Welcome to BT Music and Performing Arts!

Numerous scientific studies have shown that children who experience music and performing arts are more successful both in school and in society. Thus, the unchanging mission of our school since it was founded in 1997; “to ensure that music and performing arts become a permanent part in the lives of students, and to focus on global values while shaping their social development”. All our students, young and adult, enjoy, understand and feel our unique and innovative methods of education, which are in accordance with our mission.

We believe, contrary to customary approaches, that anyone without a special talent can also play an instrument, and can acquire the necessary skills to express themselves through theater and dance. We have designed the BT Education Program and BT Educational Publications to support academic success, multiple intelligence and learning.

As a musician, teacher and mother, myself and all our specially trained teachers are the coaches of the learning process. Our staff consist of qualified teachers with pedagogic formation, who take our ongoing teacher training program.

Education is a cooperation process that takes place between student-teacher-parent. The strong communication between the parties carries great importance and value in the success of our students. The improvement of the student is reported to the parent on a weekly basis in the lesson commentaries, and through development evaluations at the end of each semester.

We invite you to join us and try our programs available for every age and level.

Hoping to see you as a family in our magical world of music, theater and dance...

Dr. Benal Tanrisever Simsek

Founder

Our mission is to achieve an education program based on learning instead of memorization and teaching.

Our goals in education:

• To focus on learning instead of teaching
• To ensure the active participation of our students in the education process in order to help them take on responsibility
• To help our students develop their questioning and analyzing skills
• To support their skills to explore, understand, internalize and interpret with imagination
• To give them the learning skills that will support multiple intelligence
• To shape the education program with learning models that suit our students
• To make sure they pay equal importance to analytical thinking and emotional skills
• To teach the students to express themselves and learn to connect with people through music, theater and dance
• To help develop synchronization and coordination between the brain and the body
• To raise students who are successful on international platforms
• To help them develop social responsibility skills on their way to becoming an artist

 

Our students gain:

• Success in their personal, social and academic life
• Creative and analytical thinking ability
• Analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating skills
• Communication skills
• Intensive listening skills and increased concentration
• To over-come hardship and develop self-confidence
• Motivation based on success
• Patience and disciplin
• enhanced math and foreign language learning

Benal Tanrisever Simsek; a soloist who played at concerts worldwide, has also touched the lives of children  through conducting workshops, doing educational television series and working in community out-reach programs. Following the 19 years she spent in New York, Berlin and Copenhagen, she returned to Turkey and shared her experiences with students at Bilkent University. She came to realize that in order to create a lasting impact in music education, it was a necessity to start working with children from a very early stage.  Upon receiving her pedagogical training at Juilliards, one of the most respected schools in the field, she founded BT Müzikevi in 1997.

Our education program aims at creating a lifelong friendship by making sure that music and theater become a lasting asset in the lives of children. Our education philosophy is that every child can play a musical instrument and can express himself or herself on stage. The most important feature of our education program is to have a curriculum that not only develops the students’ music and performing skills, but also helps them in their personal, social and academic lives.

BT Müzikevi was initially founded to give education on musical instruments, throughout the years we have expanded by adding activities, courses and programs such as; “First Step to Music”, “First Step to Piano”, “Rock-Pop Orchestra”, “Rhythm-Percussion Group”, “Guitar Orchestra”, “Musical Theater”, “Dance”, “Programs for Adults”, “Teacher training Program”, “Music Counselling”, “Summer Camp”, “International Educational Excursions”, “International Projects and Social Responsibility”, today we operate under the name of BT Music and Performing Arts. During our 17 years, we have followed with unfaltering resolve our goal to help each child to enjoy the opportunity to passionately embrace music, theater and dance education and to turn these gains into a life style.

Music education and academic achievements

Dr. Benal Tanrisever Simsek began her musical education with Prof. Ferdi Statzer at the Istanbul Conservatory. She received a scholarship to continue her work at The Juilliard School of Music, under the supervision of Joseph Raieff, a student of Sergei Rachmaninov. She became the first student to complete her undergraduate and graduate studies during the same year. Following her outstanding achievement, she was accepted to the Professional Studies Program. She was nominated by the school to play at concerts in various cities in the U.S.A. She was awarded another outstanding achievement scholarship which took her to the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin, where she worked with Prof. Georg Sava and earned the title “piano virtuosa.” She attended the Ph.D program at the Graphic Design Department of Bilkent University, earning her doctorate degree. Her doctoral dissertation “The Narrative Power of Music in Films” was used as reference material in many scientific researches.

Concerts and recitals in prominent halls around the world

She performed in recitals and played as soloist with orchestras in numerous halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, Berlin Philharmonic, Stuttgart Lieder Halle, Beethoven Haus in Bonn. She performed as soloist with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, New York Symphony Orchestra, Sibelius Symphony Orchestra, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, Istanbul, Izmir, Çukurova State Symphony Orchestras, Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, Eskisehir Symphony Orchestra and Akbank Chamber Orchestra. She worked with esteemed conductors such as Gürer Aykal, Cem Mansur, Naci Özgüç, Urs Schneider and Gustav Neimann. She joined the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and their conductor Gürer Aykal for a concert tour in the U.S.A.

