Royal College of Music Alumnus - Contemporary Music, Improvisation & Jazz | Structured and Personalised lessons

Find out more about Eren

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  From the age of 8 onward, I became deeply captivated by the movie soundtracks. During this period, I initiated my journey into music by learning to play the keyboard at school, eventually progressing to classical piano lessons at the age of 9.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I firmly believe exceptional music transcends genres, beckoning us to indulge in its rhythmic embrace repeatedly. While there are numerous artists I admire, currently, the band Beach House is the one I find myself listening to on repeat.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  The utilization of scales in Jazz Improvisation stands out as one of the most demanding skills to master. Grasping the specific scale for each chord (often more than one) and seamlessly transitioning from one to another on each bar of a Jazz Standard demands a substantial investment of patience and effort, encompassing both theoretical understanding and practical application.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  While instruments like the violin and others from the string family may seem comparatively straightforward, achieving perfect intonation and tone demands years of dedicated practice, setting them apart from instruments like the piano or keyboard.

• What are your keys to success?

  Though encapsulating success in music is complex, if I were to distill it down, I would emphasize curiosity, patience, persistence, and a deep-seated love for music as the quintessential factors.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Ennio Morricone, members of Radiohead, and Johann Sebastian Bach - three musicians spanning different eras in music history, yet interconnected through harmonies and emotional depth in their work. As a composer, I am enthralled by their profound impact on reshaping the musical landscape.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  Years ago, during my jazz piano studies at the conservatory, I had the privilege of attending a masterclass led by the renowned jazz pianist Brad Mehldau. The focus of his feedback was a young jazz piano student, no older than 12 at the time. Despite possessing a discernibly tasteful musicality, the student lacked the technical prowess typically associated with more seasoned pianists.
  What struck me most was Brad Mehldau's emphasis on encouraging the young pianist to persist in cultivating his distinctive taste and originality. This anecdote has lingered in my memory, serving as a perpetual reminder of the paramount importance of musical integrity and originality, transcending the conventional emphasis on technical skills.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  Commencing with an understanding of the student's current level and aspirations lays a strong foundation. Beyond possessing a profound knowledge of music, a superb teacher is empathetic, listens attentively, provides unwavering support, and fosters a positive environment for continual improvement.