PROJECTS
Cihat Askin and Little Friends Project (CAKA)

One of the most difficult things in the world to play the violin. It is not easy for a child to start learning violin. First of all, he needs to have a desire, then he will learn how to stand and hold the instrument,then he will have the first sound, at the same time he will have a family support, after a while he will start enjoying the sound he makes, the happiness will come out from his instrument and make everyone happy!

While developing his ability to continue the instrument he will learn life and adopt the instrument throughout his life.

We have aimed to create a unique system in Turkey with the CAKA project. A creative and productive approach which is respectful to the local culturel values while developing the ability and humanity of the student and progressing the standart of thinking. Everyone has a talent of his own, so everyone can produce art. Everyone can play an instrument and this is a way of life. There is no limit for anything so to play the violin and there is no limit to catch the happiness.

CAKA Project started in Uludag University State Conservatory of Bursa, after we have received an invitation from the directors. We have achieved a great success after a short period of 7 months when most of the little friends represented themselves with a solo performance on the stage. Teachers and students worked as teams and created one of the most unique art events in Turkey. We have worked with the teachers because in order to get a real success comes from educating the teachers first! After the success we had in Bursa we got invitations from the other establishments from Turkey such as conservatories, high schools and private music courses. Between 2001-2005 we have given 4 important gala concerts where all of the students from Bursa and other places in Turkey played. Starting from 2005 season we were sponsored by Turkish Bank which took the group to a national tour, as well as concerts in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Prior to concerts, our teams were prepared with their local teachers and later they attended masterclasses which were held in different cities. This was also a very effective approach towards the local parents and children who witnessed the success of the project and voluntarily supported their children.

In 2007, CAKA project revised itself and prepared for a serious education steps. Meanwhile members of the project were invited to national and international summer schools, as well as they have won prizes in national and international competitions. It organised its first summer class in Ayvacık,Assos which is a historical town with the openair theatre.

In 2008, CAKA Project starts to open an academic course which will take place in Advanced Music Research Cenrte of Istanbul Technical University. In April it will start to accept children between 8-16 years of age. They will have different teaching categories where the candidates will be replaced. They will not anly have violin education, but theory, music culture and choir and ensemble as well.

CAKA will also open main branches in Anatolian cities to attract more little friends to join the project.