International and national awards, important performances and firsts

She received the “Women of Outstanding Achievement Award” in the U.S. A. In a concert that was broadcasted live by 130 radio stations in the U.S.A., she also included works by Turkish composers in her repertoire. The German Rias television did a documentary on her music and personal life and she was also included in the German encyclopaedia of Music. Her concert at the Nordic House in the Faroe Islands was broadcasted live on Nordic Television.

Under the auspices of the President, and the support of the Ministry of Culture, she was the first artist to take concert out of the halls and became a pioneer in organizing open-air classical music concerts in the quarries of Ankara. These concerts were a first, where a diverse audience came together by classical music. In line with the concept of different concerts, she performed with the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra on the pier of the Rahmi Koç Museum, in a benefit event for children with cancer, organized by the “Teodora Foundation”.

Becoming a music instructor and children oriented work

She worked with Louise Behrend and Sheila Keats, founders of the New York School for Strings for many years, focusing on pedagogical music training and education methods.

She got her training on pre-instrument education in New York from Robert Abramson, and was lucky to become one of the last students of this world renowned figure in early music education.

Founding BT Müzikevi and spreading the love for music

Dr. Benal Tanrisever Simsek returned to Turkey in 1997 with a mission to share her experiences in music with children, and founded BT Müzikevi. She created an education program not only based on talent but which would support the personal, social, musical and academic lives of children. In order to unite schools with music, she initiated the “Cooperation in Music” program. She brought together enKA, Hisar Egitim, SEV and TED schools in Istanbul and she formed an orchestra with children from these participating schools.

To draw the interest of large crowds, especiallyof  children, to classical music, she created educational programs called “Jovial Sundays” together with enKA Cultur and Arts department, explaining classical music to families in the form of “Family Theaters”. The first concert of the series, where she performed the Piano Concerto by Mozart, at the same time explaining the piece, was a great success.

“Classical Music Stories”, the children’s book series on the lives of famous composers, became best-sellers in the category of childrens’s books in Turkey. The books were also performed live, within the concept of Family Theater.

Benal Tanrisever Simsek’s mission is to explain music to children and adolescents in order to help them love and embrace it, so continues to work with many children both within and outside our establishment.

What are the qualities that differentiate our school?

BT Music and Performing Arts  does not, contrary to traditional applications, focus on talent in education. We believe that with the right educational approach and teaching techniques, everybody can improve themselves in music, theater and dance, thus gaining a skill which they can enjoy. Our unique and innovative education model is the core of the joint philosophy that links all the different disciplines. As educators, our duty is to decode the necessary information and skills and point out the easiest way of implementing them; the duty of the student is to learn... We encourage students to participate, be responsible, question and contribute to their own learning. We know that an education system depending solely on the teacher will not instill in the student a wish to succeed, but will only create disappointment.

We believe that any reluctance towards learning stems from the incompetence of the institution or the teachers. Our priority is to maintain a healthy education by removing this possibility. We are proud to say that by providing a dynamic, interactive and enjoyable learning environment for our students, training our teachers and using the pedagogical music methodology books that we have created, we have reached our goal.

Music education is like learning a native language

To be able to play an instrument is the ability of using a new skill. The learning process develops, just like in language learning, through repetition. Small bits of information successively add up to form a whole. The music piece cannot be memorized without teaching how to read the notes; and notes cannot be learned by restricting them to finger numbers. The importance lies not only in acquiring the skill to play one piece, but to be able to apply this information and skill for playing new pieces as well. That is why we divide the information into small steps, and explain them to the students in a way that they can understand. During the lesson, our teachers guide the students to internalize the information. It is the duty of the student to take responsibility and implement the information. This is how the student, having acquired the necesssary skills, is ready to take responsibility and proudly play the new pieces at home as well.

BT Education Method Books

Our books comprise the necessary tools that support development of small motor skills and musicality. We have come to realize that the widely used traditional books on instrument education are not sufficient to serve the diverse needs of each age group. Thus we have created, after many years of observation, our education books that support the appropriate level for each age group, and enable faster learning. Our method books on piano, guitar, electric guitar and drums are used in our school as well as in many other institutions.

Our teachers create the learning experience

We do accept and value the role and responsibilities of the teacher in education. We are firm believers that all our teaching staff from different disciplines should be researchers in their own field and participate in education seminars; be able to form a bond with the student and parent; be experts in pedagogical approaches; love and respect children and their own occupation and be open to personal development. We also make sure that all our teaching staff are taking an active part and have the skill sets that comply with the education and learning approach and goals of BT Music and Performing Arts. A teacher lacking the necessary skills will inevitably create problems in the music life of the student. Music education is a master-apprentice relationship. We are responsible for not only teaching our students how to play an instrument, but also for the life long relation they will form with music. Our teaching staff continue to participate in our ongoing training program during the academic year.

“Music is a window into higher brain function”
Dr. GORDON SHAW

 Why is Music Education Important?

