Competing regularly, Cihat’s vocal abilities continued to develop while winning several competitions and gaining national notoriety for his school and choir. As Cihat further developed, his appreciation for traditional Turkish folk songs soon directed him to the baglama. After graduating, he began a rigid training regiment to enhance his vocal and instrumental style and execution.
Cihat continued with choir life, where he sang and played Baglama with a newly inspired passion. Simultane- ously, he added traditional folklore dance and theater acting as creative interests.
Cihat won the Turkish Folk Music competition for TRT (Turkish Radio Television) which gave him the opportunity to receive professional vocal training from the Conservatory of Music.
His love for singing Turkish Folk music served as Cihat’s primary language to express himself creatively. One of the most important factors for his driving passion was his family’s love for music and their support for Cihat’s development.
After relocating to Toronto, Canada, Cihat has found new inspiration in teaching Baglama to every race, every culture and anyone who is interested with a mission to support cultural diversity and build a community of Turkish music passionists.