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CANAN SEZGİN GEYLAN-PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Canan Sezgin Geylan is an accomplished Turkish Makam Music vocalist, violinist, music educator, choir conductor, broadcaster, cultural entrepreneur, and master instructor with more than 35 years of professional artistic experience.

Throughout her career, she has worked as a professional state artist with major Turkish cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, including the Samsun, Ankara and İzmir State Classical Turkish Music Choirs and the İstanbul State Turkish Music Ensemble.

She has also had an extensive professional relationship with TRT – Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, appearing in numerous radio and television productions as a vocalist, violinist, presenter and producer.

Her professional expertise encompasses Turkish Makam Music performance, vocal interpretation, traditional Turkish music violin performance, makam theory, repertoire, performance practice, choir leadership, music education, children’s choirs, broadcasting, cultural programming and intercultural artistic collaboration.

Since relocating to Canada in 2024, she has continued her professional artistic and educational career in Toronto. Through her initiative CY Music Hub, as well as collaborations with Canadian musicians, universities, cultural institutions and community organizations, she develops educational and artistic programs focused on Turkish Makam Music.

Her Canadian activities include private instruction, masterclasses, workshops, concerts, seminars, choir leadership, cultural presentations and intercultural music projects.

Her work contributes to cultural heritage preservation, arts education, multicultural engagement, intercultural understanding and artistic exchange between Canada and Türkiye.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN CANADA Founder & Artistic Director – CY MUSIC HUB Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 2024 – Present

Founder and Artistic Director of a professional cultural and educational initiative dedicated to the teaching, performance and promotion of Turkish Makam Music in Canada and internationally.

CY Music Hub develops and provides:

• Turkish Makam Music private instruction
• Vocal and violin training
• Advanced professional coaching
• Masterclasses and workshops
• Repertoire and makam studies
• Ensemble and choir training
• Children’s music programs
• Concerts and recital programs
• University and institutional educational programs
• Online music education
• Cultural presentations and seminars
• Intercultural artistic projects

CY Music Hub aims to create a professional bridge between Turkish Makam Music and Canada’s multicultural arts and education environment.

Choir Conductor & Musical Director Anatolian Folk Dancers & Ezgi Ensemble

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Served as Choir Conductor and Musical Director of the Ezgi Ensemble Choir, part of a Turkish cultural organization with more than 44 years of continuous activity in Toronto.

Key responsibilities included:

• Choir leadership
• Repertoire development
• Vocal training
• Musical preparation
• Concert preparation
• Cultural programming
• Preservation and transmission of Turkish musical heritage

Guest Lecturer & Masterclass Presenter Canadian Society for the Advancement of Turkish Studies (CSATS)

Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations Department (NMC), University of Toronto

Toronto, Canada | March 27, 2025

Presented a two-hour lecture, masterclass and lecture-recital entitled:

“Journey Through Time: Turkish Classical Music (Zaman Yolculuğu – Klasik Türk Müziği)”

The program introduced students, researchers, musicians and members of the public to:

• The history and evolution of Turkish Classical Music
• Turkish Makam theory and performance practice
• Traditional musical forms and repertoire
• Vocal interpretation and stylistic traditions
• The cultural significance of Turkish musical heritage

The program was presented as part of the CSATS Master Class Series at the University of Toronto and contributed to intercultural education and awareness of Turkish musical traditions within the Canadian academic community.

Educator Yunus Emre Institute Canada

Toronto, Canada

Contributed to Turkish music and vocal education programs following her arrival in Canada, supporting cultural education and artistic outreach within the Turkish- Canadian community.

Artistic Collaborator Labyrinth Ontario

Ontario, Canada

Participated in intercultural artistic initiatives, educational programming and musical projects connecting artists and communities from diverse cultural backgrounds.

CULTURAL LEADERSHIP IN CANADA

Since establishing her professional activities in Canada, Canan Sezgin Geylan has developed artistic and educational collaborations involving:

• Canadian musicians
• Turkish-Canadian organizations
• Universities
• Cultural institutions
• Community organizations
• Multicultural arts organizations
• Musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds

Her work aims to make Turkish Makam Music accessible not only to Turkish- speaking communities but also to musicians and audiences from different cultural backgrounds, including Canadian, Iranian, Arab, Greek and other multicultural communities.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER IN TÜRKİYE İstanbul State Turkish Music Ensemble Ministry of Culture and Tourism – General Directorate of Fine Arts

2015 – 2024

Professional state artist specializing in vocal and violin performance.

