The compositions of Mahir Cetiz include works for orchestra, acoustic ensembles of different sizes, solo instrumental works and pieces for electronics. As an active conductor and pianist, Cetiz is continuously engaged in the performance of new music.

His compositions have been performed by such ensembles as the International Contemporary Ensemble, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Wet Ink, Accroche-Note, the New York and BBC Philharmonics and the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich.

As a composer, his primary interests include musical traditions of the Middle East, India and Indonesia, medieval polyphony, microtonality, music and language, as well as the perception of musical gestures.

A recent recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, Cetiz earned his doctor of musical arts degree from Columbia University, New York where studied with Fred Lerdahl, Fabien Levy and Tristan Murail. He is also the recipient of The Musician of the Year Award given by the British Council. He has taught at Bilkent University, Ankara and is currently a lecturer at Columbia University, New York.