Kanun lessons are the art of learning one of the most magnificent and essential instruments of Turkish Classical Music — an instrument that carries the elegance, depth, and echoes of thousands of years of civilization with every delicate stroke of the plectrum.
With a sound that sparkles like a waterfall and enchants like a fairy tale, the kanun is often described as a one-person orchestra, thanks to its rich harmonic structure and wide tonal range.
This instrument not only reflects all the subtleties, microtones, and spirit of the makam (modal) music system but also serves as a bridge to a refined aesthetic and deeply rooted culture.
At Taksim Sanat, located in the artistic heart of Istanbul, we offer a professional learning environment dedicated to preserving and passing on this precious heritage in its most authentic form.
We would be honored to guide you on this beautiful journey of discovering the secrets of one of the most exquisite instruments of our musical tradition.
Why Learn the Kanun? Touching the Voice of a Civilization
Among all musical instruments, the kanun stands out with its visual grace and rich tonal beauty. But what can learning this multi-stringed, magical instrument bring to your life?
There are countless reasons to choose the kanun — and they go far beyond musical skills.
First of all, learning to play the kanun connects you directly to the heart of a vast and enduring cultural heritage.
From Farabi to Dede Efendi, from the Seljuk and Ottoman palaces to the homes of modern Turkey, the kanun has resonated through the ages. When your fingers touch its strings, you do not merely play notes — you touch the souls of Itri, Dede Efendi, and Tamburi Cemil Bey.
Learning the kanun is not only mastering an instrument; it is embracing the responsibility of becoming a cultural ambassador — a guardian of the Turkish Classical Music tradition.
Secondly, the kanun is the ideal instrument for understanding and internalizing the makam system.
Thanks to its lever mechanism, the kanun can produce far more than the twelve semitones of Western music, performing microtonal intervals unique to Turkish music with great precision.
In this sense, taking a kanun lesson is like taking a practical makam theory course.
You can see, hear, and feel the scales, intervals, and melodic paths of makams such as Rast, Uşşak, and Buselik directly on the instrument — a process that greatly enhances both your ear and theoretical knowledge.
The kanun also offers mental and meditative benefits. Playing it requires both hands to perform entirely different yet perfectly synchronized movements — the right hand plucks the melody with plectrums, while the left hand adjusts the levers in real time.
This intense coordination activates both hemispheres of the brain, sharpening focus, concentration, and problem-solving skills. The repetitive rhythmic motion and the instrument’s resonance create a meditative effect, calming the mind and reducing stress.
Through kanun lessons at Taksim Sanat, you can gain this mental discipline.
For those living in a busy city like Istanbul, this becomes a form of artistic escape — a peaceful refuge from the chaos of daily life.
Our students often describe how this musical journey adds serenity and joy to their lives.
Kanun Lessons at Taksim Sanat
At Taksim Sanat, our Kanun Course combines the traditional meşk (master-apprentice) method with a structured modern pedagogy.
Our goal is not only to help students achieve technical mastery but also to enable them to grasp the spirit and cultural nuances of this distinguished musical heritage.
Lessons are tailored to every level, with personalized progress plans designed around each student’s pace and goals.
Training begins with the fundamentals — proper posture and instrument placement.
The kanun must rest at the correct angle on the knees to ensure both comfort and long-term healthy technique.
Next, students learn to use the plectrum (mızrap) and ring (yüksük) correctly. The way the plectrum is attached and strikes the strings determines the clarity, brightness, and fullness of the tone.
After this foundation is built, separate right- and left-hand exercises follow.
Right-hand etudes focus on plectrum precision, speed, and rhythmic continuity, as well as developing fluency across string groups and mastering techniques such as trill and tremolo.
The left hand, on the other hand, controls the lever system (mandals), altering the pitch of notes instantly during performance. Exercises for the left hand train agility, accuracy, and speed in shifting levers.
The heart of comprehensive kanun education lies in makam theory and repertoire studies.
A kanun lesson is not just about practice — it is also theoretical. Students learn the scales (dizi) and melodic progressions (seyir) of makams such as Çargah, Buselik, Rast, and Uşşak, and begin building a repertoire of peşrevs, saz semais, and songs.
Through performance, they learn to execute microtonal pitches correctly using the levers and to interpret each piece with the appropriate stylistic expression.
Located in Taksim, the cultural and artistic heart of Istanbul, our school offers an inspiring environment where students can truly breathe in the atmosphere of traditional Turkish music.
Because lessons are one-on-one, our instructors adapt each program to the student’s personal learning rhythm and musical goals.
Remember: a quality kanun lesson teaches you not only how to play an instrument, but how to speak the refined language of a centuries-old musical tradition.
Choosing and Caring for Your Kanun
When beginning your musical journey with such a delicate and valuable instrument, choosing the right kanun and caring for it properly are just as important as taking lessons.
A poorly made or neglected instrument can hinder your progress and reduce motivation.
Kanuns vary according to the quality of the wood, craftsmanship, and sensitivity of the lever mechanism.
The body is typically made from sycamore, mahogany, or walnut, while the soundboard is crafted from spruce, known for its resonance.
A good kanun should have a bright, full, and sustained tone.
For beginners, rather than opting for the cheapest instrument, it’s best to start with a mid-range kanun that holds its tuning well and has smooth, responsive levers.
At Taksim Sanat, our experienced instructors offer professional guidance to help you find the most suitable instrument for your level and budget.
The lever system (mandal) is the most complex and crucial part of the kanun. Each course of strings has multiple levers that allow not only semitone changes but also the microtonal intervals unique to Turkish music.
The levers should move smoothly yet stay firmly in place. A high-quality lever system is essential for accurate and fluid performance.
Proper maintenance is vital:
The kanun, with its many strings, requires patience and precision during tuning. Developing the habit of tuning regularly with a tuner and peg key ensures consistent sound quality.
It must also be protected from excessive humidity, dryness, heat, or cold to prevent warping. When not in use, the instrument should be kept in a hard case.
Strings oxidize and lose their tone over time, so periodic replacement is necessary. Doing this together with your instructor at first helps you learn the correct technique.
Remember: your kanun is your closest musical companion — the care you show it will return to you as the beauty of its sound.
Discover the Subtleties of Traditional Music with Taksim Sanat
Located in Pera, where the cultural and historical spirit of Istanbul is most alive, Taksim Sanat is dedicated to preserving and transmitting traditional Turkish arts to future generations.
Our Kanun Course is one of the finest expressions of this mission.
We see kanun education not merely as teaching an instrument, but as conveying a living culture and tradition.
Our greatest strength lies in our master instructors — leading performers and scholars deeply versed in Turkish Classical Music theory and repertoire, trained in the authentic meşk tradition.
Learning from them means not just acquiring a skill, but also absorbing the etiquette, emotion, and history of this music.
Our classes take place in a warm and interactive studio setting, where students inspire one another, play together, and share their passion — creating a modern “meşk” environment that transforms learning into an enjoyable and social experience.
Our Taksim center serves as a meeting point for music lovers from all over the city.
Even for those traveling from distant districts, our school is a haven — a peaceful retreat where they can immerse themselves in the deep and tranquil world of traditional Turkish music.
If you wish to let your fingers carry the voice of a civilization, explore the refined world of Turkish Classical Music through the kanun, and learn this art under the guidance of a true master, Taksim Sanat welcomes you.
Come, meet us, have a cup of coffee, listen to the resonance of our instruments — and take the first step on this magical journey together.