Participated in concerts, festivals, tours, cultural diplomacy initiatives, educational programs and international artistic projects throughout Türkiye and abroad.

İzmir State Classical Turkish Music Choir 2006 – 2015

Professional vocalist and violinist.

In 2012–2013, served as the Founder and Conductor of the Turkish Music Children’s Choir established within the İzmir State Classical Turkish Music Choir of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Ankara State Classical Turkish Music Choir

1994 – 2005

Professional vocalist and violinist.

Participated in state-sponsored concerts, artistic productions, tours and cultural programs.

Samsun State Classical Turkish Music Choir 1991 – 1994

Professional vocalist and violinist.

During the same period, served as an instructor at the Samsun Municipal Conservatory, Department of Turkish Art Music, and as Conductor of the Turkish Music Children’s Choir.

TRT – TURKISH RADIO & TELEVISION CORPORATION Vocalist | Violinist | Television Presenter | Radio Presenter | Producer

1988 – 2024

Successfully passed TRT’s nationwide Pre-Audition and Exceptional Contract Examination in 1988.

From that time onward, participated in numerous TRT radio and television productions as a vocalist and violinist and later as a presenter and producer.

Selected productions include:

Gönül Penceresi

TRT Television Television Presenter with Ahmet Özhan

Bir Yay Bir Mızrap

TRT Müzik Creator, Host and Performer

A 13-episode television project developed and presented with Yahya Geylan, combining traditional Turkish music repertoire with a jazz orchestra.

Gönüller Meclisi

TRT Müzik Television Presenter

Hosted a program featuring musician and poet members of the Turkish Parliament.

Stüdyo İstanbul

TRT Nağme Featured Live Soloist – 156 Weeks

Performed as a featured vocalist in weekly live broadcasts for 156 consecutive weeks during the 2018–2020 broadcasting periods.

Evden Eve Müzik

TRT Müzik

Participated in special music concert productions created during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Gönüller Bir Olsun

TRT Müzik

Participated in a 13-episode television concert production with Yahya Geylan.

Gönülden Şifa

TRT Nağme | 2022–2023

Prepared and presented the radio program together with Yahya Geylan.

EDUCATION Gazi University Faculty of Education – Department of Fine Arts Education

Music Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Okan University Conservatory Department of Music

Graduate / Master’s Studies

Samsun Municipal Conservatory Department of Turkish Art Music

Graduated with distinction in 1987.

MUSICAL EDUCATION AND EARLY TRAINING Canan Sezgin Geylan began her formal music education in 1979, receiving mandolin and later violin instruction from Mustafa Besen.

Beginning in 1981, she participated with her family in concerts, tours, radio and television productions associated with the Samsun Municipal Conservatory.

Among the principal educators who shaped her musical and academic development were:

• M. Muhterem Sezgin – Turkish Music theory, style, rhythmic cycles and repertoire
• Mustafa Besen – Mandolin and Violin
• Prof. Ali Sevgi – Ear Training, Solfège, Harmony and Counterpoint
• Prof. Dr. Suna Çevik – Choral Conducting, Vocal and Breathing Techniques
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Serap Yükrük – Individual Vocal Technique
• Prof. Dr. Selmin Tufan – Piano
• Prof. Gül Çimen – Piano
• Yakup Kıvrak – Orchestra and Conducting
• Prof. Dr. Nezihe Şentürk – Educational Sciences
• Prof. Dr. Ali Uçan – Educational Sciences

CHILDREN’S CHOIR LEADERSHIP

Samsun Municipal Conservatory Turkish Music Children’s Choir Conductor | 1991–1994

İzmir State Classical Turkish Music Choir Turkish Music Children’s Choir Founder & Conductor | 2012–2013

Extensive experience in children’s music education, choir development, repertoire selection, vocal training and performance preparation.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION – TEACHER ACADEMIES 2016–2019

Participated as an instructor, together with Yahya Geylan, in the Teacher Academies project of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, Ministry of National Education of Türkiye.

Delivered educational presentations and workshops on:

• Bringing Turkish Music into the Future
• Establishing Children’s Choirs and Repertoire Development
• Vocal and Breathing Techniques

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Holistic Business Management Program 2013–2015

Completed a comprehensive 34-month / 136-week / 544-hour business management and leadership education program.

