Öğr. Gör. BURAK ŞENDAĞ

Graduated from the Physics Department of METU in 1995.

Burak Şendağ initially performed as a pianist in a Tango Orchestra which he founded in 2001. In 2004, he began playing the bandoneon, the fundamental instrument of tango music and in 2005, he established the Tango Artı Orchestra. Since 2004 he has been performing tango music in this orchestra as a bandoneon player, composer, and arranger. He has also been playing the theremin and giving concerts with it since 2020.

Since 2007, he has organized "Tango Musicality" workshops and seminars at various events to teach dancers how to better understand tango music and incorporate it effectively into their performances. He currently teaches Tango Musicality at an academic level at Middle East Technical University (METU). Additionally, as of 2024, he has begun offering courses in Tango Music performance, arrangement, and composition at METU. 

Courses at Middle East Technical University

• Tango Musicality (MUS464)

        Course on Tango Music Analysis, Choreography Techniques, and Orchestra Styles for Dancers

This course offers a detailed study of Argentine tango music, focusing on the musical languages of major tango composers and orchestras. Through analytical listening and applied musical practice, students explore the evolution of tango from its classical period to contemporary and Nuevo Tango styles. The course addresses key musical elements such as marcato and legato articulation, rhythmic complexity, syncopation, variation techniques, melodic phrasing, and expressive interpretation. Special attention is given to the bandoneon as a central instrument of tango, as well as to other instrumental roles and performance practices. The relationship between tango music and Argentine tango dance is also examined, highlighting how musical structure and expression inform movement and interpretation.

• Creating and Performing Tango Music (MUS366, MUS367, MUS368, MUS369)

        Course on Analyzing the Rhythmic and Melodic Dynamics of Tango Music, Performing with a Live Orchestra, Music Arrangement, and Composition Training.

This course examines tango music through its creation and performance, with particular attention to stylistic, rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic features. Designed as a practice-oriented course, it emphasizes hands-on performance and ensemble work, allowing students to actively engage with tango music in a collaborative setting. Alongside performance practice, the course introduces basic principles of tango arranging and composition, supporting students in developing an understanding of tango as both a performed repertoire and a creative musical tradition.

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Activities in METU

• Metu Milonga Event with Chamber Orchestra at KKM Center, December 18, 2025
  The first METU Milonga event was held with the participation of former students who had taken the Tango Musicality course. In addition, mini concerts were given in collaboration with students from the music program. With the participation of the METU Chamber Orchestra as a guest ensemble, a milonga accompanied by a live symphonic orchestra was organized for the first time in Turkey.
  
  
• Tango Meeting at METU Culture and Convention Center, December 16, 2024.
  Music and dance performances were staged with the accompaniment of the Tango Artı Orchestra, together with MUS464 and MUS366 students.
  
  
• Tango Flamenco and Beyond Concert at KKM Center, January 8, 2025.
  A concert was staged with the instructors of the Department of Music and Fine Arts: Burak Şendağ (bandoneon), Ceyhun Güneş (flamenco guitar), and Bilgin Canaz (ney).

Burak Şendağ - Official Website:

https://buraksendag.com