Information Package / Course Catalogue
Tanbur I
Course Code: KGTM137
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 1
Credit: 4
Lab: 0
ECTS: 6
Objectives of the Course

1. Getting to know the tanbur instrument, 2. To provide beginner level basic performance technique, 3. To practice introductory pieces in Rast, Buselik, Uşşak, Bayati, Hüseyni, Neva, Tahir, Muhayyer, Muhayyer Kürdi and Hicaz makams.

Course Content

Introduction to the tanbur accordion, the used fret system holding, sitting, hand-finger-wrist positions and angles, plectrum strokes with etudes, right hand-left hand usage and performance techniques, theoretical explanation and application of some critical frets/regions, maqam etudes.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Assoc. Prof. Özcan ABAYLI
Learning Outcomes
1.Know the historical development of the Tanbur and acquire basic knowledge and techniques related to the
2.Position the right and left fingers in the correct playing position and applies begining level finger exercises.
3.Performs beginner level works in Basit makams.
4.Tunes the instrument.
5.Gain a regular and systematic working habit.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Akan, E. (2007). Tanbur Method. Istanbul: Caglar Music Publications
2.Gulses, N. (1991). Plectrum Tambour Learning Guide. Istanbul: ITU Publications.
3.Özel, O. (1997). An Essay on the Tanbur Technique. Istanbul: ITU, SBE, Master Thesis.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical & Practice
History of the instrument, presentation of the technical parts, special attention to the selection of the instrument.
Week 2 - Theoretical & Practice
Sitting and positioning of the fingers in play position and basic finger movements.
Week 3 - Theoretical & Practice
Introducing perde names. Application of initial exercises on Tanbur.
Week 4 - Theoretical & Practice
Left and right hand balancing exercises.
Week 5 - Theoretical & Practice
Beginning level mixed finger exercises focus on intervals (second).
Week 6 - Theoretical & Practice
Beginning level mixed finger exercises focus on intervals (third), Beginning level mixed finger exercises focus on intervals (fourth).
Week 7 - Theoretical & Practice
Beginning level mixed finger exercises on rythmic groupings. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Week 8 - Theoretical & Practice
Beginning level mixed finger exercises on rythmic groupings. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Week 9 - Theoretical & Practice
Changing mandal finger exercises. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Week 10 - Theoretical & Practice
Beginning level finger exercises on chromatic. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Week 11 - Theoretical & Practice
Changing mandal finger exercises. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Week 12 - Theoretical & Practice
Mixed interval exercises and etudes. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Week 13 - Theoretical & Practice
Practice on tuning the instrument. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Week 14 - Theoretical & Practice
Practice on tuning the instrument. Beginner level pieces in Basit makams.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory144170
Midterm Examination1151530
Final Examination1252550
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)150
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
OÇ-1
4
4
4
4
4
OÇ-2
OÇ-3
OÇ-4
OÇ-5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026