Research indicates that listening to and learning music increases math and language skills in children, and helps develop creative, analytical thinking and nurtures social skills. Exposure to even a limited number of music lessons helps increase the connection between the neurons. Music not only helps people to better understand form, structure, pattern and time symbols, but also makes them better listeners. The music learning process engages not only the right or left hemispere but the whole brain. It teaches coordination, enhances memory and concentration, and also teaches discipline and patience towards study.

What are the contributions of music education to academic life?

In New York it has been determined that a syllabus supported by music and art education (LEAP) has helped increase the school grades of not only successful students, but of students from every level. Music also enhances the learning of math and foreign languages. The teacher, while teaching counting and the basics of math, uses rythm. In teaching a foreign language, songs are used to help the language to become a part of the memory. Research shows that among high school students, those who take interest in music have higher grade averages compared to students who are not interested in music.

According to Mary Jane Collett, Director of New York State Schools Education and Professional Development Department, Arts and Cultural Education Administration, a well taught sequential music syllabus not only teaches music; it also helps to acquire listening, responding, seeing, touching and moving skills. Students, through these concrete, kinetic and cognitive experiences, learn how to process and transfer knowledge. Music is a very valuable tool in reaching out to unsuccessful students. Connecticut State Education counsellor Scott Shuler in describing students displaying failure points that they lack self-confidence and self-respect; have difficulty in communicating their thoughts and feelings to others; do not have the skills to overcome problems; are bored of the traditional education system; their learning methods do not conform with traditional methods, and that these students prefer to express themselves through art in their own subjects of interest. It is known that music education is one of the best methods to motivate these students and in helping to win them back.

INDIVIDUAL INStrUMenT LESSONS

• Piano
• Violin
• Cello
• Classical guitar
• Electric guitar
• Bass guitar
• Drums
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Pop vocal
• Singing

What do Individual Instrument lessons include?

• Integration meetings with parents, where the goal and improvement of student are discussed
• In accordance with the set goals, preparing original education programs and syllabus for student
• Using BT Education Method Books, and achievement certificate
• 40 or 55 minutes long one-on-one private lessons
• Group solfege, theory and history of music lesson
• User account for parent and student on web site
• Communicating to parent the program sequence
• Communicating to parent weekly lesson commentaries and evaluations
• Term improvement report
• Student recitals
• Performance opportunities
• Limitless participation in periodical workshops
• Free participation in educational and concert panels organized by the institution
• Education counselling to students who wish to study music and performance arts abroad
• Letter of recommendation for admission to universities abroad

Individual Instrument Lesson: Beginner Level

This lesson comprises 40 minutes individual instrument, 45 minutes group solfege and history of music lessons. We recommend this lesson for students who are just getting to know their instrument; who are too young for our intense music program; or for those who only want to experience the pleasure of playing an instrument without having to go through tests and evaluations. Students who are in the 40 minutes class do not take part in the London College of Music Certificate program.

Individual Instrument Lesson: Advanced level intense music program

This lesson comprises 55 minutes instrument, 45 minutes group solfege, theory and history of music lessons, and preparation for exams. We recommend the intense music program to our students who wish to participate in the West London University, London College of Music Certificate Program, in order to gain internationally accredited evaluation for their development. Students who are pursuing scholarships can use these certificates and diplomas as reference in applying to British, Canadian and American universities. Participating in the London College of Music certificate and diploma program can only be possible after at least one year of study at BT Müzikevi and the evaluation of the school principal.

GROUP MUSIC LESSONS

• Group Violin Suzuki Method (Ages 7-10)
• Group Vocal (Ages 7-9)
• Pop Orchestra (Ages 10+)
• Rock Orchestra (Ages 10-13 and 14-18)
• Chamber Orchestra (Ages 9-12 and 13-16)
• Classical Guitar Orchestra (Ages 7-10)

Suzuki Violin (Ages 7-10)

This group lesson is for our students who wish to play or enjoy the experience of playing the violin. Suzuki method is widely used in the world in early violin education, and shares the similar educational goals that we pursue in our other instrument programs. It is a fact that learning to play an instrument is a new skill, and with the correct approach everyone can acquire this skill. One does not have to be talented to experience the pleasure of playing an instrument. Learning to play, just as in learning a language, occurs through repetition.

Pop Vocal (Ages 7-9)

Pop Vocal lessons are for students who like to sing but are too young for individual vocal classes. The main objective of this lesson is to give basic voice training in order to prevent the vocal cords from suffering any damage. The voice and breathing exercises are followed by songs in english, Italian and French, together with diction education.

Pop Orchestra (Ages 10-13 and 14-18)

This group involves a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 people playing together the piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic/classical guitar, drums, keyboard, percussion, violin, cello and flute. They play local and international music in Folk, Latin, Pop genres. The repertoire is shaped along the choices of the students, under the guidance of the teacher. Their work ends with a stage performance at the end of the school year.

Rock Orchestra (Ages 10-13 and 14-18)

This orchestra brings together piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, keyboard and percussion. During the group lessons, our students experiment and play all sub-genres of rock music. Following the year-end stage performance, they enter the studio to record a CD.

