Mohamed Assani

Mohamed Assani is an award-winning sitarist, composer and educator, known for being a proactive ambassador for his rich musical tradition. He has brought the sitar to new audiences across the globe through innovative collaborations that have stretched the boundaries of his instrument. Career highlights include co-writing a sitar concerto that was performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, performing his music for his Royal Highness the Aga Khan and being invited to teach at London's prestigious Royal Academy of Music. According to the Georgia Straight, "Assani is deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of South Asia and a one-of-a-kind innovator."

Mohamed’s musical journey began at Dartington College of Arts in England, where he did a degree in Western Classical and World music. He then went on to learn sitar in the traditional way and is a senior disciple of Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan of the Poonch Gharana.

In addition to his composition and performance work, Mohamed is a passionate and sought-out educator with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Music Education. He has worked extensively as a music educator inspiring students at all ages from primary to higher education levels. During his extensive career, he has designed and taught world music courses at the University of Huddersfield in England; he has taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the British Record Industry Trust School of Performing Arts in London, England; and he has toured extensively in BC schools through the ArtStarts Artist in Schools program. He currently teaches South Asian Music at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music.

Mohamed is a leader in his field – forging new paths for his music to develop and grow, while remaining committed to the rich depths and roots from which his tradition has emerged. He is based in Vancouver, Canada.

 
Language(s): English, , Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati and Punjabi
Grade levels that programming is provided for: Primary (K - 3), Junior (4 - 6), Intermediate (7 - 8), Secondary, Post secondary, Adult education

This individual offers online programming


Facilitates Group Lessons


Offers private lessons


Offers services to schools

  • Music
  • Artist-Educator Partnership
  • Residency
  • In-School Performances
  • In-School Workshops
  • Professional Development

Community Partners

Profile last updated: Jul 30 2020