IZMIR
INTERNATIONAL
MUSIC VILLAGE
WELCOME, MUSIC LOVERS!
Are you ready to be captivated by the magic of music?
The Izmir International Music Village is an initiative that brings together passionate music lovers and master musicians. Here, we offer unique experiences and learning opportunities for people of all ages. The Izmir International Music Village is Turkey’s first music village that removes boundaries by creating customized working stations based on demand. Whether you are interested in vocal training or learning an instrument of your choice, you will find a wide range of workshops tailored to your needs.
Like a music fair, the Izmir International Music Village connects participants with experts from various fields—ranging from Turkish Music to Western Music, from Jazz to diverse ethnic music traditions—depending on interest and demand. Applications are open to all disciplines, and with its rich program of workshops, seminars/panels, and recitals, the Village celebrates music not only as an art form but also as a way of life.
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Workshops: Whether you want to learn an instrument, improve your skills, master singing, or explore music more deeply, we offer something for everyone. Guided by experienced instructors, our workshops are tailored for musicians of all levels.
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Seminars and Panels: For those who want to explore the boundaries of music and gain deeper knowledge, we organize a variety of seminars led by experts. Topics range from music history and technical aspects to composition processes and stage performance.
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Collaborative Concerts, Recitals, and Performances: One of music’s greatest strengths is sharing it. The Music Village hosts recitals and performances where participants can showcase their talents and connect with fellow music lovers—an ideal setting to celebrate art and community.
This is not just a place to learn music—it is also a community, a family. With our passion and the experience of our educators, we aim to share the magic of music with everyone. Join us on this journey and discover the wonderful world of music!
Why International?
Within the framework of the sister city project between Izmir and Bremen, Izmir Music Academy and Bremen-based Westend Kultur Werkstatt have been collaborating since 2016. The Izmir International Music Village, jointly organized by these two institutions, brings together musicians and music enthusiasts.
This event aims to strengthen cultural ties between the two cities, foster artistic collaboration, build bridges between communities through the universal language of music, and help participants broaden their musical perspectives and gain new insights.
Why Urla?
The Urla–Çeşme–Karaburun Peninsula, located at the westernmost tip of Turkey, is one of the country’s most important centers where tourism, art, history, culture, agriculture, and gastronomy come together—prioritizing a human-centered lifestyle.
Throughout history, many civilizations have lived in this region. For example, the ancient city of Teos, located just 15 km from Bademler Village and one of the twelve Ionian cities, is known as one of the first places in the world where the concept of art was formally explored and where artists formed one of the earliest organized communities. Today, Seferihisar—Turkey’s first “Cittaslow” town—and its historic coastal settlement Sığacık reflect the region’s strong cultural identity. Çeşme is a leading summer destination with its golden sandy beaches such as Ilıca Beach, while Alaçatı is considered a hub for windsurfing thanks to its unique winds. Karaburun is known not only for tourism but also for its fields of endemic flowers like narcissus and hyacinth. Urla, on the other hand, stands out as a major cultural center with its boutique hotels, art streets, organic markets, museums, art villages, and flower fields. It is also notable for its agricultural production, especially artichokes. Overall, the peninsula—particularly Urla—is known for its festivals centered around agriculture, culture, and the arts. Our choice of this region reflects both our identity rooted in Izmir and the unique character of the area.
Bademler Art Village: Located in Bademler Village, Bademler Art Village hosts the Musa Baran Toy Museum, Sabiha Tansuğ Ethnography Museum, Zehra Müfit Saner’s Kitre Doll Collection, and Nurgül Bilgiç’s Anatolian Dolls Collection, along with shops, restaurants, cafés, and accommodation facilities. Offering numerous workshops and programs, the village aims to immerse its guests in art and nature throughout their stay. It is built on the principles of providing artistic experiences, fostering development and learning, and creating an enjoyable atmosphere. Through Sabiha Tansuğ’s remarkable collection, it preserves and shares Anatolian cultural heritage, while the Musa Baran collection reflects the timeless journey of children’s toys across generations. Bademler Art Village also hosts a wide range of workshops—from performing arts like concerts and theater to fine arts such as painting and even culinary arts like pastry-making. Through special programs, it aims to bring together creative individuals—whether artists or not—helping them discover their talents and develop artistic awareness.
