Berxwedan Koçkaya began his musical training in London, where he studied classical guitar at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. After graduating from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he was awarded 1st Prize in the Birmingham Guitar Prize amongst other awards, he continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with a master’s in Music and Performance.

Berxwedan uses a range of teaching methods to suit the needs of each student and covers a variety of musical styles, teaching all ages and levels from children to mature students.

As a performer, he regularly gives concerts with his guitar and violin duo (Opari Duo) alongside taking part in education and outreach activities by delivering workshops to schools in London. His duo also has a keen interest in contemporary music and work in collaboration with a range of composers with the intent to broaden the existing repertoire for guitar and violin; their recent commissions include ‘A pale blue dot’ which was dedicated to them by Italian composer, Sabino de Bari, and a new work inspired by the oceans and marine life by Ryan Probert.

‍