. Where circumstances beyond the Institute’s reasonable control affect delivery, alternative arrangements may be offered where practicable.
Students attending lessons at the Institute should arrive on time. Late arrival does not normally extend the scheduled lesson time, as this may affect subsequent lessons and other Institute activities.
For online lessons, students are responsible for having a suitable device, internet connection, audio setup and environment for participation. The Institute cannot be held responsible for lesson time lost due to technical difficulties arising from the student’s equipment or internet connection.
Students are expected to treat the instructor, Institute staff and other participants with respect and to follow reasonable instructions relating to health, safety, safeguarding and the appropriate use of Institute premises and equipment. The Institute reserves the right to address inappropriate, abusive, disruptive or unsafe behaviour and, where necessary, discontinue a student’s participation in accordance with its applicable policies.
The Institute reserves the right, where reasonably necessary, to make changes to lesson arrangements, teaching format, course content or instructor. Students will be informed of significant changes as soon as reasonably possible, and appropriate alternative arrangements will be considered where necessary.
Students should practice and participate within their own physical limits and inform the instructor of any relevant condition or injury that may affect their ability to play safely. Students should stop playing and seek appropriate advice if they experience pain or significant discomfort.
Students are responsible for the security and appropriate insurance of their instruments, equipment and personal belongings while attending lessons. The Institute and instructor cannot accept responsibility for loss, theft or damage except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
Cancellations, Withdrawals & Refunds
Students may withdraw before their first scheduled lesson in accordance with the Institute’s applicable cancellation and refund terms.
Once individual tuition has commenced, any refund will be considered in accordance with the Institute’s applicable refund policy, taking into account lessons already delivered or scheduled. Lessons missed by the student or cancelled without the required notice are not normally refundable.
Nothing in these course terms is intended to limit or exclude any statutory rights or liabilities that cannot legally be limited or excluded.
Attendance & Certification
Students are expected to attend their individually scheduled lessons regularly.
A minimum attendance of 60% is required to be eligible for a course certificate. Lessons recorded as missed because of non-attendance or late cancellation may count as absences for certification purposes.
Photography & Recording
Photography or video recording may occasionally take place at the Institute for archival or promotional purposes. Students will be informed where appropriate and may notify the Institute or instructor if they do not wish to appear in such material.
Students may not record, reproduce or distribute lessons, teaching materials or recordings of the instructor without prior permission.
Communication & Feedback
This course is organised and administered by Yunus Emre Institute London, with individual lessons delivered by the course instructor.
Students are encouraged to contact the instructor directly regarding lesson content and scheduling. All administrative matters, including registration, payments, refunds, complaints and other course-related enquiries, should be directed to Yunus Emre Institute London.
By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge that they have read and accepted the applicable course information, policies and terms and conditions.
For any questions or enquiries, please contact:
Yunus Emre Institute London
10 Maple Street
London W1T 5HA
Email: londra@yee.org.tr
Tel: +44 (0)20 7387 3036
