A highly accomplished percussionist with a degree from Berklee College of Music and extensive touring experience.
Cengiz graduated from Los Angeles City College in 1996 with an AA in music and continued his education at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1998 with a Bachelor in Percussion Performance.
Growing up in Turkey, Cengiz knew percussion was his career after winning a national high school music competition in 1985. Since then, he has performed in jazz and rock bands worldwide, toured Europe multiple times, and played in prestigious jazz festivals. In the US, he has performed at famous clubs like the Blue Note in New York.
From 2007-2016, Cengiz toured with a famous rock band in Turkey. He is currently focused on teaching and his recording projects, collaborating with top professional musicians in the NY and NJ areas.
Cengiz has been teaching since 1998 and offers instruction in Jazz, Rock, R&B, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and Odd Meters. He describes his teaching style as easy-going and laid back, yet focused and disciplined.
Studio Equipment: Full recording studio (~480 sq ft) with DW drums (up to three sets), practice pads, Yamaha Digital Piano, computer, and audio/video recording capabilities.
Travels: Up to 10 miles from Forked River.
We know that inviting an instructor into your life requires trust. That's why every instructor at Melody Music Studios, including Cengiz, goes through the strictest vetting process in the industry.