WORKSHOP PROGRAM BY ARIFA
The Language of Rhythm – Workshop by Sjahin During
In this workshop Sjahin During introduces rhythm as a universal language that connects musical cultures and traditions. Participants work with rhythmic concepts from Afro-Cuban, African, Balkan, Middle Eastern and Indian traditions, exploring how cross-rhythms, odd meters and rhythmic modulation can enrich improvisation, ensemble playing and personal creativity. The workshop blends listening, body-percussion and guided rhythmic exercises to expand rhythmic awareness and expression.
Sjahin’s teaching is rooted in decades of collaboration and study with musical masters from Cuba, India, Turkey, Africa and the Mediterranean. As a long-time educator at HKU Conservatory in Utrecht and guest lecturer at conservatories and festivals around the world, he integrates non-Western rhythmic ideas and applies them to contemporary music making. Participants learn how to decode complex rhythmic patterns and translate them into their own playing, solos, arrangements and compositions.
The language of rhythm is explored in an accessible and interactive way. The workshop encourages a deeper physical and musical connection to rhythm through movement, collective exercises and improvisation. It offers insight into how rhythmic traditions can be transformed into fresh and personal artistic expression.
Improvisation as Creative Freedom – Workshop by Antonio Moreno
Antonio Moreno is a Spanish Russian trumpeter and composer based in Amsterdam. He is known for his lyrical sound, cinematic harmonies and the way he blends Mediterranean colours with contemporary improvisation. Besides his background in jazz and contemporary music, Antonio has one foot firmly planted in global and ethnic traditions, which have always shaped his musical language and artistic vision.
In this workshop Antonio invites the participants into the world of free play and musical imagination. The focus is on improvisation as an open landscape, where sound, movement and intuition come together. No technical background is required. The workshop is suitable for musicians of all levels and for anyone curious about creative expression.
Improvisation is approached as a form of exploration rather than a style. Participants work with guided exercises, collective listening and spontaneous composition. The emphasis is on building confidence, developing personal sonic identity and reacting to the moment.
Through simple tools and hands on interaction, Antonio introduces ways of using melody, gesture and texture to transform ideas into music. The workshop offers a safe and inspiring environment where each participant can contribute and discover their own voice. The goal is to experience music as a space of shared creativity, intuition and artistic freedom.
Makam | Vocal and Instrumental Modal Expression Workshop by Burak Savaş
In this workshop, Burak Savaş introduces the foundations of Turkish Makam as an expressive musical language. Participants explore how melodic pathways, phrasing, ornamentation and microtonal intervals shape interpretation in Ottoman classical and contemporary Turkish music. The focus is on understanding how Makam is performed, felt and interpreted by both singers and instrumentalists.
Drawing from his experience as a performer and teacher at Codarts Conservatory, Burak guides participants through practical approaches to modal thinking and stylistic expression. Through demonstrations, listening and guided practice, the workshop investigates how voice and instruments make use of the same modal system and expressive vocabulary. Elements such as melodic development, intonation, ornamentation, articulation and modal improvisation are explored in a hands on and interactive way.
Burak’s artistic background as a vocalist and multi instrumentalist (tanbur, lavta, violin) and collaborations with ensembles such as Kudsi Erguner Ensemble, Birun Ensemble and Lamekan Ensemble enrich his approach. His teaching highlights the connection between traditional repertoire, contemporary interpretation and creative improvisation, opening pathways to deeper modal expression.
This workshop is suitable for both singers and instrumentalists who wish to develop a practical and creative understanding of the Turkish Makam tradition.
Self-Management for Artists – Workshop by Sjahin During
In this workshop Sjahin During guides musicians through the essential tools and strategies needed to build and sustain a professional artistic career. Instead of approaching the topic from an industry or academic perspective, Sjahin works from his own experience as an internationally active artist and producer. The workshop focuses on developing a clear artistic identity, creating strong promotional materials and building a long-term artistic plan.
Drawing from his work with Mundus Productions and his international experience performing in more than fifty countries and collaborating with ensembles worldwide, Sjahin shares practical methods for setting up a foundation for artistic projects. Topics include biography and press texts, photos, videos, websites, press kits, newsletters, touring strategy, funding, networking and international collaborations.
Sjahin’s approach begins with defining your artistic content and creating a solid plan from which all other elements can grow. Participants learn how to organize releases, build a contact database, communicate effectively with programmers and bookers and develop a sustainable network. The workshop provides insights into how to think like your own small company: setting priorities, creating long-term strategies and shaping a clear five-year roadmap for your project or ensemble.
This workshop is suitable for musicians, as well as dancers, theater makers and other creative professionals who want to professionalize their career and gain practical tools for artistic development and entrepreneurship.
Practical Information
Duration
Single intensive workshop of one to three hours.
Participants
5ix to sixteen people. Larger spaces up to twenty.
Level and age
For musicians from approximately 12 years old, all levels welcome.
Requirements
Empty room and participants bring their own instrument. Optional screen and sound system.
For full teaching program and more information please contact:
Sjahin During
Mundus Productions
www.sjahinduring.com
www.afroanatoliantales.com
www.mundusproductions.com
M +31(0)6 41256366