Gülden Gökşen began her piano education at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory (now Istanbul University State Conservatory) with Nejla Tiner. She continued her studies in the class of Prof. Hülya Tarcan at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University State Conservatory. She advanced in her education by skipping three grades and completed her high school education at the age of 15, followed by winning first place at both the conservatory and university levels at the age of 18 in 1993. That same year, she passed the entrance exams to Cologne Musikhochschule in Germany and received the Turkish Education Foundation 4/4 scholarship to study with Prof. Helmut Weinrebe and Prof. Pavel Gililov. After completing her education in Germany, she returned to Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, where she completed her master's degree and proficiency in art with high honors. In 2011, she passed her associate professorship exam with honors and earned the title of Associate Professor. In 2018, she was awarded the title of Professor.
She has given numerous recitals and chamber music concerts in Turkey, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Singapore, Macedonia, Russia, Greece, France, Turkmenistan, Mexico, and New York. In 1991, she received the "Achievement Award" at the Mozart Piano Competition organized by the Austrian Government. In 1992, she attended a masterclass by Irina Musatova as part of the Ost-West Musikfest in Austria. In 1993, she won first place at the university level and received the Sedat Gürel – Güzin Gürel Art and Science Foundation Award. In 1994, she won first place and the Jury Special Award at the "Bülent Tarcan Piano Competition." The same year, she placed second in the Prokofiev Interpretation Competition in Germany. In 2000, she attended a masterclass with Prof. Boris Bloch. In 2001, she won first place at the International Competition for Young Pianists "Dimitar Nenov" Razgrad Piano Competition. Representing Turkey, she performed as a soloist at the "1st Young Pianists Balkan Forum" and the "International Young Musicians Forum" in Razgrad, Bulgaria. She also performed as a soloist at the "1st International Istanbul Spring Festival." In 2006, she received the "Best Music Jury Special Award" in the short film category at the "Marmara University 8th Short Film Competition" for the music she composed for the film "Zapatos." In 2008, due to her successful career, she was awarded the "Best Artist" award by the Barbaros Lions Club under the title "Carriers of Atatürk's Thoughts Today."
In 2005, Gülden Gökşen released a fusion album titled "Güldencaz," featuring her own compositions that incorporate Anatolian rhythms and melodies. Following this album, she toured the world with French artist Emma Shaplin.
She has performed as a soloist with the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, Bursa State Symphony Orchestra, Razgrad Philharmonic Orchestra, Vratza State Philharmonic Orchestra, Macedonia Philharmonic Orchestra, Shumen Philharmonic Orchestra, Burgas Philharmonic Orchestra, and Çukurova State Symphony Orchestra. She has also served as a jury member for various international competitions.
Among the conductors she has worked with are İnci Özdil, Ivan Bakalov, Burkhon Buriev, Georgi Cemsirov, Ivan Kojucharov, Pero Petrovski, Slavil Dimitrov, Dimitar Panov, and İbrahim Yazıcı.
She is currently a professor at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Istanbul State Conservatory, serving as a jury member in national and international piano competitions, and her students have won awards in various international piano competitions.