The Izmir International Music Village aligns perfectly with the artistic vision of Bademler Art Village.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The event is planned to be held annually in Izmir. In addition to promoting Izmir’s historical, cultural, and touristic richness, the program will be led by musicians and educators from Izmir Music Academy and Westend Kultur Werkstatt, as well as invited artists and academics from various institutions.
The target audience includes not only students of both institutions but also anyone eager to learn, improve their knowledge, develop their musical skills, exchange ideas, and explore new perspectives through creative interaction.
Masterclasses and Workshops:
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Experienced musicians from Izmir and Bremen, along with leading figures from Turkey, will conduct workshops on various musical styles and techniques.
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Participants can receive training in instrumental performance, vocal techniques, composition, and improvisation.
Seminars and Panels:
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Based on annual themes, seminars and panels will focus on music theory, music history, and cultural music studies, including in-depth discussions on the social and cultural impact of music.
Collaborative Concerts and Performances:
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Musicians from Izmir, Bremen, and around the world will perform together, offering unforgettable experiences.
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Concerts will feature a wide repertoire—from classical music to jazz and folk traditions.
Cultural Tours and Activities:
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Participants will explore Izmir’s historical and cultural sites, experiencing the city’s musical and cultural fabric while connecting with local communities.
The Izmir International Music Village aims to strengthen cultural exchange between Izmir and Bremen and foster lasting friendships. Organized in collaboration with Izmir Music Academy and Westend Kultur Werkstatt, this event will enhance mutual understanding and cooperation through the universal power of music, while providing young musicians with an international platform for expression and growth.
As a reflection of the sister city relationship between Izmir and Bremen, this project stands as one of the most tangible examples of artistic collaboration, showcasing the cultural richness and creative potential of both cities. With the unifying power of music, the Izmir International Music Village will offer an unforgettable experience for participants and audiences alike.
See also:
Music Village Directors
Güvenç BİRER
Güvenç Birer is an oud player, choir conductor, composer, lyricist, and music educator from İzmir. In his musical career, he has participated in various cultural projects, primarily focusing on Turkish music. However, he identifies himself more as an educator.
Birer began his music theory education in middle school and continued with choir work during his high school years. He first joined the TOBAV Polyphonic Youth Choir. Later, he also participated in Turkish music choirs and performed in concerts with all these choirs. During his high school years, he started teaching with the Turkish Educational Volunteers Foundation (TEGV), which became a ten-year journey where he realized that teaching was a passion for him. While gaining experience as a choir conductor and performing concerts with a choir he formed there, he continued singing in other choirs as a chorister, including during his conservatory years, to observe and learn.
In 2007, while still a third-year student at Ege University State Turkish Music Conservatory, which he graduated from with first place, he accepted an offer to establish the Faculty of Agriculture Turkish Classical Music Choir at the university, driven by his passion for teaching. This was his first experience working with adults in the field of Turkish classical music. His work in this area gained momentum afterwards. He continued conducting the YURT-KUR İzmir Regional Directorate Bornova Student Dormitory TSM Choir, the Seferihisar Public Education Center Turkish Classical Music Choir, and the Buca Public Education Center Turkish Classical Music Choir.
After graduating from university, he completed a master’s degree in educational sciences and was appointed as a teacher. He worked as a full-time music teacher first in Batman and then in the districts of Kiraz, Menemen, and Konak in İzmir. At his last teaching position at Konak Hamdi Dalan Special Education Practice School, he worked with individuals with various intellectual disabilities, mainly autism. This was a significant turning point in his life as he discovered new ways of teaching. In his 11th year as a specialist teacher, he resigned from this position and took over as the head of İzmir Music Academy, where he had been an advisor and honorary founder since its establishment. There, he manages administrative tasks as well as teaches oud, music theory, and conservatory preparation courses, and conducts the Traditional Turkish Classical Music Fasl-ı Cedîd Ensemble and Popular Music Choirs.
In parallel with leaving his state teaching position, he also founded İZMA Music Production and Organization, adding two high-quality studios to İzmir’s music scene. Through this company, he gained experience managing many artists’ album processes from the initial arranging and recording stages to the final digital release.
