Volkan Orhon was one of my early podcast guests, appearing along with fellow Bad Boyz of Double Bass members Anthony Stoops, David Murray, and Paul Sharpe. 

I chatted with the Bad Boyz ten years ago (!), and I realized that I’d never actually sat down with Volkan one-on-one for the podcast.

We fix that today!

Volkan had established himself in a professional orchestra in his native country of Turkey.  He had graduated from the Ankara State Conservatory with bass professor Tahir Sumer, and he was already a member of the Ankara Presidential Symphony Orchestra.

Volkan could have stayed in that position long-term.  He took a leap, however, and moved to the United States to study with Gary Karr at The Hartt School of Music.  Working with Gary and also with Diana Gannett, Volkan earned his Master’s Degree and and Artist Diploma.

After Hartt, found himself in a “road warrior” freelance position, teaching adjunct at a few schools and driving all over the place playing gigs.  I know that life well!

Volkan eventually got a tenure-track job at the University of Iowa and is in his sixteenth year of teaching at that institution.  We talk about what it’s like teaching at Iowa, plus:

• What has been most surprising about being in a full-time academic position.
• How working with Gary Karr shaped his concept of tone.
• The challenges of relocating to the United States.
• What he practices on a daily basis.
• Advice for students (and their parents!) thinking about embarking on a music career.

…and much more!

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

Upton Bass String Instrument Company

Upton’s Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

D’Addario Strings

This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets.

Contrabass Conversations production team:

• Jason Heath, host
• Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
• Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
• Trevor Jones, publication and promotion