Barkin Sertkaya is an internationally acclaimed classical guitarist and versatile multi-instrumentalist, known for his deeply expressive performances, collaborative instrumentalism and wide-ranging repertoire. Based in New Zealand, he performs extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, directs the Guitar Studio at the University of Auckland’s School of Music, teaching in ACG Parnell Schools and leading the guitar section at Chiron Music Academy.

Originally from Anatolia, Sertkaya has appeared at major festivals across South-East Europe, winning numerous competitions and performing as a soloist with leading symphony orchestras. His concerto appearances have included works by Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos, Tedesco, and Brouwer. He has toured with celebrated Turkish artists including Fazıl Say and Cem Adrian, and was handpicked as a featured multi-instrumentalist in Cirque du Soleil’s ZED production in Japan.

Since relocating to Aotearoa New Zealand, Sertkaya has become a distinctive voice in the country's classical music scene. His debut tour Anatolia–Aotearoa celebrated his musical journey from the Anatolian heartland to his new home, blending Turkish and New Zealand compositions. He has appeared at venues including Auckland Town Hall to perform J.Rodrigo's both Concierto de Aranjuez and Fantasia para un Gentilhombre, and major arts festivals in Dunedin, Taranaki, Nelson, and Christchurch, and has collaborated with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Auckland Tango Quintet, and Australian soprano Emma Pearson on the Serenade tour series.

A dedicated educator, Sertkaya is widely respected for his innovative and inspiring approach to guitar pedagogy. As head of the Guitar Studio at the University of Auckland, he mentors a new generation of classical guitarists, integrating technical rigor with artistic individuality. His students have gone on to receive national awards, perform internationally, and gain entry into prestigious postgraduate programs. His teaching draws on a rich background in solo, chamber, orchestral, and multi-instrumental performance, offering students a holistic and modern perspective on the classical guitar.

Sertkaya is also a passionate advocate for new music and cross-cultural repertoire. His collaborations with Kiwi composers such as Bruce Paine (Seikilos Chimes), Dylan Lardelli, Chris Gendall, and Ben Hoadley have expanded the classical guitar’s expressive range and cultural depth. His solo programs often feature works by J.S. Bach, Dyens, Villa-Lobos, Brouwer, Sanz, Rodrigo and a unique selection of Eastern European and Anatolian-inspired pieces by composers like Bogdanovic, Bayraktar, and Domeniconi.

Alongside his performance career, Barkin is a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, focusing on classical guitar teaching pedagogy, Aotearoa community music and virtuosic performance science.