Rebab Classes
Given by Asst. Prof. Rahmi Oruc Guvenc, the rebab lessons are being organised in Istanbul, Ankara and various cities of Europe. The lessons are open to students with any levels of music knowledge.
Exercise files
To download the files right click the link and select 'save target as' from the opening menu.
Video: Pentatonic Improvisation
Click for the rebab improvisation example video (MPG file, 5.728MB)
About Rebab
Rebab is a three string musical instrument. Two of the strings is metal wrapped around silk and one is of horse tail. The instrument is mostly played on the horse hair string.
It is played with a bow. The bow is also made of horse hair.
The body is made of coconut and generally covered with catfish skin.
Its origins is in Central Asia. According to some rumors, Rumi (Hz. Mevlana) himself played the rebab (Click for stanzas from Rumi on Rebab). Today this instrument is on the edge of being fogotten. Yet, a few people, leaded by Oruç Guvenc have been trying to make the instrument come to life in our day.
In March 2002, a rebab tour had been organised with this purpose. In this tour, twenty four rebabs took stage at the same time.
Especially as UNESCO declared this year as the Mevlşana year, a second rebab tour is being planned for the end of April 2007.
Things you might want to know about the lessons
Can somebody with no previous knowledge on music follow the classes?
You do not need any previous knowledge to start the lessons. Notes, makam (tonalities), usul (rhythms) are thought from the beginning, along with the rebab.
Can someone who does not own a rebab join the classes?
In every class, we have a few spare rebabs which you can use during the lesson. To study at home, you will eventually have to own one, though
How often are the lessons made?
The lessons are organized so that you approximately have one lesson per month. After an intense lesson, you are expected to be prepared until the next one and be confortable with what was thought.
Is it necessary to follow the lessons regularly?
Since a program is being followed, its better to attend regularly..
How is the class dates and times assigned?
During the classes, a day and time that could be agreeable for everyone is assigned all together.
How long are the lessons?
Some of them are 3-4 hours (usually weekdays), and some are the whole day (usually weekends).
How long does it take to complete the program?
If you plan to be a musictherapis, the program is approximately six years long. If you only want to play the rebab, you can take as many classes as you want.
Where are the classes given?
In Istanbul, in the Tumata center. In Ankara in Neva arts and development center, whivh is the Ankara branch of Tumata. The places for the other classes that are specially organised or outside Turkey are announced.
Are there private classes for groups?
Yes. Than the group can organize the place, time and frequency of the classes.
Address and contact information:
Click for
Istanbul contact info
Click for
Ankara contact information