Ece Karşal Artist Interview
Ece Karşal is the head of the Music Department at Marmara University, where they also serve as a flute professor. In addition to their academic role, they founded the Marmara Flute Orchestra and the Istanbul Flute Ensemble, leading significant projects and performances. A recognized pioneer of low flutes in Turkey, they combine a passion for performance and education while serving as a board member of the International Low Flutes Society.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
- One of the biggest highlights was founding the Music Department at Marmara University. Establishing the department from the ground up and serving as its head has been incredibly rewarding, not just for me personally, but for the future of music education in Turkey.
- Establishing the Marmara Flute Orchestra in 2015 is another major highlight. It's the first orchestra in Turkey to include the entire flute family, and our performances both domestically and internationally have been a source of immense pride. which has earned several international awards and performed in numerous national and international festivals. This journey has been incredible.
- Founding the Istanbul Flute Ensemble, comprised of flute professors from Istanbul, was pivotal in promoting Turkish flute music on the global stage. We've had the privilege of bringing Turkish compositions to international audiences, which is something I'm truly passionate about. Collaborating with such talented colleagues has been an incredible experience, and it’s been rewarding to produce such high-quality work together.
- Performing at prestigious international events, like the International Low Flutes Festival in Washington, D.C., as part of the Turkish Flute Ensemble, has been a career highlight. It allowed us to share Turkish compositions on a global platform.
- Publishing my books and especially my Flute Method book, have been pivotal moments in my teaching career. Being also a mathematician, Şarkılarla Matematik, which teaches math through songs, allowed me to merge my two passions—music and mathematics—into a unique educational resource, offering young kids a fresh and engaging way to learn.
How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?
One of the most pivotal moments was founding the Music Department at Marmara University. It allowed me to shape not just my career, but also the future of many students, giving me a sense of purpose as an educator. Establishing the Marmara Flute Orchestra and Istanbul Flute Ensemble in 2015 was a defining moment. It was my first opportunity to create an ensemble that embraced the full range of the flute family, and conducting this orchestra has helped me grow both musically and as a conductor.
With the formation of flute ensembles, the process of creating works by Turkish composers for these groups has begun. So far, nearly 30 pieces have been produced for our ensembles. Some of these works are original and highly valuable arrangements, while others are original compositions. Being a part of this production and creativity brings me great joy. Performing on international stages, especially premiering works by Turkish composers, solidified my belief in the importance of cultural representation in classical music. Each time we've performed abroad, it has reaffirmed my commitment to promoting Turkish music and educating the next generation of musicians with this global perspective in mind.
What do you like best about performing?
Performing, for me, is about creating a genuine connection with the audience. There’s a special kind of energy that flows when you’re deeply engaged in the music—it’s a shared experience, unfolding in the moment. No two performances are ever the same, and that unpredictability makes each one incredibly meaningful.
What is it like teaching at the Marmara University?
Teaching at the Music Department of Marmara University is a pleasant experience. I enjoy working with a diverse group of students who bring unique perspectives. The collaborative environment among faculty allows for some creative exchanges, and being in Istanbul provides enriching opportunities to engage with the local music scene.
How did you start with your two Flute Ensembles?
Both of my ensembles, the Marmara Flute Orchestra and the Istanbul Flute Ensemble, were born out of a research project I led at Marmara University. This project allowed us to acquire the low flute family, a rarity in Turkey. With the support of my composer friends, who contributed original works and arrangements, we were able to create something truly unique and innovative in the Turkish music scene.
The Marmara Flute Orchestra originally started as a youth orchestra, but it has evolved into a diverse group with members of all ages and levels of expertise. We’ve achieved a high level of professionalism in our performances and have also launched various projects with our younger and junior ensembles. We've received numerous international awards, and I take great pride in how far we've come. What makes our journey even more special is that the entire initiative is sustained by the voluntary dedication of professional flutists, alumni, music teachers, and aspiring young artists. The effort and passion from all involved is extraordinary, and I am truly amazed at what we’ve accomplished.
In the Istanbul Flute Ensemble, I work alongside my academic colleagues. Each member of the ensemble is a highly accomplished flutist, recognized for their remarkable achievements in Istanbul. By collaborating with these talented individuals, I believe we are able to create exceptional work, both in performance and education. Many composers have written pieces specifically for our ensemble, and we’ve had the honor of performing numerous world premieres. Our primary goal is to perform at the highest level of quality while introducing Turkish music to international audiences. The ensemble has a rich and diverse musical character, shaped by the unique contributions of our composers, and we truly enjoy performing these works.
What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
The next six months promise to be a musically rich and rewarding period. We’re planning the Turkish premiere of "Amazon Dreams" by Brazilian composer Aurea Regina de Oliveria Coelho, a piece for solo flute and flute orchestra. Another exciting project is the Turkish premiere of Özge Gülbey’s "Eschatology" which tells the story of humanity’s final phases. We first performed this work in Bulgaria with the Stara Zagora Opera Orchestra with Istanbul Flute Ensemble, and it’s the first piece to feature a flute ensemble as a soloist with a symphony orchestra. The themes and musical language in this work are incredibly moving.
