We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yağmur Soydemir a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yağmur thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Having been a classical & jazz flutist, composer, and arranger from Turkey, I have found great joy and honor in crafting artistry! Weaving worlds and evoking feelings for audiences in the crowd has been my cherished privilege, a source of true honor. However, the music industry has reached a point where artists who have dedicated their whole lives to it often lack the respect and struggle to make a living. This leads me to question my own happiness in pursuing an artistic career today. Consider the music platforms that distribute the songs and pieces that artists have poured their time and efforts into. These platforms, however, take away the earnings that musicians deserve, impacting the music industry and diminishing the value of music, which is an essential part of our everyday lives. So, as a result, many musicians are forced to give up their creative passions and take on unrelated jobs just to make a living. This leads to a loss of creative talent in the industry. The music world craves change, a plea to rescue art, prevent it from being given away carelessly like trinkets in a market fair.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Residing in Boston, Massachusetts, I am a professional female flutist, composer and arranger who is eager to join forces through live performances, studio recording sessions, and remote creative projects!

My musical journey began in the State Conservatory of Ankara, Turkey, where I delved into intense classical music studies. From there, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Flute Performance in Nice Conservatory, France, which is followed by a year-long pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Lugano Conservatory, Switzerland. Then this year, by my relocation to Boston, USA, I obtained a Professional Diploma in Contemporary Jazz Performance and currently, my journey leads me to the verge of achieving a Master’s Degree from the Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music, as a student employee.

I have been honored by being awarded 5 times in international solo flute and chamber music competitions held in Europe, and also awarded 3 times with merit-based scholarships by Berklee College of Music and Turkish Jazz Society.

My work experience includes performing in numerous symphony orchestras throughout Turkey and Europe, leading her own small jazz bands, and performing live shows such as big bands and house bands in multiple genres of music. In addition, I have been teaching private flute and music theory lessons both in-person and remotely.

And currently, my original compositions, arrangements and flute performances are resonating on the stages of Boston, USA.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Recognizing the significance of art within society is crucial, as it forms an indispensable facet of culture, society, and the very essence of human existence. Furthermore, it sustains the livelihood of artists, a profession deserving the same profound respect as any other.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The essence propelling my creative journey is to eternize my human encounters, thoughts, viewpoints, and presence. From my eyes, undoubtedly, the art stands as humanity’s unparalleled masterpiece, a creation that transcends eras and remains the sole timeless conduit of communication. Guided by this vision, I dedicate all my efforts to crafting original artistic creations and ideas. These contributions aim to infuse fresh perspectives into existing realms, expressing the distinct essence of my being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yagmursoydemir.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yagmursoydemir/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yagmursoydemir/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yagmursoydemirmusic

Image Credits
Ken Yin