Polyphonic choir and choral conducting in Turkiye

This dissertation examines choral music and choral conducting practices in Turkey, focu-sing on the social and artistic roles of choir conductors, the relationship between choral music and society, and the expectations regarding choral conducting education. The study evaluates the historical development of the choral music tradition in Turkey, the social functions of choir conductors, and the deficiencies observed in conductor training. Adop-ting a qualitative research approach, interviews were conducted with five participants who actively work as choir conductors in Turkey and possess professional expertise in this field. The findings reveal that choral music and choral conducting are not merely artistic activities but also function as tools that create social bonds, foster cultural awareness, and enhance empathy among individuals. Participants emphasized that choral conducting is a profession requiring not only musical skills but also leadership, community management, and pedagogical competence. Another significant finding is the need for choral conducting education to be structured in a more systematic and comprehensive manner. Conductors should possess not only technical musical knowledge but also competencies in community management, social interaction, and group dynamics. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of incorporating practical training experiences within conductor education, as the profession plays a crucial role in fostering cultural awareness and fulfilling social res-ponsibilities. Participants stressed that choir conductors should be artists who not only produce music but also facilitate social interaction and bring communities together, com-municating effectively with choir members to strengthen ensemble cohesion and group dynamics. Based on evaluations regarding choral music and choral conducting in Turkey, several recommendations were presented, outlining necessary steps for the professionali-zation of the field. Choral conducting is regarded not only as an artistic discipline but also as an effective means of reinforcing social bonds. In this context, it is emphasized that conductor training programs should be structured to enable conductors to develop multi-dimensional skills.