The Art of Ney: An Intensive Weekend Journey into Ney Music

Overview: This immersive weekend workshop invites participants to jump into the heart of the instrument Ney. Led by Özlem Yılmaz, the workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of the instrument’s history, spiritual significance, and technical mastery. It is designed for both beginners eager to discover the Ney and experienced musicians looking to deepen their understanding of modal musical traditions.

For those who have never played the Ney before or feel frustrated with their sound, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to start fresh. Over two intensive days, we will approach the Ney from the very beginning, focusing on producing the first tones or strengthening existing sound quality. If you have tried to make sound from the Ney and failed, we will gather to face and beat the demon together, getting to know this instrument closely.

What to Expect:

• Historical Context: Learn about the origins of the Ney and its role in Turkish classical and Sufi music.
• Practical Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with basic to advanced Ney playing and sound gain / improvement techniques.
• Spiritual Insights: Discover the Ney’s connection to Sufism and its meditative qualities.
• Collaborative Practice: Participate in group exercises to explore improvisation and maqam (modal systems), as well as basic rhythm forms.
• Performance Opportunities: Showcase your progress in a supportive and encouraging environment.
• Supportive Group: Jump into the instrument that you always want to play, with a group that will share your experience and emotions.

Who Should Attend:

• Ney lovers of all levels seeking to broaden their technique and repertoire.
• Beginners who have tried long to make sound but couldn’t manage to do it.
• Intermediate players who want to better their sound but don’t know how.
• Individuals interested in the spiritual aspects of music.
• Anyone curious about the modal music or Anatolian Sufi music, as well as the rhythm forms.

Duration: Intensive Weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 5 hours per day)

Location: Karl-Marx-Str. 190

Materials Provided:

• Ney instruments (available for borrowing or purchase). 
• Workshop booklet with exercises and historical notes as well as music sheets.

Join us to connect with the timeless beauty of Turkish music and discover the transformative power of the Ney!