How to Learn to Play the Ney
The ney is a traditional sufi flute that has been used in the Middle East (mostly in Turkey) for centuries. It is often associated with Sufi music, and is said to have a calming and meditative effect. If you are interested in learning how to play the ney, here are a few tips:
1. Get a good ney.
There are many different types of neys available, so it is important to choose one that is well-made and sounds good to you. You can find neys online or at some music stores.
If you start with a bad ney, your motivation may decrease and your learning process may be negatively affected.
2. Find a good teacher.
Learning to play the ney can be challenging, so it is helpful to have a teacher who can guide you and help you develop good technique. There are many ney teachers available online and in some music stores. When choosing a ney teacher, consider the following factors:
- Experience: Make sure that your teacher has experience teaching the ney.
- Style: Choose a teacher who teaches in a style that you enjoy.
- Availability: Make sure that your teacher is available to meet with you regularly.
(I will be posting ney lessons on YouTube soon. Stay tuned. YouTube Neyzen Hakan Mengüç )
3. Practice regularly.
The more you practice, the better you will become at playing the ney. Try to set aside some time each day to practice, even if it is just for a few minutes. When you practice, focus on the following:
- Breathing: Practice blowing into the ney gently. You should not blow too hard, or you will produce a harsh sound.
- Intonation: Practice playing different notes in tune.
- Timing: Practice playing different rhythms.
- Technique: Experiment with different techniques to produce different sounds.
4. Be patient.
It takes time and practice to learn how to play the ney well. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t sound great right away. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.
5. Enjoy the journey!
Learning to play the ney is a rewarding experience. The more you practice, the better you will become, and the more enjoyment you will get from playing. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the journey!
DOES HAKAN MENGUC GIVE ONE-ON-ONE NEY LESSONS?
This is a question we are frequently asked. Under normal circumstances, I do not give ney lessons due to my busy schedule and priorities. However, I give one-on-one ney lessons to those who support the Youth Project or make a certain amount of book donations for village schools to contribute to these projects. For those who cannot afford it, I am planning to publish free ney lessons on YouTube soon.