Interview with Prof. Dr. Erhan Özden on the institutional development of Turkish music education and research

Abstract

Turkish music is a musical culture that has deeply influenced the world in historical, geographical, and theoretical dimensions. Established in 2017, Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts has taken on a very important mission in the development of Turkish music. Prof. Dr. Erhan Özden, who continues to contribute to Turkish music both artistically and academically, is also directing this institution. When looking at Prof. Dr. Erhan Özden’s work, topics such as Ottoman period music schools and courses, Ottoman period music societies, Turkish music education, and ney (reed flute) training stand out. His research seems to be focused on the institutionalization of Turkish music education. In this interview, Prof. Dr. Erhan Özden shared his views on the meaning of artistic and academic contribution to Turkish music, the aspects that can be adopted from the institutionalization of music education in the Ottoman period, the best developmental environment and opportunities for Turkish music, the goals of Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts, the problems and suggestions of Turkish music researchers, and suggestions for the development of the Türk Müziği (Turkish Music) journal.