Ava Ghavidel

About Me

My journey with music began at the age of 10 with the daf instrument, which introduced me to the concept of rhythm. Then, at the age of 12, I witnessed the tanbur for the first time at a concert by the Shams Ensemble under the direction of Maestro Pournazeri, and my heart was captivated by the instrument. After continuing to play the daf to an advanced level, I decided at the age of 16 to start learning my second instrument, the tanbur. I accompanied my parents to the Shams Tanbur House and spoke with Maestro Keykhosro Pournazeri, and eventually, the Maestro accepted me for instruction. During this time, I practiced diligently and never missed any of the Maestro's classes, even during school and university exams. Until, after four years of training, I was able to participate in the ensemble of the Maestro's top students and simultaneously began the maqam-playing course. The experience of this ensemble playing taught me a great deal over five years, to the extent that in 2017, I received a written teaching certificate from Maestro Keykhosro Pournazeri. Since then I have started teaching in various schools in Tehran and then Rasht. I have also continued my teaching online since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teaching Method

Instruction will follow the teaching method of Maestro Keykhosro Pournazeri and will be offered in two formats: By listening or by learning the notes. The pieces taught during the course will be selected from the albums "Sound of Love," "Bewilderment," "The Moon-Faced Minstrel," "The Legend of Tanbur," and others. In addition to these pieces, important Tanbur modes will also be taught, taking into account the student's level. Along with music instruction, we will also focus on the recitation of Persian poetry, as a musician should not only play well but also understand and recite poetry with proper rhythm.

Experience

• Teaching at music schools in Tehran and Rasht, including Parsia, Deldar, and Asgoon Since 2018 • Received a teaching certificate from Maestro Keykhosro Pournazeri in 2017 Participated in the ensemble of Maestro Keykhosro Pournazeri's top students at the Pournazeri Academy Since 2015 • Studied Tanbur Maqam playing with Donya Kamali, 2015-2017 • Attended Tanbur Masterclass by Sohrab Pournazeri, 2015 • Performed with the bands Khat Sevom and Derang, 2007-2014 • Solo Daf and Tanbur performances at schools and universities, 2006-2018