Turkish musician, guitarist and composer. Volkan Polat began his music career in 1997 when his studies started at the guitar deparment of Pera Academy of Fine Arts Istanbul. During and after his high school years, he played in many jazz-blues bands.
He started playing jazz guitar in 2003, influenced by legends like Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Wes Montgomery. He then studied jazz guitar and harmony with Turkey’s most leading guitarists, Kamil Özler, Neşet Ruacan and Önder Focan. In 2006, he played in “TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) Jazz Orchestra” and he gained valuable experiences in this big band by performing in numerous recordings and rehearsals.
He started studying in “Music Theory” program in Turkish Music State Conservatory of Istanbul Technical University. During education, including traditional Modal Turkish Music studies and works with most valued teachers of Sufi Music reflected his point of view to contemporary music.
In 2012, he got the award of “Nardis Jazz Club Best Young Jazz Guitar Player”. He continued playing with many valuable musicians including İmer Demirer, one of Turkey’s most influential trumpet players.
He performed in various groups, festivals, events with many projects as a leader and sideman. He took part in 19th International Istanbul Jazz Festival with his own group “Volkan Polat Trio” and International Jazz Day in 2013, Aksanat Istanbul.
He has been being a part of the fabric of the Istanbul jazz music scene as a guitarist, composer and arranger.