Yağmur Soydemir Artist Interview
Yağmur Soydemir is a flutist and composer from Turkey, currently based in Boston, who serves as an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music and as a Flute Faculty at Brookline Music School. She has received eight awards in international solo flute and chamber music competitions across Europe, appeared on television and radio programs, and served on jury panels for jazz and music competitions. Currently, aside from teaching, Yağmur performs her original compositions for small ensembles and orchestras, collaborates in jazz ensembles and big bands, as well as in classical music concerts, including chamber and symphony orchestras, while preparing for the release of her debut album of original music.
What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
Balancing a journey of teaching/helping others, with creating original music for the flute repertoire, and performing it to connect with other souls. While teaching at Berklee College of Music and Brookline Music School, I have also been invited to perform in some projects in the next couple of months with jazz/fusion bands, big band orchestras, in flute and piano recitals, and with symphony orchestras, where I perform both my original compositions and serve as a sideman for other artists. Additionally, I have been preparing to release my debut album in the coming few months, featuring my compositions. To stay updated on my latest projects, you may catch me on social media: https://www.instagram.com/yagmursoydemir
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
At the center of my personal goals is a lasting commitment to ongoing personal growth, self-discovery, and building genuine connections, a journey with no true endpoint. Every moment reminds me of the vast depth of what there is to learn, as well as the extraordinary progress humanity makes each day (!) and the new mysteries of the universe that come to light. Staying curious, open to learning and humble seems like the most authentic way to feel connected to something greater. I recognize that while the physical world around us is ever-changing, and that possessions will lose their relevance with time, the aspects of life that carry the deepest meaning for me are sharing love through authentic human connection, and merging with other souls through music’s emotional depth.
Professionally, my purpose is to bring to life the steady flow of creative ideas within me and to continue this pursuit throughout my life. I am fully dedicated to my work, knowing that it is an ongoing journey of growth and refinement. My aim is to enrich the flute repertoire with works that cross genres, demonstrating through my artistry that the flute is a deeply versatile instrument capable of harmonizing beautifully with a wide range of musical genres and expressions.
What inspires you the most in life?
At the top of my greatest sources of inspiration are other artists, not just musicians, but all artists who create in various forms of art, who dares to think outside the box, and who are innovative and revolutionary. It is a complete miracle what the human brain can dream, envision, and then bring to life! Moreover, the daily endless inventions, discoveries, and advancements happening around the world fuel my excitement for creation. Additionally, my biggest interests include energy, documentaries about the universe/space, and philosophy books. Every resource I read or every deep conversation I have with others in these areas plants unique seeds of inspiration within me, making me feel like a surfer catching a wave of inspiration, ready to create!
What has been your greatest challenge?
Moving to a new country to start fresh for the third time, being so far from my family and loved ones in Turkey, and with an 8-hour time difference, has brought a challenging sense of solitude. The culture and lifestyle here emphasize individualism and a work-centered mindset, often overlooking meaningful nourishment for the spirit. As someone who believes life’s richness mostly comes from sharing experiences with loved ones, I have come to realize how important it is to balance work with attention to my health, well-being, and joy. This transition has reminded me to stay grounded and connected to what truly matters.
What is the most exciting thing in your life right now?
STAY TUNED for my debut album!! I am beyond excited to share it, as we have poured tremendous effort into this project, collaborating with 35 talented musicians. The album features my composition for flute soloist, an orchestra with a rhythm section, Turkish traditional instrumentalists, and a choir. With this milestone, I begin my lifelong journey to enrich the flute repertoire. Feeling incredibly grateful and thrilled!
What are you completely bored with right now?
It should have been called “Anti-Social Media!” I’m exhausted by our increasing dependence on phones and social media, which have practically become extensions of ourselves. We’re growing more isolated, substituting authentic human connections and real-life experiences with a fragmented virtual reality that lacks thoughtful design for our mental health and well-being. What’s truly unsettling is that we’ve stopped questioning it. Limiting our usage to just a few hours a day might be beneficial, along with reminding ourselves that it represents only a small slice of reality.
What is keeping you busy these days?
Connecting with deep individuals who enjoys viewing life from a broader perspective, traveling for performances, composing, arranging, teaching, recording, audio editing, preparing for my album release, reading about Buddhism, playing Ultimate Frisbee, learning from other incredible artists, and staying grateful for each day we are alive!
One habit you wish you could break?
If perfectionism isn’t kept in check and balanced, it can lead to an inner turmoil so intense that it prevents us from taking any action at all, sometimes pushing us to the point of giving up. The classical music world, in particular, has a training approach that often leans in this direction. I am working on turning down the volume of my own perfectionism, which I sometimes observe surfacing.
If you had a super power, what would it be?
I long to experience an existence where humanity is immortal, and no one has to face death or any struggle to survive. Then, we could finally truly devote all our time to having a sense of purpose in life and enjoying every moment, and we could finally fully dedicate our time to finding our purpose in life and savoring every single moment!
What is one thing you wish you knew at 19?
Sowing the seeds now for where we want to be in 10 years, and nurturing them regularly can lead us to incredible places by the end of that journey! The same applies for the next 10 years, but if we don’t plant those seeds, it becomes time lost. Focusing only on today, tomorrow, this week, or this month is a waste of time; we need to make plans for this year, the next five years, and the next ten.
What is your Spirit Animal?
I would describe my spirit animal as a dolphin! Dolphins represent playfulness, intelligence, and social bonds. I connect with these traits because I believe in the significance of joy and laughter, and I aim to maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenges. Similar to dolphins, I truly love connecting with others, whether simply sharing experiences or through collaboration.