Turkish Art Music and Western Classical Violin Teaching: The Differences

The violin may appear to be one instrument, but this article distinguishes two teaching traditions: Turkish art music and Western classical music.

What are the differences?

The article describes differences in setup and approach. One is tuning: it gives C–G–D–A from low to high for Turkish art music, compared with G–D–A–E in Western classical playing. Turkish art music teaching places particular emphasis on movement between makams, and a shoulder rest is not treated as a requirement. Its pitch system also uses microtonal intervals described as koma, beyond the tones and semitones familiar in Western notation; koma should not be understood as a single fixed quarter-tone.

Although the instruments look similar, their setup may differ. The article describes Turkish art music violins as often having a wider fingerboard and a lower bridge. It also contrasts a preference for heavier bows in Western classical playing with lighter bows in Turkish art music; these are tendencies described by the author, not fixed rules for every player.

Can a student trained in Western classical violin also play Turkish folk or art music? Yes. Alongside European repertoire, the learner can explore Turkish art music in suitable makams, folk melodies arranged for that approach, film and television music, and popular songs.

Duygu Deniz Uşaklıgil
Rekor Sanat – Violin Teacher