Exercises on the hijaz family in violin performance

The violin is the smallest member of the string instrument family. Originating from the West, the violin, with its structure and the possibilities offered by its sound range, is used today in Western music orchestras, Turkish music, and other world music performances. In Turkish music, the violin is one of the most important string instruments, and it has undergone significant evolution in terms of technical and emotional expression abilities since the 18th century. Upon examining the current Turkish music violin teaching materials, it is apparent that they fall short in categorizing according to performance level, age groups, perception level, and topics related to Turkish music modes and performance techniques. This situation leads students and performers to use Western violin methods. However, this does not sufficiently serve the necessary style and attitude for Turkish music violin performance. In this context, this study aims to create exercises for the Hicaz mode family, which is the most composed upon in Turkish music. For the Hicaz family, which includes the Hicaz, Hümayun, Uzzal, and Zirgüleli Hicaz modes, 6 exercises have been created for each, totaling 24 exercises. Each exercise consists of 16 measures and utilizes rhythm patterns frequently used by students and performers in Turkish music violin performance: 2/4 (Nim Sofyan), 3/4 (Semai), 4/4 (Sofyan), and 8/8 (Düyek). The exercises are based on the work of pioneering performers in Turkish music violin performance, incorporating techniques they commonly used in their performances such as Detache, Legato bowing techniques, and the Çarpma ornamentation technique. Finger position diagrams have been created for each mode of the Hicaz family in Bolahenk, Kız Ney, Süpürde, Mansur tunings, and an additional section includes improvisations (taksims) thought to reinforce the exercises for each mode.