The Shimmer Filtered from the Strings: Kanun Education

The kanun is one of the richest and most shimmering members of the string instrument family. As an indispensable instrument, especially in Turkish Art Music, the kanun offers both melodic and harmonic richness with its numerous strings stretched across it and its unique mandal (lever) system. This unique instrument, which has also found a place on the world music stage in the hands of modern masters like Göksel Baktagir and Aytaç Doğan, takes listeners on a magical sound journey. At Peska Sanat, we offer you professional guidance on your adventure of learning this elegant instrument.

Why Should You Learn the Kanun?

Playing the kanun develops your musical talents in a multifaceted way:

• Makam and Harmony Knowledge: The kanun, by its very structure, is one of the instruments that most concretely teaches the makam system and harmony knowledge of Turkish music. The mandal system is a practical laboratory for understanding microtonal sounds (koma).
• Fine Motor Skills and Coordination: Striking the strings with plectrums attached to the fingers of both hands requires extremely precise hand-wrist-finger coordination and fine motor skills.
• Musical Hearing and Memory: Finding the right note among numerous strings and performing pieces strengthens musical hearing and memory.
• Unique Timbre and Expressive Power: The bright and fluid sound of the kanun allows for the interpretation of both cheerful and melancholic pieces with great expressive power.

What Does Kanun Education at Peska Sanat Cover?

Our education program is designed to cover all the subtleties of playing the kanun:

• Basic Techniques: The correct placement of the instrument on the lap, proper sitting posture, and the correct use of thimbles and plectrums (mızraps) worn on the fingers.
• Plectrum Exercises: Basic plectrum striking exercises designed to produce clean, clear, and rhythmic sounds with both hands.
• Mandal System and Tuning: The use of the mandal system, which allows for obtaining the microtonal sounds unique to Turkish music, and the correct tuning of the instrument.
• Theory and Repertoire: Learning the theory of Turkish Art Music and performing a rich repertoire of the most well-known peşrevs, saz semaisis, and şarkıs with this knowledge.
• Ornamentation and Advanced Techniques: Studies on ornamentation techniques like çarpma (grace notes) and trills that add soul to the pieces, and advanced improvisation (taksim) skills.

Who Can Take Kanun Lessons?

Kanun education is open to music lovers of all ages who are captivated by the magic of this instrument:

• Those interested in Turkish Art Music: Those who want to learn one of the instruments that best reflects the basic structure and soul of this music.
• Those in search of a different instrument: Those looking for a unique timbre and playing technique different from instruments like the piano or guitar.
• Students aiming for the conservatory: Those preparing for Turkish Music departments and choosing the kanun as their primary instrument.
• Those who want to deepen their music theory: Musicians from any branch who want to understand makams and koma sounds in a practical way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to start playing the kanun? 
Like any instrument, the kanun requires disciplined work. It may take time to get used to using the plectrums and mandals, especially at the beginning. However, making progress with the right method and regular practice is extremely enjoyable.

Do I need to buy a kanun right away for lessons? 
Having your own instrument to practice regularly is ideal. A professional instrument is not necessary to start. Our instructors will help you choose a student kanun that fits your budget and level.

The mandal system looks very complicated, can I learn it? 
The mandal system is the most characteristic feature of the kanun and may seem complex at first glance. However, our training ensures that you can easily grasp this system by teaching the logic of the mandals step-by-step and practically within the context of makams.