Awarded the designation:

Holistic Business Manager

This training contributed to her professional development in organizational leadership, business management and the development of cultural and educational initiatives.

RECORDINGS & MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Aşkın Dansı 2015

First duet album with Yahya Geylan.

A crossover project featuring traditional Turkish musical repertoire performed with a jazz orchestra.

Geylan Music 2019 – Present

Co-founder, with Yahya Geylan, of the Geylan Music digital music platform and YouTube channel.

Produces educational, artistic and cultural content introducing Turkish music and performance traditions to international audiences.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION Turkish Music Children’s Song Composition Competition TRT & Ministry of Culture

1990

Received an Honourable Mention for:

“İnsanoğlu Barışla Yaşasa Hep”

Co-composed with her brother M. Caner Sezgin.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism 1990

Successfully passed the national Professional Artist Examination (“Yetişmiş Sanatçı”).

MASTERCLASSES & PROFESSIONAL SPECIALIZATION Provides advanced instruction and professional development for:

• Professional musicians
• Graduate students
• Doctoral candidates
• Vocalists
• Violinists
• Music educators
• Advanced music students

Areas of specialization include:

• Turkish Makam Music
• Traditional Turkish Music violin performance
• Vocal interpretation
• Makam theory and repertoire
• Style and performance practice
• Ensemble leadership
• Choir conducting
• Children’s choir development
• Professional performance coaching
• Intercultural music education

She is currently developing an original Turkish Makam Music Violin Method, based on her extensive professional performance and teaching experience.

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE

Throughout her career, Canan Sezgin Geylan has participated in Turkish music concerts, cultural festivals, tours, educational programs and international artistic initiatives in Türkiye and abroad.

In 2002, she participated as a vocalist and violinist in the Melungeon Week program at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

She has also participated as a vocalist and violinist in numerous concerts, festivals and tours organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, TRT and cultural institutions in Türkiye and internationally.

CORE PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE Turkish Makam Music Turkish Music Vocal Performance Traditional Turkish Music Violin Performance Makam – Usul – Style – Repertoire Choir Conducting & Children’s Choirs Music Education Masterclasses & Professional Training Cultural Heritage Preservation Intercultural Arts Projects Cultural Entrepreneurship

CONTRIBUTION TO CANADA Canan Sezgin Geylan’s professional activities in Canada contribute a highly specialized musical tradition to Canada’s multicultural arts and education ecosystem.

Her work contributes particularly to:

• Preservation and transmission of Turkish Makam Music
• Cultural heritage education
• Access to Turkish musical traditions for Canadian audiences and musicians
• Children’s and youth arts education
• Professional development of Canadian and international musicians
• University and cultural institution programming
• Intercultural artistic collaboration
• Community engagement
• Cultural exchange between Canada and Türkiye
• Greater awareness and understanding among diverse cultural communities through music

Her more than three decades of professional experience as a state artist, TRT performer, educator, choir conductor, broadcaster and international artist provide a distinctive professional foundation for developing specialized Turkish Makam Music education and cultural programming in Canada.

PROFESSIONAL STATUS Former Professional State Artist – Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Fine Arts, Republic of Türkiye

Retired from İstanbul State Turkish Music Ensemble

Turkish Makam Music Vocalist & Violinist

Music Educator

Choir Conductor

Master Instructor

Cultural Entrepreneur

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Available upon request.

YAHYA GEYLAN Master Vocalist | Choral Conductor | Composer | Cultural Entrepreneur

Contact: yahya.geylan@gmail.com | Phone: +1 647 619 1973 | Toronto, ON, Canada

Affiliations: MESAM, MÜ-YOR-BİR

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Distinguished Turkish classical music artist, multi-instrumentalist (Oud, Tanbur, Piano), master conductor, and composer with over 30 years of premier institutional leadership at the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) and historic musical bodies. Artistic Director of CYModalMusic Inc. and CYMusicHub in Toronto. Renowned for headline diplomatic collaborations with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, prestigious Canadian institutions including the National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra in Ottawa, Labyrinth Ontario / Labyrinth Ensemble, the University of Toronto (Hart House & CKAST Academic Seminars), the Aga Khan Museum, and Yunus Emre Institute. Dedicated to delivering high- impact cultural entrepreneurship, academic lectures, and masterclass choral education across Canada.