Chamber Orchestra (Ages 9-12 and 13-16)

The chamber orchestra consisting of piano, violin, cello, guitar and vocal students meets twice a month to practice. Their work is finalized with a stage performance at the end of the school year.

Classical Guiter Orchestra (Ages 7-10)

The Classical Guitar Orchestra made up of early age guitar students is a group study that takes place every Saturday during the academic year. The lessons end with the year-end stage performance.

“The true power of music is that, it takes you to the fantasy land of the composer”
LUDWIG van BEETHOVen

 Certificate Programs

Our school, as of January 2006, is the representitive, education and exam center of London College of Music. LCM is an internationally accredited certificate, assessment and evaluation system, and compared to other exam systems, it is the only one that is under the umbrella of a university. The British Ministry of Education (DFEE) exams, for all levels and diploma levels, are accredited worldwide. LCM aims at creating international goals for students in their preferred field of education, and to be a differentiating factor in their applications to universities abroad.

London College of Music examinations feature 8 levels and are designed to be completed by the end of high school. They also offer opportunities to obtain a university level (Associate – Graduate – Post Graduate) diploma. The teacher and management decide on the exam level the students should take. A student who completes the 8^th level is accepted as a graduate of a music high school worldwide.

Instrument exams take place in the following categories:

• Piano
• Singing
• Classical guitar, electric guitar
• All string instruments
• Woodwind instruments
• Brass instruments
• Drums
• Musical theater
• Rock group
• Pre-instrument early age music education

LCM exams exist for groups as well: Rock group, choir and duet.
LCM exams have programs to evaluate pre-school children starting at age 3.
LCM exams also encompass students who take part in theater and musicals.

LCM advanced level exams:

• ALCM – Associate
• LLCM -  Licentiate
• Fellowship

M.O.N.E. Private BT Music and Performing Arts is the representitive and exam center of London College of Music. Our school is equipped with tools to provide relevant teacher training, introduction of the program and theoretical information.

Our suggestions to parents regarding the music program

• Make sure your expectations from your child are age-appropriate and be patient. The teacher should always be the figure of authority both in class and at home. As a parent, you should be the one who listens, encourages, helps if necessary and gives support.
• Act resolved about the study at home and let the child feel this resolve without putting pressure on him. While he is studying, do not direct your positive or negative reactions towards the personality of the child, your aim should be the piece that he is playing. Explain to the child the problem he has experienced with the piece in a way that he can understand.
• Make sure that your child studies at the same time every day (like taking antibiotics) and that playing music becomes a happy habit. You will see that acquiring the skill and success will follow.
• Empathize with your child if he has difficulty in learning something new and assure him that hard work can help overcome any hardship. Allow your child to make a mistake while playing and give him the chance to correct it, and ensure that he is not afraid to make mistakes.
• In order for your child not to forget the old pieces he has learned, make sure that he goes back and plays them. The ease and improvement while playing these pieces will help develop further his self-confidence and take his playing to a higher level.
• Allow your child to express himself through his instrument, to invent games with his pieces and even write lyrics to them. Support his creativity by taking part in these games.
• Never be pessimistic and always keep your morale high. Do not forget that the sacrifice and music discipline you display together will add much value to his future life and open many avenues to success.

 

“Where words fail, music speaks”
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSen

Musical Theater Group in english

This program is for students of ages 7-9 and 10-13, with sufficient background in english, who like to sing, dance and act, and is a performance oriented class. The contents of this class in english include drama plays that develop creativity and imagination, improvisation, movement, vocal and acting training and a musical performance at the end of the school year. Students work on renowned or original musicals, performing on a professional stage at the end of the academic year. The priority of these performances are to instill the self-confidence for stage experience and to create an enjoyable environment for the students. Within this context, the class becomes a pleasurable activity which also helps the students to improve themselves. Among the productions that we have performed are; Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, Wicked, Annie, Sound of Music, Camp Create, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Grease, Alice in Wonderland, Chicago and Cinderella.

The musical theater in english also gives a chance to participate in the London College of Music Certificate program. Participation depends on the evaluations of the course teacher and school principal.

Popstar Dance Ages 5-8 and 12-15 We offer you a high energy dance class where you can learn the dance moves to the music of stage artists whose live shows and video performances you admire. During the course you learn the moves of contemporary stars like Shakira, Lady Gaga, Madonna, PSY as well as exploring the masters of dance of the past, such as Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. Madonna in Vogue has taught us how to strike to pose, Lady Gaga has demonstrated that in trash Jazz everything rules, Elvis has shown us how to shake our hips. Now it’s your turn... This class is ideal for those who are full of adrenalin and a fire for dance. This short term program ends with a studio dance performance and certificate ceremony. The course is given in english. Dance Theater Ages 5-8 and 9-11 This course aims at expressing yourself through dance, in a non-verbal state. Gestures and miming are the language to express emotions. Through this course, we give the opportunity to our students to explore concepts such as; “getting to know their own body”, “communicating emotions and ideas through their body”, “to effectively use their body language”. Learning how to effectively use body language reinforces self-confidence in class and daily life. Students who love theater and dance can experience both in the same class. This short term program ends with a studio performance and certificate ceremony. The course is given in english.

