The Department of Instrumental Performance was established in 2003, and received its current title in 2014.
Previously, the department operated under the titles “Music Disciplines and Conducting” and “Instrumental Performance and Conducting.”
The department was headed at different periods by Professor Irada Kocharli, Professor Aytakin Hasanova, Associate Professor Sonakhanim Ibrahimova, Associate Professor Sabina Mehdiyeva, and Associate Professor Jamala Nasirova. Since 2024, the department has been led by Honoured Teacher, PhD in Art Studies, Professor Adila Yusifova.
Based on the contemporary principles of music pedagogy, the department trains highly qualified specialists in piano, violin, viola, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, flute, and percussion instruments. Special attention is given to the artistic and professional development of students through competitions, concerts, and creative projects. Students of the department have successfully participated in international competitions and festivals held in Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Russia, Italy, and other countries.
Alongside its academic activities, the department regularly organizes concerts and artistic projects dedicated to Azerbaijani and international music. Concert programs at the International Mugham Center, the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, and other leading cultural venues reflect the department’s active creative environment.
Faculty members have also contributed to the development of music pedagogy through educational publications and methodological materials. Among them are Professor Aytakin Hasanova’s anthology for the course General Piano and Associate Professor Javahir Mustafayeva’s Programmatic Features in Piano Works by Azerbaijani Composers.
Academic Staff:
Academic Staff
- Adila Yusifova – Honoured Teacher, PhD in Art Studies, Professor, Head of Department
- Rashad Kazimov – Honoured Teacher, Associate Professor
- Humay Mansurova – Honoured Teacher, Associate Professor
- Tarana Yusifova – Honoured Teacher, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor
- Ilaha Sadiqzade – Honoured Artist, Lecturer
- Jamala Nasirova – PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor
- Sabina Mehdiyeva – PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor
- Javahir Mustafayeva – PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor
- Vusala Asgarova – PhD in Art Studies, Senior Lecturer
- Aynur Khalilova – PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor
- Narmin Kamilova – PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor
- Zahra Garayeva – Associate Professor
- Sevinc Dadashova – Senior Lecturer
- Leyla Aliyeva – Senior Lecturer
- Leyla Aslanova – Senior Lecturer
- Arzu Mammadova – Senior Lecturer
- Sevda Isgandarova – Senior Lecturer
- Aydan Vazirova – Senior Lecturer
- Surayya Israfilova – Senior Lecturer
- Fariz Mammadzade – Lecturer
- Uzeyir Mahmudbayli – Lecturer
- Ayten Rustamova – Lecturer
- Elkhan Haziyev – Lecturer
- Mirkhalid Mammadzade – Lecturer
- Sabina Muradova – Lecturer
- Saida Hajiyeva – Lecturer
- Gunel Guliyeva – Lecturer
- Yegana Manafova – Lecturer
- Ramiz Sevdimaliyev – Lecturer
- Zaur Mammadov – Lecturer
- Nigar Huseynova – Concertmaster
- Laman Aliyeva – Laboratory Assistant
- Narmin Abbasli – Laboratory Assistant
Courses Offered:
Undergraduate Level
- Main Musical Instrument
- Methodology of Teaching the Main Musical Instrument
- Piano Duet
- Choir and Choral Arrangement
- Special Pedagogical Training
- Specialization – Piano and Other Instruments
- Chamber Ensemble
- Concertmaster Class and Ensemble
- Concertmaster Skills
- Quartet
- Sight Reading of Musical Works
- Orchestra / Ensemble
- Transposition Techniques
- Methodology of Working with Children’s Choirs
- General Piano
Graduate Level
- Piano Performance
- Specialization – Wind and Percussion Instruments
- Specialization – String Instruments
- Instrumental Performance
- Methodology of Teaching the Specialization
- Scientific and Pedagogical Practice
- Creative Practice
- Pedagogical Practice
- Master’s Creative Project Presentation
- Chamber Ensemble
- Concertmaster Skills
- Orchestra Class
- Orchestration
- Contemporary Trends in Instrumental Performance