The Ney lesson represents much more than learning to play a musical instrument; it is a journey inward, an exploration of patience, the ancient relationship with breath, and the wisdom of a tradition. The rich, smoky, and melancholic sound emerging from a simple piece of reed touches the deepest corners of the listener’s soul.
The fact that Rumi begins the Masnavi with “Listen to the Ney…” perfectly summarizes the spiritual significance attributed to this instrument. In Sufi thought, the ney symbolizes the insan-ı kâmil—the perfect human; it tells the story of a being cut from its reed (homeland), drilled with holes, purified from ego and desires, and only when united with a masterful “breath” does it produce meaningful sound. Thus, playing the ney is, in part, a discipline of the self and, in another part, a search for unity with the divine breath. In Istanbul, where art and tradition intertwine with modern life, Taksim Sanat opens this door for those wishing to embark on this spiritual and artistic journey, adhering to the etiquette of the tradition and employing the proper methodology.
Taking a Ney lesson is not about blowing notes one after another; it is about understanding the silence, meaning, and spirit between those notes. This journey is not rushed; it requires patience and devotion. The most crucial aspect is finding a “master”—an instructor—who can impart not only the techniques but also the philosophy of the ney. The ney is learned through meşk, sitting at the master’s side, listening to their breath, and imitating their playing.
Ney Lesson: A Journey into the Reed’s Secret and the Soul’s Breath
A Ney lesson is the essential first step for anyone seeking to understand this ancient instrument, and the process demands deep patience and dedication. Producing sound on the ney is more challenging and personal than many other instruments, as the sound emerges directly from your breath, lip positioning, and the intimate connection with the instrument. Since everyone’s lips, breath capacity, and blowing angle differ, each ney player’s sound is as unique as a fingerprint.
For this reason, Taksim Sanat’s specialized ney programs focus entirely on the individual’s physical and spiritual structure. The first and most critical stage of training is producing sound from the ney. This phase, which can last months, tests the student’s patience to the utmost. During this period, the presence of a master is crucial to prevent frustration. The teacher adjusts the student’s lip position (tavır) with precision, demonstrates the correct head angle, and, most importantly, teaches how to blow properly. The sound of the ney is not raw air from the lungs but controlled, warm, steady breath from the diaphragm.
This proper breathing technique is key not only for playing the ney but also for physical and mental well-being. In lessons, we guide students through diaphragm breathing exercises, helping them understand and control their breath. This first sound, called dem sesi, brings immense joy and motivation to a budding ney player. Following this stage, students move on to producing notes by covering the holes. The ney has seven finger holes, and obtaining different pitches across octaves requires mastering breath strength and angle.
In the chaos of a metropolis like Istanbul, for those seeking a peaceful haven in areas like Bahçeşehir, a ney workshop at Taksim Sanat acts as both meditation and purification. During this lesson, students learn not only Classical Turkish music makams and compositions but also self-reflection, patience, and the profound meaning behind the sound of a simple reed.
Why Learn the Ney with a Master? The Taksim Sanat Approach
The ney is an instrument too subtle to learn from online videos or books; it relies on the master-apprentice relationship. The traditional method called meşk—learning by listening to and imitating the master—is the foundation of ney education. This method transmits not just notes and techniques, but also a demeanor, etiquette, spirit, and philosophy. Hence, the most important step for a ney student is finding a master to guide them.
At Taksim Sanat, we work with experienced teachers who understand that the ney is more than a musical instrument and can convey its spirit to students. The presence of a master is vital, especially during the initial, difficult stages of producing sound. Alone, a student cannot diagnose mistakes—whether the breath is insufficient, the lip position is off, or the blowing angle is incorrect. Only an experienced eye and ear can provide answers. The teacher stands by, listens, and immediately corrects errors, preventing weeks or months of incorrect practice. This one-on-one approach ensures faster and, more importantly, correct progress. Additionally, the teacher advises on technical aspects like which ney to start with (for beginners, the Kız Ney), instrument maintenance, and selecting the appropriate mouthpiece (başpare) for the student’s lips.
At Taksim Sanat, we offer this traditional education with a modern approach to art enthusiasts in both central Taksim and modern Bahçeşehir. Our goal is not only to teach instrument playing but also music theory, such as makam knowledge, helping students become conscious musicians. A ney taksim performed with an understanding of the makam’s meaning and emotions is far more profound than merely playing notes from memory. In short, working with a master is the only way to progress on this long and spiritual path without getting lost, moving forward confidently while feeling the spirit of tradition.
Foundations of Producing Sound on the Ney and the First Steps of Patience
The journey to playing the ney requires more patience and inward focus than most other instruments. The initial goal is not a flawless performance but producing a single correct sound, which serves as a training in patience. Laying the groundwork properly determines the strength of all future musical development.
Choosing the Right Ney and Mouthpiece
The first step is selecting the right equipment. Neys come in different lengths and tunings, often named Kız, Mansur, and Şah. For beginners, the universally accepted starting instrument is the Kız Ney, tuned to “La.” It is ideal because it is easy to hold and requires less breath than others. The quality of the reed, spacing of the nodes, and accuracy of the holes directly affect sound quality. Acquiring a ney from a skilled craftsman with expert guidance is essential. Equally important is the başpare, the mouthpiece, made of materials like buffalo horn, Delrin (a polymer), or wood. Its inner and outer angles and the way it fits the lips significantly affect sound production. Finding the right mouthpiece is a process of trial and guidance from a master.
Lip Position (Tavır) and Correct Angle
The secret to producing sound lies in finding the correct lip position, called tavır, similar to whistling or saying “ü.” Lips are slightly pursed, forming a small, round aperture. The başpare rests on the lower lip where the red part ends, with the lower jaw slightly retracted. Breath is directed through this aperture toward the opposite edge of the mouthpiece at a precise angle. This angle requires millimeter-level precision. The head may tilt slightly, and the angle between the ney and body determines whether sound emerges. Finding this position involves long, patient practice in front of a mirror.
The Most Important Key: Correct and Steady Breath (Diaphragm Breath)
Even with the correct lip position, if the breath is incorrect, the sound may not come out or will be weak and undesirable. The ney is not played with shallow chest or shoulder breaths but with deep, controlled diaphragm breathing, which ensures a steady airflow. Exercises include lying on your back with a book on your stomach to observe breath movement. The goal is not a stormy blast but a focused, warm, steady “column of air” sufficient to make the reed vibrate without extinguishing a candle flame. This dem gives the ney its soulful and human-like sound. When these three fundamentals—correct equipment, correct tavır, and correct breath—come together, the magical first sound emerges, marking the start of the ney player’s most challenging yet rewarding journey.