FSM – First Step to Music Group Lesson

Ages 2.5 - 3.5

First step to music is a pedagogical education program incorporating music and movement, which is preferred and implemented by leading music schools in the world, including Juilliard in New York.

The program aims to instill in children the love for music at an early age, and to help them meet with music in a pleasurable environment where they can enjoy themselves. While the repetitions in class develop skills such as listening carefully, focusing, receiving instructions; the students also learn how to use their imagination. We teach the basic musical concepts; rythm, tone, melody, note values and musical nuances not theoretically but  with movements and games. Movement and music are blended, creating a whole. In our lessons, we also cover the lives and music of famous composers.

We observe the musical aptitude of students and make suggestions for the future. We communicate  the weekly lesson evaluations to our parents. At the end of the term, we make a presentation for the parents and hand out certificates. Of the students who complete the program, those who are thought to be ready, can continue on to First Step to Piano- FSP.

This short term program ends with a presentation for the parents and certificate ceremony.

FSP – First Step to Piano Group Lesson

Ages 3.5 – 4.5

We recommend this pedagogical beginning piano class to students who are not ready for individual instrument lessons and who feel more comfortable in a group in their first step to music. The young musician candidates who first encountered music in the FSM class, start playing their first pieces with the help of “Little Fingers” piano education book of the BT Education books series. The lesson content includes ear training, solfege, rythm training, singing and beginner pieces. Students in this age group who still don’t know to read, play their pieces by reading and understanding the notes. They get acquainted with treble clef and bass clef, and in the first lesson start to play right hand and left hand pieces. The student also learns while listening to other students play, waits for his turn, learns to respect his groupmates.They observe the rules of playing and listening to music. With the help of this group lesson, our students who have also participated in our FSM program make an easier transition to individual instrument learning. The training is in the form of both individual and group lessons. The musical aptitudes of students are observed during the lessons and suggestions are made regarding future instruments. Weekly lesson evaluations are communicated to the parent.

This short term program ends with a small group performance and certificate ceremony.

Drums and Percussion Rythm Group Lesson

Ages 6 -9

We have created this rythm and percussion group for students who are too young for individual lessons or those who would rather first get acquainted with an instrument in a group environment. The program aims to support the personal and social development of students with group studies, and to improve their understanding of rythm while enjoying the experience of making music together. Our students play different percussion instruments and early age size drum sets, getting the opportunity to learn and experience different rythm instruments. Along with musical skills, concentration enhancing exercises, listening carefully, adaptation, support and respect within the group are the social skills that they also learn. The weekly lesson evaluations are communicated to the parent.

This short term program ends with a small group performance and certificate ceremony.

Music Lessons for Adults

“Music activates both the right and left hemispheres, and to our brain it is like eating chocolate.”
Dr. Gene Cohen,
Dean,
George Washington University

If you want to take a break from your intense work pace, return to the music lessons that you abandoned at childhood, take a step towards a new adventure or give yourself a present, you can start to learn music.

Piano, flute, classical guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocal lessons  with BT advanced beginner methods give you the opportunity of fast learning and playing.

We schedule the individual classes according to the intense pace of the adults. We also offer short-term or lesson based instrument lessons. You do not need to have a special skill or music ear to begin the program. Lessons are by appointment and start at noon during week days. In case of absence, the lesson has to be cancelled 24 hours in advance.

Club Dance

Dance Lessons for Adults

Why should children always have fun?

We have created short-term dance classes for our adult parents who love dancing and high adrenalin; you can learn the moves of stars such as Shakira, Lady Gaga and Madonna, and discover how to express yourself through body language. Learning coordination, synchronizing with music and choreography will make you feel like one of those stars on stage.

We are not looking for previous dance experience to participate in the program. Lessons are in the evening during week days. We suggest comfortable attire for this lesson.

 

“If you can speak, you can also sing. If you can walk, you can also dance.”
Zimbabwe Proverb

Workshop During Semester Break

During the semester break the usual schedule of individual and group lessons change. Our students gain different experiences by participating in workshops. During the holiday we offer them the opportunity to participate in individual and group lessons that cover many different themes. Our students try playing different instruments, listen to conferences on the history and types of music, and participate in intensive studies on theory and comparative workshops. Parents are also welcome to join our semester workshops, free of charge.

Series of Concerts

Our students bring to an end their year long studies with a concert and real stage experience. These concerts help them gain life experiences such as self-confidence and the ability to express themselves in front of crowds.

It is of utmost importance to us that this experience is positive and motivating for our students. Our students in the 4-10 age group perform twice a year in December-January and May. Student of age 11 and above perform only once, at the year-end concert in May.

Musical Broadway Performance

The Musical theater department stages the musicals they have been working on during the year, at the year-end performance which takes place in June. It is not easy for any one to sing, act and dance on stage, in front of a crowd. Our students overcome this with their strong presence on stage and transfer this experience to their daily and academic lives, gaining an important achievement in personal improvement.

Music Camp

Ages 7-12

The intensive work during the academic year comes to an end at the end of June at a week-long summer camp where music and water sports blend together. We take music education out of the individual lesson format and want our students during summer camp to feel the joy of being a privileged group of musicians sharing the same goal, experiencing different water sports away from their families. The camp ends with a performance staged by our students for their parents who join us on this last evening.