CANADIAN ENGAGEMENTS & CULTURAL IMPACT (SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT)

• National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra Collaboration (Ottawa): Guest soloist in a prestigious collaborative performance with the world-renowned National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, upon the official diplomatic invitation and auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to Canada.
• University of Toronto — CKAST Music & Culture Seminar: Keynote presenter and educator delivering specialized academic seminars and workshops on traditional Turkish makam theory, aesthetics, and cultural heritage at the University of Toronto in collaboration with CKAST.
• Concerts & Residencies with Labyrinth Ensemble (Labyrinth Ontario, Toronto): Featured artist and ensemble collaborator across Labyrinth Ontario concert seasons and workshops, including “Folios of Turkish Makam” at East End United Church and the Toronto Makam Music Forum intensives.
• Yunus Emre Institute Concert Series: Headline performer and artistic contributor in cultural concert programs organized by the Yunus Emre Institute to promote Turkish classical music, heritage, and intercultural dialogue in Canada.
• Aga Khan Museum Concert (Toronto, June 2026): Artistic Director and Lead Soloist in a high-profile classical makam concert production.
• Hart House Performance (University of Toronto, February 2026): Choral conductor and soloist leading educational and cultural performance initiatives.
• Artistic Director, CYModalMusic Inc. & CYMusicHub (2025 – Present): Directing weekly 50-member choral masterclasses, seasonal concert tours, and community arts programming.

INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TRT (Turkish Radio & Television Corporation) — Istanbul & Izmir, Turkey

Senior Vocal Artist & Repertoire Board Member (1992 – Present)

• TRT Central Repertoire Board Member (2019 – Present): Official evaluator and adjudicator for national musical archives and broadcast repertoire.
• Principal Staff Vocalist (2002 – Present): Performed as principal soloist across hundreds of nationwide live television and radio broadcasts.
• Producer & Host: Produced and hosted signature cultural series including “Stüdyo İstanbul” (156 live broadcasts on TRT Nağme), “Bir Yay Bir Mızrap” (TRT Müzik), and “Gönüller Bir Olsun”.
• Contract Soloist (1992 – 2002): Featured artist on landmark programs including Akşam Sefası, Sazdan Söze, and Yıldızların Altında.

CHORAL CONDUCTING & ARTISTIC DIRECTION

• Founder & Chief Conductor, Istanbul Health and Technology University (İSTÜN) Choir (2023 – 2024): Established the university choir program and directed major concert showcases.
• Artistic Director & Conductor, Neva Classical Music Ensemble (2019 – 2024): Directed seasonal concert seasons and vocal masterclasses.
• Chief Conductor of the Performance Ensemble, Historic Üsküdar Music Society (ÜMC) (2016 – 2024): Led Turkey’s most historic classical music institution’s performing body.
• Guest Conductor, Zurich Classical Turkish Music Choir (Switzerland & Austria, 2022): Conducted gala concerts featuring master soloists Münip Utandı and Çiğdem Yarkın.

DIPLOMATIC & INTERNATIONAL CONCERT TOURS

• European Diplomatic Cultural Tour (2022): Commissioned by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TRT across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium.
• ABU Radio Song Festival (Astana, Kazakhstan, 2018): Represented Turkey/TRT with original composition “Masum Bebek”.
• Festival Sesc de Música de Câmara (Brazil, 2016): Soloist with Pera Ensemble.
• “Sazlı Cazlı” US-Turkey Jazz Fusion (2015 – 2016): Soloist in diplomatic project with the US Embassy and Virginia Commonwealth University.
• 600th Anniversary of Polish-Turkish Diplomatic Relations (2014): Soloist in “Ali Ufki Bey” project with Saz-ü Söz Ensemble.

PEDAGOGICAL LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Master Trainer, Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education "Teacher Academies" (2016 – 2019): Trained educators in choral leadership and vocal pedagogy.
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Music Performance: Okan University Conservatory, Istanbul (Final Thesis Stage)

• Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) in Vocal Performance: Ege University State Turkish Music Conservatory (1991 – 1996) — Graduated Valedictorian (Ranked 1st in Department)
• Holistic Business Management Diploma (544 Hours): Comprehensive 36-month institutional management certification (2013 – 2015)
• Discography & Awards: “Arşiv Serisi: Yahya Geylan” (Solo Album, TRT, 2014); “Aşkın Dansı” (Duet Album, 2015); 3rd Prize in Avni Anıl Composition Contest for “Rüyamsın” (2007).