Press | Rasih Öztürk

ODA TV

Sina Koloğlu

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.

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.
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.
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)

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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.