Emre Kartari is a musician and educator with over three decades of experience in the world of jazz. He has collaborated and shared the stage with David Liebman, Houston Person, Melissa Aldana, Troy Roberts, Janis Siegel, John Fedchock, Marshall Gilkes, Mike Richmond, Paul Pieper, Anthony Pirog, Janel Leppin, John D’earth, Howard Curtis, George Colligan, Chris Whiteman, Paul Langosch, Eddie Williams, Justin Kauflin, Darius Jones, John Toomey, Chris Brydge, among others.
Hailing from Ankara, Turkey, Emre has been instrumental in promoting jazz music and education in the country. He has initiated state-funded jazz college degree programs at the Ankara State Conservatory, and Yasar University.
Emre has curated numerous music festivals, tours, and projects in collaboration with the American Embassy in Turkey and the Fulbright Association. He founded the Izmir International Jazz Camp, which featured faculty from Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, and Graz Conservatory. Emre served as a juror for the National Endowment for the Arts.
As an educator, Emre has held positions at various universities, including James Madison University, College of William and Mary, where he served as an adjunct faculty member for jazz ensemble and private music instruction.
Emre is endorsed by Canopus Drums and Istanbul Agop Cymbals.