A study on the contribution of exercises, etudes and pieces written in maqam in violin education

Abstract

The violin is a fretless instrument. Due to this reason, in violin education producing a good quality sound, which is known as "intonation", is one of the most important elements. In order to have a good intonation, a long and disciplined practicing process is essential. Especially during the beginning of violin education and also in the development phases, being unable to acquire the ability to produce the appropriate sound in the left hand is one of the most significant problems for some students. For this specific reason, it is assumed that during both phases, exercises and etudes written in maqam might facilitate the acquisition of the target behaviours and overcome the mentioned problem. The present study aims to introduce maqams that facilitate the acquisition of some certain behaviour in violin education, and also exercises, etudes and pieces appropriate to these maqams. In addition, it is aimed to discuss the usability of these exercises, etudes and pieces in violin education. In this research, firstly behaviours that are needed to be acquired in the left hand is determined and the musical characteristics of the maqams that are foresight to be used as a material to help students acquire the determined behaviours are analyzed. Maqams that are foreseen to be appropriate and used are also explained. Etudes and exercises that were written with the determined maqams are introduced. Moreover, the degree of the contribution of these behaviours to the development of the students that are will be discussed. The study is considered important in introducing and spreading the traditional music that reflects the rich culture of Turkey and is suggested to be used in violin education.