Rasih Öztürk
Composer - Guitarist - Educator - Aspiring Author
CAZ PUSULASI
TRT 3 Radio Show by Aydın Eroğlu
Turkish national radio station TRT Radyo 3 recently dedicated a full one-hour broadcast of its renowned program Caz Pusulası (Jazz Compass) to Boston-based composer, guitarist, and educator Rasih Öztürk.
Hosted by esteemed broadcaster and jazz curator Aydın Eroğlu, the episode delivered an in-depth listen into Öztürk's new album, Live at Berklee with Friends.
Caz Pusulası: A Guide Through the World of Jazz
As one of TRT Radyo 3’s flagship programs, Caz Pusulası serves as a crucial bridge between global jazz movements and listeners in Turkey. Curated by veteran host Aydın Eroğlu, the show is known for its thoughtful commentary, historical perspective, and dedication to showcasing influential contemporary works alongside landmark jazz releases.
An Hour Dedicated to Live at Berklee with Friends
Throughout the hour-long feature, Eroğlu took listeners on a guided tour through Öztürk’s musical journey—from winning Berklee College of Music's prestigious Arif Mardin Scholarship in 2021 to completing his Jazz Composition degree with top honors.
The broadcast highlighted Öztürk’s signature blend of complex jazz harmony, vivid storytelling, and dynamic live performance. Eroğlu showcased key tracks from the album alongside Öztürk's latest compositions—including "First Night at Newbury Street," "Only for a Little While," "Hope," and "Bluespect"—framing the work as an exciting milestone for a Turkish artist making a distinct mark on the international jazz scene.
ODA TV
Sina Koloğlu, Newspaper
ODATV Interview with Sina Koloğlu
In an exclusive feature by veteran music journalist Sina Koloğlu for ODATV, Rasih Öztürk demystifies the popular myth surrounding Berklee College of Music in the Turkish music industry.
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The Berklee Reality Check: Öztürk shares candid insights on the realities of studying at Berklee, emphasizing that holding a degree alone isn't a guarantee for industry success unless backed by clear goals, deep musical commitment, and proactive career planning.
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Audition & Scholarship Advice: Drawing from his own experience as the recipient of the prestigious Arif Mardin Scholarship, Öztürk outlines crucial practical advice for prospective students—such as choosing authentic performance pieces over technical showmanship and applying early to secure funding.
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Academic & Professional Journey: The piece highlights Öztürk’s transition from a stand-out student to joining Berklee's faculty. It also previews his album release, Rasih Öztürk and Friends: Live at Berklee (Loft Caz Records), alongside his single "First Night at Newbury Street," showcasing his fusion of jazz, classical music, and contemporary composition concepts.
CUMHURİYET
Murat Beşer, (Vitrindeki Albümler), Newspaper
Cumhuriyet Album Review by Murat Beşer
Music critic Murat Beşer reviews Rasih Öztürk's album, Live at Berklee with Friends (Loft Caz Records), for Cumhuriyet Newspaper, praising its mature voice and vintage sensibility.
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Visual & Musical Aesthetic: Beşer highlights the album artwork—styled after classic 1960s and 70s American vinyl pressings—noting that it perfectly mirrors the record's musical influences drawn from classic American jazz orchestras, post-bop, blues, and ballads.
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Artistic Integrity & Legacy: The review emphasizes Öztürk’s background as an İzmir-born composer, arranger, producer, and Berklee "summa cum laude" graduate under the Arif Mardin Scholarship. Beşer notes that Öztürk focused on true musical substance over brand prestige, pouring his expertise into a 6-track, 35-minute ensemble project.
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Collaborators & Standout Tracks: Featuring Öztürk on piano alongside an international ensemble of musicians, the album opens with "Longing For You"—a performance dedicated as a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Arif Mardin.
BOLD JOURNEY
Magazine
Bold Journey Magazine Feature
In a recent interview with Bold Journey Magazine, Rasih Öztürk reflects on his multifaceted career as a guitarist, composer, and educator, offering insights into the philosophy that drives his artistic and professional life.
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Philosophy of Practice: Öztürk discusses the importance of treating music as both an art and a craft, noting that his various roles—performing, composing, and teaching—mutually inform one another to foster deeper creativity.
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Keys to Success: He identifies curiosity and consistency as the foundational pillars of his career, emphasizing the value of asking "why" rather than just "how," and advocating for long-term dedication over seeking shortcuts.
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Current Projects: The interview highlights his ongoing work, including the release of Live at Berklee with Friends and the development of extensive educational resources, specifically a three-volume harmony book and a five-volume ear training series aimed at making advanced musical concepts more accessible.
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Mentorship & Community: Acknowledging the role of community, Öztürk credits his mentors—Mustafa Kamçıcı, Anıl Altınsoy, and Steve Rochinski—and his wife, Nisa Benna, for their pivotal support in his growth as both a musician and an individual.
HÜRRİYET
Newspaper
Hürriyet Newspaper Feature
In a feature published by Hürriyet Newspaper, Rasih Öztürk's rapid academic achievements and expanding international music career are highlighted.
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Academic Milestones: The article highlights Öztürk’s journey from İzmir to Boston after winning Berklee College of Music's $300,000 Arif Mardin Full Scholarship in 2021. It notes his record completion of a Jazz Composition bachelor's degree in just 1.5 years, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.99 GPA.
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New Releases & Educational Projects: The feature details his recent composition releases—"First Night at Newbury Street," "Only for a Little While," "Hope," and "Bluespect"—alongside his live album Rasih Öztürk & Friends - Live at Berklee. It also covers his ongoing work on a 600-page, 3-volume harmony book and a 5-volume ear training series.
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Future Ambitions: The piece concludes by noting Öztürk’s plans to further elevate his international career by pursuing a doctorate in music theory and composition.
