Bashar Alfakosh
About
Hi! I’m Bashar Alfakosh, a violinist and music educator originally from Syria and currently based in Istanbul. I began studying the violin at a young age and quickly developed a deep passion for music, discipline, and artistic expression.
I hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which has shaped my analytical and structured approach to learning and teaching. Alongside my academic studies, I have dedicated years to violin practice and the study of music theory, including harmony, counterpoint, and classical repertoire.
In my lessons, I focus on building strong fundamentals such as posture, bow control, intonation, and musical phrasing. My teaching style is clear, patient, and structured, helping students develop strong technique, musical understanding, and confident expression.
I work with beginners and intermediate students and teach in both English and Arabic. My goal is to create supportive lessons where students feel motivated, progress steadily, and truly enjoy learning the violin.
If you’re ready to start or continue your violin journey, I’d be happy to guide you — feel free to book a lesson and let’s begin making music together. 🎻
Teaching Style
I believe music is a universal language — and that anyone, at any age, can build a deep and meaningful connection with it. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to the violin after years away, I approach each student with the same philosophy: strong foundations first, artistic freedom always.
My core curriculum is built around the classical European violin tradition, primarily using the Wohlfahrt, Kayser, and Kreutzer methods. These studies are powerful tools for developing bow control, intonation, shifting, articulation, and overall technical discipline. They create structure, precision, and confidence in your playing.
If you prefer the Suzuki Method, we can absolutely incorporate it into your learning path. I’m flexible and happy to adapt the program to what motivates you most. The key is choosing an approach that supports both your technical growth and your enjoyment.
I am deeply committed to helping students of all ages develop not only skill, but a genuine love for music. Progress matters — but enjoyment matters just as much. I encourage students to explore pieces that inspire them, whether classical repertoire, film music, modern arrangements, or personal favorites. When you love what you play, your practice becomes more focused and your improvement becomes natural.
In our lessons, we usually begin with essential fundamentals such as scales, tone production, and bow technique. From there, we move into etudes and repertoire that match your level. I emphasize posture, sound quality, musical phrasing, and expressive playing — because technique without expression is incomplete.
But most importantly, I want you to hear the difference in your own playing. I want you to feel your progress. I want you to enjoy the sound you create.
Let’s build your technique with discipline, refine your tone with precision, and develop your musical voice with confidence. 🎻
Curriculum
My teaching method follows the classical violin tradition, focusing on strong technical foundations and musical expression. Materials are selected based on each student’s level and goals.
Core Texts:
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Wohlfahrt Etudes
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Kayser Etudes
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Kreutzer Etudes
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Suzuki Violin School (Books 1–8) – available upon request
Lessons also include repertoire pieces appropriate to the student’s level, helping build both technique and confidence while maintaining enjoyment in the learning process.
Credentials & Affiliations
Professional Summary
Multidisciplinary professional with a background in medicine, music, and technology. Graduated from Damascus University Faculty of Medicine in 2018 and completed two years of a Pathology residency; currently licensed as a general practitioner. Accomplished violinist with over 18 years of experience in classical Western music, and a seasoned music educator and composer — notably awarded the AMI (Anugerah Musik Indonesia) for the composition Nabi Al-Rahma. Additional competencies include web development and Python programming. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, with working knowledge of Spanish and Turkish.
Violin Instructor
Harvart Academy – Istanbul, Turkey
September 2022 – June 2025
Private Violin Instructor
Freelance – Damascus, Syria 2015 – 2021
Awards
AMI Award (Anugerah Musik Indonesia) for music composition, Nabi Al-Rahma
Education
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Damascus University, Faculty of Medicine – Damascus, Syria
September 2011 – October 2018
