Arif Mardin Fellowship Scholars
Launched in 2007 in memory of Arif Mardin (1932-2006), world-renowned producer/arranger and vice chairman of The American Turkish Society for many years, the program is conducted in partnership with Berklee in Boston, MA, where Mardin’s successful music career began as the first recipient of the Quincy Jones Scholarship. The Arif Mardin Fellowship allows one student of Turkish descent or nationality to attend the 5-week Summer Performance Program at Berklee.
The American Turkish Society’s scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and housing, as well as a stipend to help cover living expenses. The Arif Mardin Fellowship is open to individuals of Turkish descent or nationality, over the age of 15, with a minimum of six months experience playing their instrument (or singing). Consideration for the Fellowship is based on merit and potential to benefit from the program in current or future music career.
Applicants apply directly to Berklee and should specify in their application that they would like to apply for the Arif Mardin Music Fellowship. Fellows are selected by Berklee through an application process each spring.
Founded as Schillinger House by Lawrence Berk in 1945, Berklee was the first U.S. school to teach popular music of the time, jazz, and is still among the leading educational institutions of music. Berklee’s talented and diverse student body represents more than 70 countries.
For more information please visit Berklee website >
Previous Scholars
2024
2023:
2022:
2013: Kemal Efe Eroğlu
2010: Olgun Acar
2009: Erol Balcı
2008: Canberk Kargı