Baha Yetkin is a London based composer, oud artist and educator creating contemporary music inspired by Turkish makam and the modal traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean. His work combines original composition, improvisation and cross cultural collaboration, bringing a centuries old musical language into contemporary performance settings.

Born and raised in Istanbul, Baha began his musical journey within Türkiye’s rich tradition of makam based music. Over a professional career spanning more than twenty six years, he has worked across concert performance, theatre, recording, education and community music. Since moving to London in 2015, he has continued to develop his artistic voice while performing in the UK and building new connections between Turkish music, jazz and contemporary audiences.

His professional experience includes performances and productions associated with venues and organisations such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Donmar Warehouse, Rich Mix, Vortex Jazz Club and the University of Cambridge. He has also accompanied prominent artists in Türkiye and contributed to theatre, musical and recording projects.

As a recording artist, Baha’s work ranges from solo oud and makam improvisation to original contemporary compositions. His releases include The Pearl, The Turkish Oud, The Makam – Oud and a growing catalogue of singles and collaborative projects. His current live work explores a more open, contemporary sound shaped by oud, electric oud, jazz improvisation and rhythmic interaction.

Education remains an important part of his artistic practice. Baha is the author of Turkish Oud Method Vol. 1, created educational resources for international students and audiences, and develops English and Turkish content exploring oud performance and makam music. He also leads Turkish music choirs and community ensembles in London, Cambridge and Birmingham.

Whether performing solo, leading an ensemble or collaborating with artists from other musical traditions, Baha’s aim is to create emotionally direct music that respects tradition without treating it as something fixed.