In the next six months, I also have an exciting recording project with the Marmara Flute Orchestra. We are planning to enter the studio in June, working with nearly 30 flutists—a challenging yet thrilling endeavor. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and hearing the final result.
In addition to these performances, I’ve been dedicated to supporting young flutists. For the past five years, we have been organizing a national flute competition with the Marmara Flute Orchestra, which focuses on amateur flutists and high school students: Marmara Flute Orchestra Flute Competiton. The competition process will continue in the upcoming term, and it’s always exciting to witness the talents of the next generation of musicians.
As a founding member of the International Low Flute Society, which was established in 2023, We’ve been actively involved in promoting low flutes globally. Our group recently held the International Low Flutes Festival in Washington, D.C. in 2024, led by the wonderful Chris Potter. It has been such a fulfilling experience to be part of this initiative, which aims to introduce and popularize low flutes worldwide. We also offer online educational sessions throughout the season, covering fascinating topics. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in low flutes or considering exploring this unique instrument family.
Additionally, once a year we are guiding a flute masterclass with Prof. Ayla Uludere in Ayvalık, Turkey's unique coastal town. This 10 days summer masterclass is organized by Ayvalık International Music Academy (AIMA). We also conduct an intensive flute orchestra practice during this period, during which individual lessons and group technical studies take place. This is one of the works that I do with great pleasure.
We are also preparing for the 2025 National Flute Association (NFA) Convention in Atlanta, USA. We’re very much looking forward to representing our ensembles there.
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
At this stage of my life, I feel I’ve achieved many of the goals I’ve set for myself. Personally, my aim is to lead a more peaceful, healthy, and simple life, sharing the beauty I’ve been fortunate to have with those around me. I’m seeking tranquility and balance in this phase of life.
Professionally, I hope that the ensembles I’ve established will continue to flourish and leave a lasting legacy. I’m involved with two remarkable groups that are doing incredible work, and my wish is for these efforts to continue even beyond my involvement. Supporting my students is also something I’ll always be committed to. I believe we’ve shown that, with just a little support, we can create extraordinary projects, and I hope to see more patrons and sponsors who can help us push our work even further.
What inspires you the most in life?
What inspires me the most in life are brave people who never give up on their goals, no matter the obstacles. But courage alone is not enough—if it isn’t rooted in a strong character and a deep sense of truth, it can lead to dangerous and misleading paths.
We live in an era of perception, where reality is often buried under layers of manipulation. Finding the truth requires effort, yet many people, knowingly or unknowingly, choose illusion over reality. This makes integrity, wisdom, and resilience even more valuable.
That’s why I deeply respect individuals who, despite all the noise, deception, and distractions in the world, remain steadfast in their principles. Those who refuse to compromise their goodness, who seek truth rather than convenience, and who stand strong against adversity with intelligence, skill, and grace—these are the people who truly inspire me.
What has been your professional greatest challenge?
I consider myself fortunate in many aspects of my professional life. For the most part, I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful people, and together we’ve accomplished remarkable things. However, I’m not entirely sure which challenge has been the greatest. The process of establishing and developing flute ensembles has been particularly difficult at first.
What has been your personal greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge has been finding a balance between maintaining artistic integrity and navigating the practical realities of the professional world. As a musician and educator, I have always strived to stay true to my artistic vision while also managing the expectations and limitations of institutions and society. Leading ensembles, developing projects, and building a musical community require not only artistic passion but also resilience, adaptability, and a diplomatic approach.
Additionally, facing the reality that we live in an "age of perception" has been a significant challenge. Today, access to information seems easier than ever, yet uncovering the truth requires effort. We live in a time where manipulation is increasingly prevalent, and many people choose carefully crafted narratives over actual realities. In the fields of art, education, and life itself, protecting and staying true to the truth demands greater perseverance than ever before.
This is an ongoing journey, but I see every challenge as an opportunity to grow, inspire, and create meaningful artistic experiences.
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
In my musical journey, I have grown through the influence of many different people. Rather than having a few specific mentors, a multitude of voices and perspectives has guided my development. For this reason, it is difficult for me to name just a few individuals; each has played an important role in shaping my musical identity.
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
I really enjoy driving long distances while listening to beautiful music. Traveling and spending quality time with friends are my favorite things to do. However, I have to admit—my biggest hobby is still music, and I just can't help it!
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
Here’s a refined and expanded version of your advice for young flutists:
Three Essential Pieces of Advice for a Young Flutist
1️ Hard Work is the Key to Mastery: Talent alone is never enough. Dedication, discipline, and consistent practice are what truly shape a musician. Even on days when progress feels slow, keep going. Small efforts add up to great achievements.
2️ Be Curious and Listen Widely: Music is a language, and the more you listen, the more fluent you become. Don’t just listen to flute music, explore different instruments, genres, and cultures. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places!
3️ Develop Yourself Beyond the Flute: The best musicians are those who bring their life experiences into their playing. Read books, explore art, travel, and engage in other creative fields. The richer your world, the more expressive and unique your music will be.