The Development of Turkmen Pop Music: National Traditions and Modern Musical Trends Discussed
Amul Info ·
On October 22, 2026, the Turkmen National Conservatory named after Maya Kuliyeva hosted a scientific and practical conference on the development of pop music. Participants discussed preserving national musical traditions, improving performance skills, and integrating contemporary musical styles…
On 22 October 2026, the Maya Kulieva Turkmen National Conservatory hosted a scientific and practical conference dedicated to the development of pop music. Participants discussed preserving the national roots of Turkmen pop music, improving performance skills and combining contemporary musical trends with traditional culture.
The conference brought together conservatory lecturers, experienced arts professionals and young musicians. Speakers noted that Turkmen pop music draws inspiration from folk traditions. They also emphasised the importance of preserving its distinctive identity while embracing achievements in global music culture.
During discussions on the national characteristics of pop music, experts highlighted the creative legacy of prominent performers, including Atabay Charygulyyev. Mayagozel Mammedjumayeva, head of the Department of Pop Art, and Go zel Ovezova, People's Artist of Turkmenistan, shared their views on maintaining continuity in national musical traditions and passing the distinctive features of Turkmen vocal performance on to younger generations.
The role of different musical instruments in pop music was another key topic. Particular attention was given to the violin's place in Turkmen pop ensembles. In their presentations, fifth-year student Sahy Jepbarov and lecturer Leyla Serdarova examined international experience in performances combining pop vocalists with solo violinists. They noted that adopting such approaches could broaden the creative opportunities of Turkmen pop groups.
Traditional instruments such as the dutar and gyjak have historically held an important place in Turkmen music. With the emergence of pop ensembles in the 20th century, the violin also became widely used in this field. Preserving musical nuances characteristic of Eastern traditions in violin performance helps create a distinctive harmony between the instrumentalist and the singer.
Lecturer Myrat Shammyyev explained how wind instruments influence musical arrangements, tempo and the overall performance style of contemporary pop and jazz ensembles.
The conference also highlighted the importance of professional education and teaching experience in the development of pop music. Myrat Jumayev and Soyunch Tekayev stressed that nurturing young talent should be a continuous process, beginning in music schools and extending to higher education institutions. The training of future pop performers should combine classical music education, a strong sense of rhythm and knowledge of modern sound technologies.
The conference concluded that the continued development of Turkmen pop music depends on the close relationship between national heritage, new creative exploration and high-quality professional training. Respect for traditional music and the study of international experience can help young performers improve their skills while preserving the distinctive sound of Turkmen pop music.