Teacher and student opinions on the use of the bağlama with instrumental groups in a Western polyphonic music orchestra

The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of faculty members and students regarding the potential of the bağlama, one of the traditional Turkish folk instruments, to take part in Western polyphonic music orchestras and instrumental ensembles. The research was conducted based on a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through closed-ended questions and evaluated using frequency and percentage distributions, while qualitative data were obtained from open-ended questions and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study group consisted of 12 faculty members who had taught bağlama courses at different universities in Turkey, as well as 43 third- and fourth-year students enrolled in undergraduate music programs. Semi-structured interview forms were used as the data collection tool, and the validity of the questions was ensured through expert opinions. The findings revealed that the majority of both faculty members and students considered the use of the bağlama in Western music orchestras and ensembles to be timbrally appropriate. Faculty members emphasized that the instrument's diverse playing techniques could enrich orchestral performance; however, they also noted that the bağlama's limited sound volume and modal differences should be addressed through technical support and appropriate arrangements. Students expressed that the inclusion of the bağlama in orchestral settings would add depth and diversity to performance, while also playing an enriching cultural role. Nevertheless, a small number of participants argued that the bağlama might not achieve full compatibility with Western music. In conclusion, the results indicate that while it is possible to integrate the bağlama into Western music orchestras and ensembles, this integration requires suitable arrangements, sound amplification techniques, and efforts to preserve the instrument's modal characteristics.