Semih Kıvanç: Marble craftsman from Karasu masters multiple instruments

Semih Kıvanç, a 43-year-old marble craftsman living in the Karasu district of Sakarya, has developed a diverse musical talent through self-taught methods. His musical journey began at age five or six, inspired by his father, who played the violin and zurna at weddings.

Kıvanç’s first unconventional instrument was a pickle jar, which he used to learn percussion rhythms to accompany his father. Despite having no formal musical education or knowledge of musical notation, he has mastered several instruments by ear, including the violin, cümbüş, clarinet, darbuka, and finger cymbals.

He noted that the clarinet has been one of his most challenging instruments to learn due to its breathing requirements and keywork. Kıvanç continues to explore new instruments by studying their structures and imitating sounds.