About me

GÜLDEN KALEM

Quranic Recitation and Music Instructor | Musicologist (Vocal & Maqam Coach)
Areas of Expertise: Turkish Music Theory of Modes, Oud, Vocal Training & Solfège, Breathing-Diaphragm and Diction

SUMMARY PROFILE

A self-taught musician and Quranic recitation and music instructor, stemming from a musical tradition nurtured by folk musicians and instrumentalists. He learned the Turkish musical performance tradition through a master-apprentice relationship, receiving extensive training in singing, solfège, oud, maqam theory, calligraphy correction, diction, and composition. Having received certification from his teacher Davut Aktepe, he has been teaching since 2022, conducting individual and corporate lessons and workshops.

EDUCATION AND CAREER HISTORY

01

Theory of Makam (Islamic Musical Modes) and Performance Training

Üsküdar Makam Workshop
  • Three years of in-depth training in musical modes and performance within the framework of "100 Modes".
  • Taking the first step into the field of education with verbal permission and guidance.
02

Composition and Oud Training

Amir Ateş & Alâeddin Pakyüz — Uskudar Music Society
  • Composition techniques in traditional Turkish music forms and oud lessons.
03

Solfège, Oud and Vocal Training

Abdullah Ertekin & Cemil Sağyaşar
  • Abdullah Ertekin: Solfège and oud practice.
  • Cemil Sağyaşar (ISMEK Choir): Vocal training, solfège instruction, and a five-year period of practice as a choir member.
04

Musical Performance, Vocal and Diction Training

Dilek Türkan, Gönül Hurmalı & Yelda Sönmez
  • Dilek Türkan: Studies in vocal performance, interpretation, and voice techniques.
  • Gönül Hurmalı: Breathing and diaphragm techniques.
  • Yelda Sönmez: Diction and proper speech training.

TEACHING AND PROJECTS

Instructor — Taksim Mosque Foundation (2022 - Present)

Quran recitation lessons, voice training, and vocal coaching.

12-Week Curriculum Project: "Breath, Melody, and Emotion"

A specialized training curriculum that combines diaphragm/breath control, practical instruction in modal structures, and depth of emotional expression in song performance.

Concert and Project Management: "Istanbul-Themed Songs from Past to Present"

Arranging the repertoire, staging, and organizing the concert program for classical works with an Istanbul theme.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE & SKILLS

01

Makam & Nazariyat

100. Knowledge of makam (musical modes), modal scales, transitions, and performance style.

02

Instrumentation & Performance

Oud performance and composition forms.

03

Vocals & Diction

Singing, solfège, diaphragm/breathing techniques, pronunciation correction, and diction.