Erkin Onay
About
Erkin Onay Violinist & Violin Instructor | Doctor of Musical Arts
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished violinist and educator with extensive international performance experience as a soloist, chamber musician, and 25 years as a concertmaster. Proven track record in higher education and elite orchestral leadership.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Doctor of Musical Arts (Equivalency) | Bilkent University, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts (Studied under Prof. Suna Kan) — 2005 Konzertreife (Master's Performance Diploma with Distinction) | Zurich University of the Arts / Winterthur (Studied under Prof. Rudolf Koelman) — 2001 Special Advanced Studies in Violin | Winterthur Music Academy (Class of György Pauk) — 1996–1998 Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance | Freiburg University of Music (Studied under Prof. Jörg Hofmann; granted early admission at age 16) — 1992–1996
ACADEMIC & TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Associate Professor of Violin | Interuniversity Council of Turkey — 2015–Present Violin Faculty Member | Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory — 2014–2017 Taught advanced violin performance, technique, and orchestral excerpts to undergraduate and graduate students.
ORCHESTRAL LEADERSHIP & PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Violinist / Former Concertmaster | Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra — 2006–Present Concertmaster | Bilkent Symphony Orchestra — 2003–2006 Concertmaster | Antalya State Symphony Orchestra — 1999–2003 Soloist & Chamber Musician | International & National Tours — 1999–Present
Appeared as a soloist with all Turkish State Symphony Orchestras and the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra under renowned conductors. Performed recitals and chamber music across Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, India, and Ukraine.
Teaching Style
My teaching philosophy centers on individualized mentorship tailored to each student’s artistic and professional goals. With over two decades of concertmaster leadership and university-level instruction, I focus on building refined technique, expressive tone production, and deep analytical interpretation of both solo and orchestral repertoire.
I emphasize ergonomic violin mechanics—optimizing posture, bow arm efficiency, and left-hand fluid dexterity—to prevent tension and unlock maximum artistic expression. For advanced students preparing for conservatory exams, auditions, or international competitions, lessons are structured around audition psychology, excerpt precision, and style authenticity.
All online sessions are conducted from a professionally acoustically treated studio using high-end audio interfaces and studio microphones. This ensures that every dynamic nuance, tonal color, and subtle articulation is transmitted in crystal-clear, studio-grade audio quality for an uncompromised online learning experience.
Curriculum
My pedagogical approach combines the rigorous traditions of European violin schools (German and Russian methodologies) with modern performance physiology. Lessons focus on physical freedom, sound projection, pitch accuracy, and stylistically informed interpretation.
Core Technical Methods & Studies:
Technique & Etudes: Ševčík (Op. 1, 2, 8), Kreutzer, Ševčík shifting exercises, Dont (Op. 35), and Caprices by Rode, Gavinies, and Paganini.
Scale Systems: Carl Flesch Scale System and Ivan Galamian scale studies for intonation, tone control, and dexterity.
Repertoire & Orchestral Preparation:
Standard Concertos & Solo Works: Major concertos (Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Mozart) and Bach Sonatas and Partitas.
Orchestral Excerpts: Key audition excerpts from Strauss, Mozart, Brahms, and Wagner, backed by first-hand experience in orchestral concertmaster leadership.
Materials are always personalized based on the student's current level, technical needs, and audition goals.
Credentials & Affiliations
Academic Credentials & Titles:
- Associate Professor of Violin | Interuniversity Council of Turkey (2015–Present)
- Doctor of Musical Arts (Equivalency) | Bilkent University, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts (Studied under Prof. Suna Kan) (2005)
- Konzertreife (Master's Performance Diploma with Distinction) | Zurich University of the Arts / Winterthur (Studied under Prof. Rudolf Koelman) (2001)
- Special Advanced Studies in Violin | Winterthur Music Academy (Class of Prof. György Pauk) (1996–1998)
- Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance | Freiburg University of Music (Studied under Prof. Jörg Hofmann) (1992–1996)
Orchestral Leadership & Institutional Affiliations:
- Violinist / Former Concertmaster | Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra (2006–Present)
- Former Concertmaster | Bilkent Symphony Orchestra (2003–2006)
- Former Concertmaster | Antalya State Symphony Orchestra (1999–2003)
- Former Violin Faculty Member | Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory (2014–2017)