Lunch-break Concerts, Seminars

Concerts and seminars we organize for the parents bring a different meaning to lunch-breaks. We meet with the parents who need a breath of fresh air from work, at the concert concert hall of our school in Levent, between 13.10-13.40. The schedules and details pertaining to these activities are announced at the beginning of the semester.

Workshops

Our school organizes seminars on music and subjects regarding self-improvement. We invite local and foreign guests. While subjects are more adult-oriented, we also hold seminars that can be attended as a family.

Classical Music Tales, Family Theater

The “Classical Music Tales” book series created in collaboration with our institution have been transferred to stage with the cooperation of enKA Culture and Arts Foundation, each season we perform for our students the life and music of one composer on stage. Vivaldi - 4 Seasons and Johann Strauss – Invitation to the Dance are among our live music performances. These classical music tales, a series for the whole family, are both entertaining and educative, and make you daydream and ponder at the same time.  

Our excursions are aimed at giving our students the chance to watch performing arts at  leading centers in the world and to integrate this experience with their studies. Parents also join us on these tours. Our 3-day international excursions take place during the spring break of schools. The main idea behind these tours is to take education out of the classroom and turn it into a life long experience that will always be remembered. Students who participate in these excursions also perform at the famous concert halls of the country that they are visiting. What could be more magical than to give a recital in Prag, in the hall where Mozart wrote his music? To listen to Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony performed by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Simon Rattle, to create the sculptures of Giocometti at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Copenhagen, to watch a ballet by Maurice Bejart in Vienna, to spend the night at the girls boarding school in Venice, where Vivaldi composed the 4 Seasons, to watch Bolshoi in Moscow, to join teachers of the school for gifted musicians in a workshop; these are all lasting memories that will become more valuable in time. These music tours take place with the participation of parents.

“Music can change the world because it can change people”.
BONO

International institutions that we cooperate with:

• University of West London, London College of Music
• Ohio Kent State University
• The Flying Gorillas
• The European Union

University of West London, London College of Music

After signing an agreement in 2006 with the London College of Music, which is under the umbrella of a university, our institution has become thier representative, education and exam center.

Ohio Kent State University

We have signed a MOU-Memorandum of Understanding with Ohio Kent State University in 2005. Within the context of this academic protocol, our students who meet the basic criteria of the university have priority of acceptance to the music faculty.

Flying Gorillas

Since 2011 we have been cooperating with Flying Gorillas, a British origin theater-education group, in teacher and student training programs. We continue our projects with this non-verbal dance theater group that uses only body language to communicate.

European Union

In 2011, we trained 200 teachers and 150 students with a E.U. program called “Baby Lion”. We also took part in social responsibility projects of the Governorate of Diyarbakir, Istanbul Child Protection Agency and the United Nations.

In our efforts to create awareness on social responsibility issues, we have joined forces with our teachers, students and their parents. We visit the music departments of state schools in Istanbul and Southeastern Turkey to make suggestions, and if requested, give training within our field of expertise. We work in Istanbul and in the Southeastern region with underprivileged, mentally and physically handicapped children and adolescents.

Campaigns and activities we have taken part in

• Donating the funds from BT education books to the Foundation of the Mentally Handicapped-IZEV in Istanbul,
• Giving financial support for building an elevator at the Sariyer rehabilitation branch of IZEV, by organizing a campaign “I Am Just Different”,
• Sending books, clothes and toys to the regions in need,
• Collecting the necessary gear for the campaign “You Can Help One Child Ski”, to help underprivileged children in Sarikamis, Bitlis and Erzurum, in order for them to become successful athletes in the future,
• A benefit concert organized by the Teodora Foundation, with Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and soloist Benal Tanrisever, for cancer patient children,
• Theater workshops for the teachers and students at the Diyarbakir Social Services and Child Protection Agency
• Theater workshop at the Bahçelievler Social Services and Child Protection Agency,
• Center for the Mentally Disabled,
• Benefit campaign for the Sisli branch of the Association for the Support of Contemporary Living (ÇYDD),
• Save the Children International Aid Foundation benefit concert for the children effected by the tsunami in Japan
• Benefit concert organized through the Van National Education Directorate, for the Ercis earthquake,
• Campaign to purchase an electric wheel chair for a paraplectic child,
• Support to the Tüvana Foundation for Children Who Want to Go to School (TOÇEV) campaign “You Can Also Touch”,
• Grant scholarships to TOHUM Otism Foundation students for individual music lessons.

Our Education Book Series

Our age approriate method books of contemporary music education meet the needs of children, and provide the basis of individual instrument education. Our music department has published 11 education books. All our education books are designed by observing the age and development of students, and contain technical, theoretical and musical tools to ensure their fast development. Our education books also include CD’s. Our students receive their achievement certificate following a final exam consisting of 4 instrumental pieces.

