Adaptation of Çorum folk songs to viola playing methods and techniques

The present study aimed to play Çorum folk songs effectively and accurately using the playing methods and techniques of the viola instrument, which is a universal instrument, with an end to contribute to viola education and to transfer these folk songs from the local to the universal. For this purpose, Çorum folk songs in the TRT repertoire were examined. In this study, which was carried out using the descriptive research methodology, a literature review was conducted to reach the resources and Çorum folk songs related to the subject. Among the examined folk songs, a total of 12 Çorum folk songs, which were thought to be suitable for viola education and instrument, were chosen as the sample group, and their melodic and structural features were analysed. Content analysis model, which is one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the analysis of the chosen folk songs. The pitches, melody organizations, time organizations and genre of the folk songs were determined. The melody organizations of the folk songs were explained in terms of the maqam series rather than the maqam phenomenon, and the time organizations were explained by considering the concept of the method pointed out by the measure. The folk songs were adapted to the viola instrument with the Sibelius 7 note writing program, and studies were conducted on bow techniques, finger numbers, ornaments and position transitions. The findings that emerged as a result of the study were explained in accordance with the descriptive method. The adapted folk songs were divided into 3 different levels according to their technique and performance level, with folk songs that use the first, second, and third position fingering techniques put under Level I, II, and III, respectively. As a result, this study is hoped to contribute to the viola repertoire through its adaptation of different local folk songs, which could be replicated in future studies so that the richness of Turkish folk music could be made universal. Key Terms: Viola, Viola Education, Çorum Folk Songs, Turkish Folk Music Science Code: 40114