Numerous factors can drive an entrepreneur, practitioner, professional, or artist to go all out in their respective careers. For some, it is the promise of financial freedom that acts as a driving force, while others are motivated to establish their names because of the renown that comes hand in hand with taking center stage. In the case of Alp Akmaz, a rising musician, bridging the current gaps within the industry and creating a platform that can enable success for other artists are the reasons behind his dedication toward reaching the forefront.
Hailing from Istanbul, Turkey, Alp Akmaz has been immersed in music since he was young. With a mini keyboard as his first instrument, he tried to recreate sounds he heard on TV, radio, and other platforms. Shortly afterward, his father took note of his growing passion for the craft and gifted him different instruments every couple of months. “At that point, these instruments were like toys to me. I would play all of them and spend my free time figuring out different ways of creating music,” shares the multifaceted artist.
Among all the instruments that he mastered, it was with the balaban, which he first played at age fourteen, that Alp Akmaz established the most profound connection. Not only does playing the particular device allow him to express himself, but it also brings him great joy and comfort. Today, the Hailic University Conservatory graduate is banking on his deep-seated love for music and instruments to make an impact in the industry.
This emerging household name, who also plays the Turkish G clarinet, has participated in many projects spearheaded by artists from all parts of the globe. Throughout his career and after all his collaborations with other go-getters, Alp Akmaz realized that there is an apparent demand in the market for a special kind of woodwind microphone that would amplify the traditional instruments wielded by other players. His astute observation of a need for a tool that will not compromise the quality of the distinct sound produced by the instruments sparked one of his central missions. “I decided to devote my time and knowledge to exploring and building microphones for balaban, ney, duduk, kaval, and many other woodwind instruments,” adds the purpose-driven musician.
Additionally, Alp Akmaz, who studied clarinet with Guido Arbonelli and introduced balaban as an instrument during the Clarinet Festival back in 2014, is also highly committed to organizing an educational platform that would provide individual and group balaban lessons. He plans to capitalize on what he has accomplished so far as an artist and business owner to let the world know about this ancient wind instrument.
In the coming years, Alp Akmaz aims to not only make waves as a musician with multiple records, several compositions, and performance masterclasses under his belt. Above anything else, he is setting his eyes on connecting different cultures and artists through music and bridging worlds together through a symbiosis of technology and arts.
Learn more about Alp Akmaz by visiting his website and Instagram page.
