A Unique Clarinet Sound from Aleppo to the World 

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Serkan’s musical journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring.
Born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, he first encountered the world of music at the age of 14. He began his musical education with classical piano, but despite his dedication, he quickly realized that the piano wasn’t the voice his soul was searching for. His true calling came unexpectedly when he picked up a "Bb clarinet" that had been abandoned by his older brother, who had given up on the instrument. From that moment on, Serkan’s life would be defined by the clarinet, a love that would shape his musical identity.

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Without a formal teacher or mentor to guide him, Serkan started his journey of self-teaching. He was drawn at the beginning to the rich and soulful sound of Arabic and Kurdish music, which resonated deeply with his cultural roots. Unlike most clarinetists, Serkan chose not to follow the classical music tradition but instead to develop his own sound on the instrument, one that was attuned to the melodies and rhythms of the Middle East. He spent countless hours practicing alone, listening to music late into the night, and studying etude books written for instruments like the "Oud" and "violin", training his ear and expanding his musical vocabulary.

In Aleppo, Serkan was one of the few clarinetists playing on the "G Albert clarinet system", an instrument not commonly used in Arabic music. His ability to blend the clarinet's distinctive timbre with traditional Turkish and Arabic music quickly earned him a reputation. Late-night radio sessions became his primary source of learning, as he tuned into Turkish music stations with clearer frequencies, absorbing the sounds and nuances that would shape his playing. This deep immersion in Turkish and Arabic music helped Serkan develop a unique style that was all his own.
 

In 2013, with begeninng of the war in Syria Serkan relocated with his family in Istanbul, where he pursued his career further, earning a degree in Film and Television from Marmara University. He later specialized in "sound and music production for media and film", where his technical expertise allowed him to compose and arrange soundtracks for over ten documentaries and short films, contributing to well-known TV channels such as

Al Jazeera, TRT, and many other TV channels.
During his time in Turkey, Serkan had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with and perform alongside one of his childhood musical heroes, the legendary Göksel Baktagir, a renowned Turkish composer and Kanun virtuoso. This collaboration was a defining moment in Serkan’s career. Working with Baktagir, whose music had inspired him growing up, was not just an honor but a profound learning experience. The two musicians performed together at numerous concerts, blending their musical worlds in a way that showcased Serkan’s unique clarinet voice alongside the rich sounds of Turkish classical music. This period of collaboration helped Serkan solidify his place in the Turkish music scene and deepened his artistic growth, allowing him to fuse traditional Turkish melodies with his distinctive clarinet style.

As his musical journey expanded, Serkan’s talent was recognized beyond the Middle East. He received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he participated in an intensive music program. It was there that Nadia Washington, a faculty member at Berklee, noticed his exceptional ability and encouraged him to apply for the master’s program. Although his initial application to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute didn’t make it past the final stages, fate had other plans. A few weeks later, Serkan received an invitation from Berklee Valencia for an interview, after being recommended by professors from the Global Jazz Institute who saw his potential to fit in the program at Berklee Valencia. After a successful interview, Serkan was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to attend the master’s program at Berklee Valencia, where he continued to hone his skills and deepen his knowledge of music.

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At Berklee Valencia, Serkan worked closely with renowned professors such as Perico Sambeat, Javier Vercher, and Sergio Martínez, who helped him refine his musicality, technique, and creative vision. His time at Berklee was not just an academic pursuit but also an immersion into a world of musical innovation, where he collaborated with artists from all corners of the globe.

In addition to his role as a clarinetist, Serkan has become a well-respected figure in the Turkish music industry as a music director and arranger of musical projects. He has worked with some of the most prominent Middle Eastern singers and musicians, helping shape projects that blend traditional sounds with contemporary production techniques.

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In 2021, Serkan launched the "In The Studio Project", an innovative platform designed to bring independent musicians together from all over the world in a unique music community. His vision was to revolutionize how people experience music by allowing listeners to enjoy live performances through headphones in the studio, creating an immersive and interactive experience for global audiences. This groundbreaking project has the potential to change the way people connect with music and musicians alike.

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Serkan’s dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, including first place at the Istanbul International Clarinet Festival in 2015, which further solidified his status as one of the top clarinetists in Turkey and beyond.