He has been studying at this school since 2021 (since the 3rd grade) and is currently preparing to graduate with a red diploma.
A Turmush correspondent spoke with the young talent about his love for the komuz, his achievements, and his plans for the future.
— Mukhammedali, how did your interest in the komuz begin?
— My interest started at home. When my father played the komuz, I was very curious and listened attentively. After that, I came to the music school and began to learn by notes. When my dad performed traditional melodies, I also tried to play myself, and gradually this art completely captivated me.
— How many pieces do you know at the moment?
— I currently know more than 30 melodies. Additionally, I have been learning to play the kyl kyak [a two-stringed bowed instrument made of wood, no longer than 70 centimeters] for 5 years. Along with the komuz, I have mastered the kyl kyak at a good level. We perform classical works from around the world on the kyl kyak using sheet music.
— Tell us about your achievements.
— I previously traveled to the Toguz-Toro district and took 2nd place there. Moreover, I constantly participate in various competitions. In an international online competition, I took 1st place in the "komuz" category. Representatives from European countries, Central Asia, and other states participated in this competition.
— What grade are you in at your general education school?
— I am in the 7th grade at the Karybek uulu Akmataaly secondary school. In the music school, my teacher is Nurzat Sydykova, and our deputy director is Zaripa Tolobaeva.
— What goals do you set for the future?
— I have many goals. In the future, I want to master the Arabic language perfectly and receive an education in this field. At the same time, I will not give up the komuz; I will develop this art in parallel. I dream of learning the language and becoming one of the world-renowned komuz players. Besides school, I play the komuz at home and for guests.
— Who supports you in your creativity?
— My parents contribute greatly to my development. Mom and Dad always find time for me at home and buy stage costumes. They specifically purchased a komuz for me. When I want to participate in competitions, they create all the conditions for that. They encourage me: "If you want to go, play well, and you will definitely take a prize-winning place."
— Why is the komuz special to you?
— The komuz is a national, priceless instrument of Kyrgyzstan. I play it so that its sound does not fade and does not remain in the shadow of instruments from other nations. I really like the sound of the komuz. Other countries also have instruments similar to it, but I believe that only on the komuz can one play so virtuously, using hands and unique performance techniques.
