A former Kingston University Master's student will be returning to the university next month to host a jazz concert reflecting their homecoming.

Gorkem Ozalp, who studied MA Music and Performance from 2023 – 2024, will be joined by his bandmates Costa Tancredi (bass) and Burak Ersoz (drums) at a "personal homecoming" concert on Tuesday, 8 October.

At the concert, Ozalp will be performing his own jazz compositions which he recently released on digital platforms.

Speaking about the upcoming concert, Ozalp told Kingston Nub News: "For me, it is both a celebration of my artistic journey and a way to give back to the community where that journey truly began.

"I see this event as more than just a concert: it's a chance to reconnect with Kingston University, to share what's possible after graduation, and to encourage the next generation of musicians."

Alongside the concert, Ozalp will also be giving a short talk about his pathway after graduation — balancing a teaching career in London while continuing to grow as a professional musician.

The evening will close with a Q&A session, giving current students the chance to ask questions and reflect on their own future in music.

The musician began his musical journey at the Fine Arts High School in Istanbul and later studied Jazz Guitar at Yıldız Technical University.

For 13 years, he worked as a teacher at a music school he co-owned with his spouse.

Ozalp teaches guitar (Credit: Gorkem Ozalp)

Ozalp said: "During that time, I also played at various gigs in Istanbul, but I always wanted to focus more on performing and develop myself further as a musician.

"In 2023, I decided to continue my studies with a Master's in Music and Performance at Kingston University."

While studying in Kingston, Ozalp started recording his own music in London and released his first EP.

He said: "Now, together with my trio, I will be giving my first concert at Kingston University.

"This feels very special to me because just a year ago, I was sitting in the audience as a student, watching the musicians on stage and imagining how it might feel to be in their place.

"To come back now as someone who can share music on that same stage is a meaningful step for me."

Ozalp continued: "For a local student, this might not seem like a big deal. But for someone coming from overseas, returning to my university with a good job in guitar teaching and also with my own original music feels both exciting and meaningful.

"I also think it can be encouraging for the students there, because they will realize that there is no reason they couldn't be the ones on stage next year.

"After the concert, I will also have a short Q&A session with the students. I plan to answer questions about how I found a job after graduation and how I recorded my album - topics that I hope will be useful and interesting for them."