Since 2008, Tristan Driessens is an oud teacher to dozens of students of many nationalities, including Turkish, Greek, Moroccan, Lebanese, Algerian, Tunisian, Armenian as well as French and Belgian. Many of them became semi-professional musicians over the years. Following his master Necati Çelik, his method is uncompromisingly rooted in the traditional transmission system called meşk, where slow-process assimilation and oral repetition are key features. Tristan Driessens teaches the many facets of classical Ottoman music as a wholesome, by giving equal attention to melody (makam), rhythm (usul), style (tawır), instrumental techniques and improvisation (taksim). As a result, students are given the opportunity to achieve an adequate overview of makam through the assimilation of a large repertoire of vocal and instrumental pieces. Tristan Driessens teaches mainly in Brussels, for Muziekpublique’s World Music Academy and Seyir Muzik.
Seyir Muzik is a Brussels based music recording and teaching center who’s activities are oriented mainly to Eastern music traditions. It was originally established in order to promote classical Turkish music but quickly broadened its musical horizon by connecting and supporting a wide community of recording and performing artists who are active within the so called World Music frame.
Since its foundation in May 2016, Seyir Muzik as a record label released twelve critically acclaimed CDs with award winning musicians so far. Moreover, acoustic concerts, master classes, seminars and weekly music lessons are organized the whole year through in its center in Brussels.