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Damla The Oboist

Damla Tuncer
Damla Tuncer

About
Damla Tuncer

I’m an oboist, music educator, and certified Alexander Technique teacher, and my life has always been shaped by music. I picked up the oboe at eleven and never looked back—my studies took me from Istanbul to Rotterdam and back again, earning my UM solo diploma with Prof. Emanuel Abbühl and later a PhD in music. Since then, I’ve performed across the world, from intimate chamber concerts to major orchestral tours, and have had the privilege of working with ensembles such as the Hastings Philharmonic, Opera North, and the Hallé Orchestra.

Teaching is just as much a passion for me as performing. I work with children and adults, beginners and professionals, offering personalised oboe, piano, recorder, and music theory lessons. Every lesson is tailored to the student—blending technique, expression, and a little music history—so that learning feels inspiring and rewarding. Watching my students grow in skill, confidence, and joy is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.

My Alexander Technique journey began when I recovered from Repetitive Strain Injury, an experience that transformed my playing and my understanding of mind–body connection. Today, I share that knowledge with musicians and non-musicians alike, helping people release tension, improve posture, and rediscover ease in movement. Whether I’m on stage, in a rehearsal room, or guiding someone through their first Alexander Technique session, my aim is always the same: to help others unlock their full potential—musically, physically, and creatively.

  • PhD (Oboe) – Mimar Sinan Fine Art University (2010-2017), İstanbul, Turkey (Thesis subject: Baroque period German and Italian styles and analysing A. Vivaldi's D min. concerto and C.P. Emanuel Bach B flat Maj.)

  • Post Graduate – İstanbul University Conservatory (2001-2004), İstanbul, Turkey (Thesis subject: 20th century English music and analysis for R.V.Williams' concerto)

  • Master’s degree/UM soloistic diploma – Rotterdam Codarts University (1995-1999), Rotterdam, The Netherlands

  • BA(Hons) First class –Music, Wind instrument (oboe), Mimar Sinan Fine Art University (1990-1995)

  • ITM Alexander Technique Teaching Training Course ( 2016 – 2020 )

  • ATI Alexander Technique Certification Program ( 2024 -2025 ) (Damla is the first and only Turkish person who have an Alexander Technique certificate)

Education & Certification

Employment & Public Appearances

Interviews & TV recordings
  • 5th of May 2021, İlhan Usmanbas and his oboe sonata, CRR Concert Hall, İstanbul, Turkey

  • 17th of December 2020 - Interview for Instagram, Beethoven and his chamber music Works, with German Consul

  • Johannes Regenbrecht, available to watch on the German Consulate in Istanbul's Instagram page

  • June 2008, Kairo television, the music Life in Turkey

  • March 1998, Foreign Oboe Student's Life in Rotterdam

Employment
  • 2022 to date: Freelance player, Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra, UK

  • 2004 to 2024: Co-principal oboist, Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, Turkey

  • 2022: Freelance player, Manchester Halle Orchestra, UK

  • 2022: Freelance player, Opera North Orchestra, UK

  • 2014 - 2024: Oboe and chamber music teacher at Tevitöl High School, Turkey

  • 2004 - 2019: Oboist and Cor anglais player as a freelancer at Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra, Turkey

  • 1999 - 2008: Oboist as a freelancer at Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, Turkey

  • 1999 - 2004: Oboist, Bursa State Symphony Orchestra, Turkey

  • 1997 - 1998: Oboist, Ricciotti Ensemble, The Netherlands

  • 1995 - 1999: Oboist and Cor anglais player, Rotterdam Young Philharmonic Orchestra, The Netherlands

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