Copyright © 2022 Istanbul Piano Festival

Welcome to our week-long celebration of piano music!

The Bilkent Piano Festival is an unique program that provides the valuable experience of studying and interacting with prominent musicians, making musical friends, discovering role models, and participating in multiple performance opportunities. Located on the campus of Bilkent University – Turkey’s leading institution of higher education – the Bilkent Piano Festival offers full lodging and meal service, as well as free access to the university’s many amenities.

The Festival will provide exposure to the practical aspects of performance and advanced artistic guidance. In our warm and supportive environment at Bilkent, students will receive constant inspiration and individual attention. For young pianists who are aspiring to learn and to experience interaction with some of the leading musical artists in the world today, the Bilkent Piano Festival will present unparalleled opportunities. The Festival will give all participants the chance to work together with each other and form lifelong musical friendships.

At the Festival, we emphasize the importance of confidence and competence in performance as well as effective communication with the audience. We welcome students of all ages and all levels in our two programs – Active & Passive, and will provide a customized approach for each individual student. Even though every student’s potentials, skills, and needs are different – they are all nonetheless musicians who need to find their unique identities through a collaboration with a mentor who is sensitive to their needs.

Personally, I attended my first music festival in Aspen, U.S. when I was 14 years-old, and I remember how overwhelming it was, but also how inspiring it was. That festival was a life-changing experience which inspired me to pursue my musical career. I hope your week at Bilkent University will give you the same valuable inspiration.

For 7 days, in our culturally accomplished environment of Bilkent University, participants will be immersed in the art of piano music and will be inspired and challenged by the dedicated Festival faculty. They will be personally mentored as they acquire innovative and creative skills and identify their goals in music. Through our distinctive seminars and Lunch & Learn sessions, participants will also learn to explore music career options, professional networking strategies, marketing, promotional plans, and publicity skills.

At Bilkent, we are committed to excellence and would like our participants to enjoy the marvelous experience of working closely with outstanding artist faculty and benefiting from the exclusive career development seminar to a special session on the physiology of performance.

We aim to nurture the musical interests of pianists and guide them onwards in their careers.

We look forward to seeing you at Bilkent University this summer!

Dr. Yoonie Han
Artistic Director of Bilkent Piano Festival
Assistant Professor of Piano / External Artistic Events Coordinator at Bilkent University