Mert Akyol

Hi, I am Mert Akyol, a professional musician and educator with over 15 years of guitar experience.

I have a profound connection to music that completely transcends styles and genres. In fact, exploring and studying unfamiliar musical traditions from all over the world is my absolute passion.

I hold a Jazz Certificate from the Istanbul University State Conservatory and am currently furthering my studies at the Yıldız Technical University Jazz Guitar Department. My ongoing journey as a gigging musician and a dedicated student has allowed me to study under invaluable mentors. I am thrilled to pass down the wealth of knowledge I’ve gathered from them to you.

Beyond performing at various venues, I teach Guitar, Bass Guitar, Improvisation, Harmony, Music Theory, and Ear Training, both privately and at a music institution.

My methodology is grounded in proven, world-class resources like Hal Leonard's Guitar Method, William Leavitt's A Modern Method for Guitar, and David Baker's Bebop for All Instruments. However, I carefully tailor my materials to suit each student's unique expectations, needs, and learning pace.

I believe that strictly adhering to a single textbook can be exhausting and might even distance a student from the joy of music. My approach as a teacher is to always find that perfect middle ground: keeping lessons fun, flexible, and engaging, without overwhelming you with rigid methodology.

That being said, I have one non-negotiable golden rule: Reading notation and building a fundamental understanding of music theory and harmony is a must. We will have fun and explore your favorite styles, but we will build your foundation the right way!