BT Education Books Series

Piano Education Book I
Piano Education Book II
Piano Education Book III
Piano Education Book IV
Advanced Beginner Piano Education Book
World Classics Piano I
World Classics Piano II
Classical Guitar Education Book I
Classical Guitar Education Book II
Electric Guitar Education Book
Drums Education Book
Song Book I
Song Book II

Classical Music Tales with Mr. Major
Our children’s book series, which won an award in the creative books category, introduces your children to the most important composers of classical music, Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Johann Strauss. The Classical Music Tales is a joint project of our founder and Dogan-Egmont Publications. You can enjoy as a family these books which recount the lives and works of classical music geniuses, are easy to understand and also include CD’s. Following the musical journey that you will embark under the guidance of Mr. Major, the questions at the end of each book helps to reinforce the newly intaken information. Dr. Benal Tanrisever Simsek also was the musical director at the “Ada Ballet Performance” where the books were put on stage by Tan Sagtürk.

Teacher training Certificate Program

Topics of subject area teacher training

• Explaining the mission, philosophy, vision and process
• Determining the expectations, goals and strategy
• Applied illustration of learning models versus teaching models
• How to approach students who learn through analytical, visual or kinetsthetic learning systems
• Importance of differential music education and implementation techniques
• Implementing assessment and evaluation criteria
• Making sure program is student oriented, stimulating student attention
• Developing and managing lesson programs
• Creating and managing music groups
• Scheduling musical activities such as concerts and performances, creating content
• Introduction of the international exam system, training pertaining to content
• Syllabus work of certificate program
• Theoretical, technical and implementation work of the certificate program
• Using and implementing BT Educational Publications
• Achievement certificate exam

Cooperation with schools:
Developing and Structuring the Music Department

What is the objective of the program?

The objective of this program is; to offer our guidance to help advance music lessons in schools to the highest education standards, and in accordance with the school’s education philosophy, to create a more active music program that will become a part of school life. The main topics covered by the program are: to improve music lessons within the scope of the curriculum, to make sure musical activities and student participation are increased, and teacher training.

A successful music program enriches the education, increases creative thinking, helps students become successful individuals in society. The music groups increase the solidarity between students and nurture the sense of belonging to the school. Students who feel this way become more active during the education process, their self-confident is boosted, thus they channel their education experience towards a positive direction which makes them successful.

Structuring steps of the music program:

Meeting with school administration

First and foremost we meet with the school administration to determine, in line with the goals and principles of the school, what their expectations would be regarding the program. We evaluate their existing program, brainstorm on the goals they wish to achieve.

Meeting the head of the music department and the teachers

We meet the head of the music department and the teachers, and gather information on their vocational assets. We discuss the ongoing curriculum, the goals, content and implementing methods, learn the teachers’ expectations of the music program and try to understand the difficulties they experience in class.

Evaluation and implementation planning with school administration

We report all the gathered data to the administration and evaluate it, list what needs to be done, make suggestions regarding the existing or potential music groups in school. We determine a schedule within the context of this new structuring.

Educative children’s theater for ages 5-12 and their parents

Why children’s theater?

A person’s relation with music is shaped at childhood. Concert theater, with visuality and music, offers an enjoyable environment to approach, get close and educate children. Keeping this in mind, with the cooperation and under the umbrella of enKA Culture and Arts, we created “Jovial Sundays” in 2011. The first in this education series, aimed at bringing children and their families together in a relaxed environment, where they can learn and have fun, was realized by the Eskisehir Sypmhony Orchestra, conductor Naci Özgüç and soloist Benal Tanrisever. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.20 was performed and explained in a cheerful atmosphere. In the following years, Four Seasons by Vivaldi and Invitation to Dance by Johann Strauss, books in the Classical Music Tales series, were performed on stage for children.

What are the academic objectives of theater?

• To introduce children to classical music through a play, and open different paths in their development.
• To help them learn the stories that lie behind works of music.
• To help them to get to know the instruments in an orchestra, the use of sound and the world of opera.
• Introducing composers to children as well as introducing their works and the instruments to children through live music.
• By explaining how the imagination of the composer has reflected on his work, to create a lasting memory for children and to support their fantasies.
• To take the “Classical Music Tales” children have read in class or at home out of the book and link them to real life, by performing them live on stage.
• To give students a chance to closely observe talented artists and musicians and help them understand that these talents are obtained through hard work.

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

School Regulations

trial lesson

All students who wish to start playing an instrument can make an appointment with our office for a free trial lesson. These individual trial lessons are like an example lesson. During this process we evaluate whether the student is ready to start playing an instrument, as well as their aptitude for music and their instrument of choice, and their concentration and perception skills. We share our education philosophy, expectations, goals, our program flow and our fees. If the candidate is not ready for instrument education, we end our first meeting, agreeing to get together again in 3 months for a reevaluation. Students who wish to begin their piano education need to buy a 5 octave keyboard for their home studies. Our school also offers short-term leases for organs and electronic pianos. Once our mutual expectations are met, the student has to buy a piano after 1 year. At this stage we provide the necessary guidance. For all instruments other than piano, the students have to buy their own instrument at the beginning of their education. Candidates for musical theater can make an appointment for a trial lesson at the beginning of the school year.

