Mohamed Assani

According to Georgia Straight Newspaper, "Assani is both a musician who’s deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of South Asia and a one-of-a- kind innovator who’s bent on ensuring that those age-old forms will survive, and grow, in the modern era. His playing is fierce, resolute, and gripping. There’s no denying that this is extraordinary music.”

Mohamed Assani is widely known for his authentic raga performances as well as his creative ability to adapt his instrument to different genres. 

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. Mohamed also plays tabla. He has performed throughout the UK & Europe, including with his band Indus, who have been hailed as 'ones to keep a beady eye upon' by froots magazine. 

Mohamed relocated to Vancouver, Canada in November 2010 and he has been received here with much excitement. In his short time in Vancouver to-date, he has performed for the CBC, MusicFest Vancouver, Indian Summer Festival, Asian Heritage Month, Vancouver Celebrates Diwali and for the Governor General of Canada.

As a dedicated and experienced teacher, Mohamed has inspired students of all ages in their musical journeys. During his extensive teaching career, he has taught at the Royal Academy of Music (London, England), the BRIT School of Performing Arts and the University of Huddersfield. He now teaches Indian Music at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music.