Connect
To Top

Meet Alp Akmaz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alp Akmaz.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Alp. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I was born in Istanbul-Turkey. I am a musician who plays a special type of flute called ”Balaban (Duduk)” since when was 14 years old. I listen to all kind of music for my musical journey, and I practice a lot and find my way to play with Balaban instrument. I also play Turkish G (Sol) clarinet. I have been many projects all over the world.

My journey started when I was five years old play mini keyboard, watch TV and tried to play the same melody on TV. Then my father brings instruments into the home every three months, after that, I started to play the instruments like a toy. I found myself with Balaban, and I feel very good when I play Balaban, become a different person, different feelings. I can not explain such intense emotion. I am sure you will feel it when you listen.

Before when I start to play just close my eyes and… change to the place. Like a flying…

I graduated from Halic University Conservatory in 2015. My major was Balaban performance, I met and worked with very talented musicians there. Then my 3rd year of University I just went to Antonio Buzzolla Conservatoria in Adria-Italy. I studied Clarinet with Guido Arbonelli, and I introduced Balaban in Clarinet Festivals 2014 in Italy.
That time I understood; It was a great combination to play Balaban with Classical orchestra.

After studied in Italy, I went back to Istanbul to finish my last year of the conservatory. Then I moved to the USA in 2016; I have been living in Los Angeles.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I love the hardest roads because when you have those roads, you hug them harder. My favorite says is ”No pain No gain.” I never look for smooth roads, I don’t like them. Smooth is easy.

My family loves music, but they always advise me for regular jobs. They never think about music is a real job. Maybe they are right for themselves. But music is a different world, a different life for me. It was very hard to focus on my dream at that time, but I never gave up!

If you are a musician, you’re going to get used to the challenges every day. I believe ” The only limit is the one you set yourself.”

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a musician also I have an online retailer company which offers baby products and pet supplies.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
-To be obsessed
-Improve ability
-Sleep six hours
-Work hard

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024