Bremen Period
For many years, musical projects have been organized between the sister cities of İzmir & Bremen. Since 2016, Güvenç Birer has been involved in the project. Recognized by the Bremen Senate as the official İzmir Coordinator of the events and a cultural ambassador between the two cities, Birer established the official partnership between İzmir Music Academy and Westend. After this, Birer and Peter Dahm, as directors of their respective organizations, realized many artistic projects together. The “Transition” Project, organized under the auspices of the Bremen Senate and offering audiences unique experiences with the participation of artists from both countries, is known as the umbrella organization. Initially coming together through this project, the duo later founded the Sıkıntı Yok Ensemble, which also brought together artists from both countries. With this ensemble, Birer signed his first album project. The album, consisting of Peter Dahm’s compositions, included two pieces, Aras and Sota, for which Birer wrote the lyrics and recorded them in the album.
During concerts in Bremen, Birer met an amateur group consisting mainly of Turkish people from Bremen, in addition to professionals. Over time, he developed relationships with the group members. With the onset of the COVID-2019 pandemic, this relationship evolved further. The group members began taking oud lessons and Turkish music performance lessons remotely, and also received bağlama, vocal, piano, and rhythm lessons from teachers at İzmir Music Academy. When the pandemic ended, the group members and Birer wished to continue with in-person work. They began meeting monthly in Bremen. Incorporating not only Turkish music but also works in different dialects and languages into its repertoire, they effectively formed an Eastern music ensemble in Bremen: WestEast Chor. The ensemble, under Birer’s general artistic direction, rehearses at Westend and continues to perform two concerts each season.
Other Artistic Works
In addition to the artistic projects during the Bremen period, Birer is also a member of the Okeanos Orchestra, founded by İzmir-based artist Evrim Ateşler, which serves as a cultural bridge between Turkey and Greece. This orchestra is especially known in Turkey for performing the Greek Smyrneika and Rembetiko music genres. Birer has also contributed to album, single, and other projects under Ateşler’s artistic direction. The album Mikra Asia – Asia Minor marks a new milestone in Birer’s artistic journey, as it represents progress in a new musical genre for him.
Güvenç Birer has composed many original works of his own, both music and lyrics. He has organized a concert featuring his compositions, and planning for several albums is ongoing.
Birer has also played an active role in various charity concerts and major events, dedicating many of the concerts he organized to meaningful causes.
In light of all this, it can be said that Güvenç Birer has participated in diverse cultural and social projects throughout his musical journey and has played an active role especially in Turkish music education and concerts.
Peter DAHM
Peter Dahm is a German saxophonist and composer based in Bremen. Dahm has a rich and diverse musical career, contributing to numerous projects, albums, and bands. Known for performing in a variety of musical genres, he has worked in genres including jazz, Balkan folklore, Klezmer, and Turkish-Arabic music.
His compositions often blend these diverse influences, creating unique and captivating musical experiences. Dahm is actively involved in musical work at the Kulturwerkstatt Westend in Bremen, where he serves as artistic music director. He has organized and directed numerous musical events and collaborations, bringing together amateur and professional musicians. He has also performed extensively with groups such as Klezgoyim, where he explores traditional pieces with contemporary interpretations. He has also continued similar work with the "Sorting No Ensemble," a group formed by musicians who came together as part of the Izmir and Bremen Sister City Project. The artist has also released numerous albums from all of these projects, including his most recent album, "Izmir Touch." He has also worked with Zülfü Livaneli in Europe, particularly in Bremen and Germany.
Peter Dahm is an artist who uses the universal language of music to unite different cultures and promote musical diversity. His contributions to Bremen and his international projects have earned him a significant place in the music world.
Our motto
"We Raise Our Voices Together"
This motto highlights the sense of unity and solidarity of music. Izmir International Music Village offers an environment where every individual can make their voice heard and a stronger melody can be created together.
Our motto
"A Community Built with Notes"
This motto emphasizes the unifying power of music. Izmir International Music Village aims to build a strong community with notes by bringing together people with different talents, backgrounds and cultures.
Our motto
"Journey to the Heart of Music"
This motto emphasizes going deep into music and encouraging people to touch the fabric of music. Izmir International Music Village aims to take everyone on a journey towards the heart of music.