SÖYLER SANAT ACADEMY
KANUN (QANUN) LESSONS
History & Characteristics of Kanun
KANUN
Welcome,
Kanun (Qanun or Cannon) is a stringed instrument of the Kithara type, which is widely used in North Africa and Middle East countries, Iran, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the Uyghur Autonomous Republic, Armenia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus and Greece, as well as in Turkey.
In Organology, which classifies and examines musical instruments, Kithara is the common name of instruments that make sound by vibrating openly stretched strings arranged on a case from long to short. The word Kanun means law and rule in Arabic.
​
The history of the Kanun instrument dates back to ancient times. The oldest example of this instrument,which was used in Northern Iraq and Andolu in 2000 B.C., was found in the city of Nimrud in Nineveh province, the center of Mosul, in Iraq where Arameans lived at that time.
The Kanun is a musical instrument between 24-27 frets. 3 strings resonate the sound in each pitch.
Its strings are made of nylon string specially produced for musical instruments. In its early stages, stringers made of guts were used instead of nylon strings. The body board of the Kanun, which has a steep and crooked body, is mostly made of sycamore tree, the bottom base and auger board are made of linden wood, which is a soft wood, and the augers are made of hard woods such as rose, boxwood or ebony. Each fret consisting of three strings has latches that can adjust sharp, flat and coma sounds.
​
Kenzü't -Tuhaf, a Persian treatise written in the 14th century, has a drawing and oral description of the Kanun, among other instruments. The detailed dimensions of the Kanun, which are shown in the form of a geometric trapezoid, are given. According to this, the instrument had 64 strings at that time, which were tuned to three accords at a time.
The structure of the Kanun, which started to be used in Ottoman music in the 15th century, has changed over time. It can be said that the Kanun used in Istanbul in the 16th century was no different from the one used in Iran and Transoxiana. The exact form of the 17th century Ottoman Kanun is not known, but it is certain that the instrument acquired a new form in the middle of the 18th century, very close to its present form. Since the Kanun was abandoned in Iran at that time, we can say that the changes that gave the instrument its current structure were made in Turkey, Egypt and Syria.
​
The professional Kanun used in Turkish Classical Music today has 26 frets and if it is calculated that three strings are attached to each fret, it has a total of 78 strings. The thickness of these wires is from top to bottom; 0.60mm. 0.70mm. 0.80mm. 0.90mm. 1.00mm. 1.10mm. 1.20mm. in diameter.
You can learn how to play BaÄŸlama or improve your current level by taking One-to-One Private Kanun Lessons or One-to-One Group Kanun Lessons or Online Private Kanun Lessons from our distinguished teachers and masters at Söyler Sanat Academy.
​
One-to-One Kanun Lessons
(Private or Group)
One-to-One Kanun Lessons are given at our branch in BeÅŸiktaÅŸ, Ä°stanbul - Turkey.
In our lessons; A three-stage education is given according to the level of the students: beginner level, intermediate level, advanced level. This level is determined by the level test performed by our instructors before registration. Our one-to-one lessons are conducted in private or in groups, depending on your preference and availability.
Students who want to participate in the current Accreditation Program with the London Music Academy and receive a certificate must have successfully completed the Advanced Level Program consisting of a minimum of 20 students to apply (only at branches in Turkiye).
​
In our academy, a different price policy is followed according to the qualifications of our instructors in our training staff for One-to-One Kanun Lessons. Please contact us about the course schedule and course fees of our instructors you prefer for One-to- One Kanun Lessons. You can reach us via our phone numbers on our site, e-mail or chat on the site.
​
Online Kanun Lessons
(Private)
As you know, after the pandemic that lasted for about 2 years, many institutions and organizations switched to the online system. We have prepared ourselves in this direction and started to serve you with our online lessons.
Our Online Private Kanun Lessons are held in Turkish, by video conference via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, Duo, Zoom or Skype applications of your choice.
​
In our Online Private Kanun Lessons; Just like the One-to-One Kanun Lessons, a 3-stage education is given according to the level of the students: beginner level, intermediate level, advanced level. The level of our students is determined in advance by the level test made by our instructors.
​
In our academy, a different price policy is followed according to the qualifications of our instructors in our training staff for Online Kanun Lessons. Please contact us about the course schedule and course fees of our instructors you prefer for Online Kanun Lessons. You can reach us via our phone numbers on our site, e-mail or chat on the site.