There are two kinds of Daf available, one with natural skin and the next with artificial skin or plastic. Generally natural Daf has a better sound and is more expensive compared to plastic Daf. However it is not recommended for beginners apprentices to provide natural Daf as many Dafs have been impa...

Each of the four string of setar can be tuned by GOOSHI provided at the end of the stick. The basic note for Tar Setar’s tune is usually Do (C) on the first string and the rest is tuned in accordance with the first string Setar Tuning The note Do in Setar is the middle C in the piano. Do in Iranian ...

Improvisation plays an essential role in Persian Music and it is more based on interpretation of the Dastgah feeling and principles which maestros have made. A good improvisation needs good skills on instrumental techniques or singing and complete knowledge of Dastagahs and Avazes, melody and rhythm...

The Setar The origins of the setar go back to a pre-Islamic lute called the tanbouré Khorassan, from the family of long neck and small resonating chamber plucked instruments. In the evolution of Persian music, this instrument underwent many transformations, especially with regard to the shape of the...

We do not know very much about the earliest Persian civilization music. Great music scholars like Farabi (tenth century), Ebne-Sina (eleventh century) and Sa- fioddin Armavi have left us very important musical knowledge, but there is not any credible document before Farabi. The Persian Empire of Ach...

There are three theories about Persian music intervals. The first one, which was done in 1920 by Ali Naqi Vaziri, identifies Persian musical intervals based on a 24 quarter-tone scale. The second one was done by Mehdi Barkeshli in 1940 and defines Persian music intervals within a 22 tone scale. And ...

So many of the Persian or non-Persian musicians have tried to compose some music in theiranian traditional music modes or use some Persian melodies in their compositions; however, it has always been under question how to express Persian music in weste musical system where there are no such intervals...

Afshin Ardalan. (2012, Spring).Persian Music Meets West HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE We do not know very much about the earliest Persian civilization music. Great music scholars like Farabi (tenth century), Ebne-Sina (eleventh century) and Sa- fioddin Armavi have left us very important musical knowledge, ...

Kamancheh is another string instrument of Iranian music. It has four strings. These parallel strings extend through the length of the instrument. The sound created by Kamancheh is attractive and somehow muffled. Know more about Persian Kamancheh Know about Kamancheh lessons: Kamancheh Instructor: In...

Qanoon is a string instrument (wooden trapezoidal frame) played with two index fingers and two picks. It has similarities to harp in its style of playing. Know more about Qanoon Tar Know about Qanoon lessons: Qanoon Instructor: In this method the instructor, Hannaneh Saiedi, teaches Persian Qanoon v...

Santoor is a string instrument with strings stretched over a trapezoidal shaped box. Santoor’s invention is attributed to Farabi (9th century A.D.). The earliest sign of it comes from Assyrian and Babylonian stone carvings (669 B.C.); it shows the instrument being played while hanging from the playe...

Tanbur is a string instrument in which the strings are installed on a long frame with a bowl shaped body. Player uses the hand fingers to play Tanbur. It is closely related to Setar and Dotar which are also played by fingers sometimes held together for strumming. Know more about Persian Tanbur Know ...

Oud (name is originally Arabic) finds its origins in Akkadian era. Shah Shuja was using an instrument called Gudi, probably a name with Arabic origins. It was thought that the instrument was invented by nomad tribes since it was light and mobile. Know more about Persian Oud Know about Oud lessons: O...

Persian Tar is a string instrument played with a pick or finge ail. Wood, animal skin and bones and metal are used in its construction. Tar’s length is about 1 m. It has been one of the most important instruments in Persian music in the last 200 years. The player would sit down and place the instrum...

Setar is an instrument with a simple and humble appearance comparing to other instruments in Iranian traditional music. It is a string instrument played with a pick or finge ail. It is constructed using wood, metal and wire. Know more about Persian Setar Know about Setar lessons: Setar Instructor: I...

Ney is a cylinder shaped (flute-like) woodwind instrument. It can vary in diameter (1.5-3.0 cm) and length (30-70 cm). In all versions, 5 consecutive (finger) holes are placed closer to one end and one hole closer to blown-end. Tuning cannot be changed on a Ney. Know more about Persian Ney Know abou...

Tombak, a percussion instrument has been an important part of Iranian traditional music for a long time. Tombak’s sound is created through consecutive and skillful hitting of the drum-skin using the fingers of both hands. Know more about Persian Tombak Know about Tombak lessons: Tombak online Instru...

The musical instrument “Daf” is one of the ancient musical instrument in Iran and neighbouring countries. It is classified as a percussion instrument. Daf consists of usually animal hide or plastic as drumhead and wooden frame/rim and chains. The authentic one is made with animal skin. Know more abo...