Teacher Profile: Basay Tayfun

About Basay Tayfun

For Basay Tayfun, music is the language of emotions that no words can express. As a Washington, D.C. area Piano Instructor and Music Educator, Basay brings a passion for music to the lessons he gives for students of all ages and levels -- young beginner through adult.

At age 8, Basay formed a life-long relationship with the piano. Originally from Turkey, he studied with instructors from Ankara University State Conservatory and Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University and excelled in his study. He was an active competition participant through his childhood and has placed 2nd twice at the Western Classical Music Competition held in the capital of Turkey. After moving to the U.S. and attending high school in Arlington, VA, he actively continued his musical journal and performed with his high school's jazz and symphonic bands at numerous concerts and competitions, where they placed first in Virginia and South Carolina. Basay has also given many recitals in Turkey and the U.S.

In addition to Piano, Basay studied Mallet Percussion at Istanbul State Conservatory, where he also took solfege (ear training) lessons. He has accompanied choirs and orchestras both with Piano and Mallet Percussion.

Apart from his love for music, Basay also loves to share his passion with others. He is an active private teacher in a number of settings -- from In Home, to Classroom, to Virtual. He strives for his students to find and share joy through their art. His favorite literature for his students is the John Thompson method, as well as Faber, and Classical standards for students, like Beyer, Bartok, Hanon, Czerny, and more!

Basay has studied at George Mason University's music program under Dr. Anna Balakerskaia, a three-time prize-winner of the Best Accompanist Diploma at the International Tchaikovsky Competition, and is eager to pass down the knowledge he has gained from one of the best in the art. He looks forward to continuing his studies in 2024 at George Washington University.

In his free time outside of Piano, Basay enjoys sports of all varieties and is a pro volleyball player. He also enjoys reading and biking.

"To play a wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable!"