Ozge Serceler is an accomplished cellist and visual artist whose creative journey began in early childhood. According to her father, each of his children responded differently to the Turkish makam songs played to soothe them to sleep, and she was particularly drawn to the Segah makam, recognized for its mystical and deeply evocative qualities. This early exposure to music inspired her to explore an artistic path, leading her to seek an instrument that would allow her to connect with audiences and share profound emotional experiences.

At the age of eight, Serceler began her formal music education by learning the piano. However, it was not until she encountered a cassette recording of Schubert’s Trio in E minor that she felt an undeniable connection to the cello. Captivated by its hauntingly rich sound, she realized her calling after attending a chamber music recital, solidifying her desire to perform on stage.

At thirteen, she began taking private lessons from Ayna Isababayeva at Erciyes University School of Music, later attending music high schools in Kayseri and Ankara. Her sister, a flute performance student at Bilkent University Conservatory, introduced her to renowned cello professor Gara Aliyev, whose encouragement led Serceler to audition for his studio. She was awarded a full scholarship to Bilkent University, where she pursued her undergraduate studies.

During a summer visit with her oldest sister, a pianist and instructor at Sıtkı Kocman University in Muğla, Turkey, they dreamed of furthering their careers in London. This vision led her to audition for the Royal College of Music, where she was accepted with a full scholarship. However, as a non-citizen, she needed to secure sponsorship for her studies. When this proved challenging, she auditioned for Anadolu University State Conservatory in Eskişehir, Turkey, where she continued her education under Professor Ozan Evrim Tunca. Throughout her studies, she participated in masterclasses, festivals, and orchestra tours, gaining invaluable experience as both a performer and collaborator.

Following her graduation, Serceler performed with various orchestras before returning to Anadolu University for her master’s degree. When the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to online learning, she connected with Professor Evgeni Rachyev from Stephen F. Austin University, who encouraged her to pursue further studies in the United States. She successfully auditioned for the master’s program at Stephen F. Austin University, where she received assistantships as a teaching assistant in the Music Prep Division and an ensemble librarian. Her dedication to networking and performance led her to work with several orchestras, including the Longview Symphony Orchestra, Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, San Angelo Symphony Orchestra, South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Plano Symphony Orchestra, performing as both a section and principal cellist.

As she neared the completion of her master's degree, Serceler reached out to Professor Amit Peled at the Peabody Institute for an online masterclass, expressing her desire to study under his mentorship. She was accepted into the Graduate Performance Diploma program at Johns Hopkins University Peabody Institute with an Artistic Excellence Award, which significantly supported her studies. While at Peabody, she auditioned for and accepted a position as a section cellist in the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra in Virginia. Currently, she continues her education at Peabody Conservatory, focusing on audience engagement and the meaningful expression of her musicality.

Beyond music, Serceler is also a visual artist specializing in watercolor painting. Her artistic exploration parallels her musical journey, as she seeks to capture emotion, movement, and storytelling through color and texture. She has developed a unique process to digitalize her original watercolor works, making them available for gallery exhibitions and commercial licensing, including book illustrations, film productions, and album covers. By embracing both music and visual art, she expands her artistic reach, bridging disciplines and inviting audiences to experience her creativity through multiple mediums.

Through both her cello and her paintings, Ozge Serceler continues to explore the intersection of sound, color, and expression, striving to create art that resonates deeply with audiences around the world.