Turkish Saz Course | Hybrid One-to-One Course | All Levels

Description

Bağlama (Turkish Saz) | Hybrid One-to-One Course | All Levels

 

Date: 23 September – 9 December 2025

Duration: 12 weeks total (10 one-to-one lessons + 2 group workshops)

Lesson length: 45 mins (one-to-one) | 60 mins (workshops)

Fee: £285 (covers all 10 one-to-one lessons and 2 group workshops)

Class Size: One-to-one (with group Meşk sessions in Week 6 and Week 12)

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 1–5: Online one-to-one lessons (flexibly scheduled with the instructor) or in-person one-to-one lessons (Tuesdays only at the Institute)

• Week 6 (28 October): In-person group lesson (Meşk) at the Institute, open to students and guests (60 minutes)

• Weeks 7–11: Online one-to-one lessons (flexibly scheduled with the instructor) or in-person one-to-one lessons (Tuesdays only at the Institute)

• Week 12 (9 December): Final in-person group lesson (Meşk) at the Institute, open to students and guests (60 minutes)

Online and In Person One-to-One Lessons:

Students may schedule their online one-to-one lessons flexibly on any day agreed with the instructor. In-person one-to-one lessons are available only on Tuesdays at the Institute, scheduled in agreement with the instructor.

📩 To book your weekly session, please arrange your 45-minute slot with the instructor at ahmetozanbaysal@gmail.com after registration.  

In-Person Group Lessons at the Institute (Meşk Sessions):

Week 6 (28 October) and Week 12 (9 December) will feature in-person group workshops (Meşk) at the Institute. These sessions follow the traditional Meşk format, a core method in Turkish music where learning takes place collectively through playing, listening, and repeating together. They are open to current Bağlama students, beginners who are curious to start, musicians of other instruments, and anyone interested in experiencing this tradition. Each workshop lasts 60 minutes and is included in the course fee for enrolled students. External participants who would like to attend or try out the Bağlama classes during these sessions are welcome for a fee of £25 per session. Please contact the Institute at londra@yee.org.tr to register.

Register for the workshops via the buttons below:

Course Schedule (Autumn 2025)

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 over a 12-week programmeconsisting of 10 one-to-one lessons and 2 group workshops (Meşk).

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 kısa-sap Bağlama in bağlama düzeni and the uzun-sap Bağlama in bozuk düzen, as well as basic performance styles using a plectrum.

Online one-to-one lessons (45 minutes) may be scheduled flexibly on any day agreed with the instructor, while in-person one-to-one lessons are available only on Tuesdays at the Institute.
In addition, two in-person group workshops (Meşk) of 60 minutes each will take place in Week 6 and Week 12. Following the traditional Meşk format in Turkish music, these workshops provide a unique opportunity for students, beginners, musicians of other instruments, and anyone interested to experience collective learning through playing together.

All group workshops are included in the course fee for enrolled students.

Methods of Teaching  

The instrument is traditionally learned through the Meşk system—a communal and oral method of teaching where students learn by listening, repeating, and playing together with the master and peers. In this course, teaching combines this centuries-old practice with modern one-to-one instruction. Students will gradually learn basic techniques, traditional repertoires, and performance styles while developing their own playing skills step by step.

 

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.  
• Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for playing a string instrument.
• 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