Since 2008, Tristan Driessens is an oud teacher to dozens of students of many nationalities, including Turkish, Greek, Moroccan, Lebanese, Algerian, Tunisian, Armenian as well as French and Belgian. Many of them became semi-professional musicians over the years. Following his master Necati Çelik, his method is uncompromisingly rooted in the traditional transmission system called meşk, where slow-process assimilation and oral repetition are key features.

Tristan Driessens teaches the many facets of classical Ottoman music as a wholesome, by giving equal attention to melody (makam), rhythm (usul), style (tawır), instrumental techniques and improvisation (taksim). As a result, students are given the opportunity to achieve an adequate overview of makam through the assimilation of a large repertoire of vocal and instrumental pieces.

Tristan Driessens teaches mainly in Brussels, for Muziekpublique’s World Music Academy and Seyir Muzik.