Registration

The academic education calender is determined by the Ministry of National Education. It starts on the first week of September, and continues through till the 3^rd week of June. During the semester break, we go beyond the scope of our regular lessons, giving our students the chance to try different instruments and lesson choices, so they can acquire different experiences and skills. These lessons during the semester break require pre-reservation.

Registration takes place following the meeting with the student and parent, and our evaluation. We suggest the appropriate teacher and lesson time according to the student’s level and needs. The lesson days and hours set at the beginning of the school year will be effective throughout the year. Weekly scheduling on a lesson basis is only valid for adults, within limited timeframes. Under special conditions and depending on the schedule, we try to help out with requests to change lesson hours. Such requests must be handed in writing by the parent. We give 2 makeups per year for non-attendance.

Our students work with a different teacher each year, according to their level and needs. This change is determined by the general meeting at the end of the school year. New students, after their needs are determined, join the group solfege lessons. The teacher informs the parent in the weekly lesson commentaries, at which level the student should participate the solfege classes. 

Payment conditions

You can make your payments via bank wire, mail order, credit card or cash. You are responsible for your payments the day you begin the classes. Our accounting department will give you the total amount of payment and installment options received from the simulator, prior to registration. You have an option of payment up to 10 installments, the last one being  in June. For 5 and more installments, there is a 1.68% bank fee. For payments made in full at the beginning of the school year we offer a 5% discount.

Termination of Registration

Requests about withdrawing from individual or group lessons should be handed to the registrar in writing. Verbal information given to the teacher does not make this request official. In the case of termination within 4 weeks into the program, the fee paid at registration is refunded in full. If the registration is terminated at a later time during the year, the fee is refunded with a 10% deduction.  

Absence Policy

How can I report a student absence?

Regarding an absence, you can call 212-270 83 14 and inform the program manager or send an e-mail to btmuzikevi@btmuzikevi.com. We give 2 makeup lessons per year for non-attendance. If a student has fallen behind in classes due to too much absence, we call them in for extra lessons.

When do makeup lessons take place?

Makeup lessons are scheduled and announced by our school. Makeup lessons given on Sundays are included in the academic calender.

Can I cancel my makeup lesson?

If you cancel your makeup lesson, you lose your right for one.

School closures

Lessons are cancelled if schools are closed by M.O.N.E., due to extraordinary weather conditions. In such a case, the necessary information is given to you by our registration office and is announced on our web site. There are no makeups for lessons cancelled by official bodies.

Financial Aid

Financial aid to students is provided according to the financial situation of the family and the school budget. Old or new students in individual lessons, group lessons or orchestra can apply for financial aid. Application forms should be submited to school management no later than August.

Following the improvement

Our teaching staff, heads of departments, education director and school principal closely follow the improvements of students. There is an ongoing communication between the student, parent and teacher, including weekly reports and term reports. Parents of students who are part of our education program meet with the education coordinator during the first semester, after registration is completed. During this meeting, the contents, goals, methodology and implementation of the education process is explained to the parent. The parent partially experiences the process of instrument learning. The education coordinator, in accordance with the home studies, revises the curriculum flow and needs of the student.

Scope of Individual Instrument Lessons

• Orientation meetings held with parent, to discuss goals and development of student
• To present to student the appropriate unique education program and curriculum, in accordance with these goals
• 40 or 55-minute individual lessons
• Group solfege lessons
• User account on web site for parent and student
• Communicating to parent the program flow
• Communicating to parent the weekly lesson commentaries and evaluations
• Parent briefing meetings after student begins lessons
• Term improvement report
• Student recitals
• Performance opportunities
• Workshop and limitless participation in semester courses
• Free participation in education and concert panels organized by institution
• Education counselling for students who wish to study performance arts abroad
• Letters of reference for university applications abroad

Counselling

Every student can consult the department manager, music director and school principal regarding their lessons, improvement, and even their university and career plans.The numerous individual lessons within the context of the curriculum give the opportunity to all authorities to closely get to know the students, and to give them guidance.

Publishing of photographs

Unless any written request has been submitted at registration, the parents of the students registered at this school have given consent to the following: the photographing and filming of lessons, classes and other activities, and publishing these images without prewarning and without paying any copyright, on any promotional material and the website.

Performances

The numerous recitals, concerts, theater and dance performances during the year help students to develop their goal setting and stage skills. We suggest that students take advantage of these opportunities. Student concerts and workshops are noted on the academic calender and can be found under the announcements tab of our website.

How can I participate in a concert?

The teacher informs the parent when the student is ready to go on stage. These concerts are not only about how successfully a student plays his own instrument; the students also get the opportunity to patiently watch the performances of others, and to hear different repertoires and instruments. Except for special circumstances, a student who has performed cannot leave the concert before his own group is done.

When do I have to be there?

Students have to be at the concert hall at the latest 30 minutes before the starting hour of the concert.

How should I get dressed?

Students should pay special attention to what they wear. Formal attire or a suit is not mandatory, but students are not allowed to wear jeans, t-shirts, shorts, mini skirts and sneakers.

What if I need an accompanist?

All students who need an accompanist will be provided with professional support.