Farshad Tavakkoli

Farshâd Tavakkoli

Research Consultant at Payvar Foundation

MA in Ethnomusicology from Tehran University; Lecturer and researcher of history and theory in Iranian music; The author of some entries of the Great Islamic Encyclopedia; The author of several articles on the history, intervals and theoretical structures of Iranian music; Lecturer of Iranian music on Setâr (since 1994); Collaborator in Iranian music tuner project (Sâzgâr) and, an application for professional research on modes and maqâms (Mode Lab – since 2017); Music critic and independent writer.

Education

2018: MA, Ethnomusicology, School of Performing Arts and Music, College of Fine Arts, Tehrân University, Tehrân, Iran.
2001: BA, Musicology, School of Performing Arts and Music, College of Fine Arts, Tehrân University, Tehrân, Iran. With concentration in Persian Classical Music (performance and history).

Traditional Education at Persian Classical Music Masters

1992-2008: Practical Research on Radif and Old Styles of Setâr playing, under Supervision of Professor Majid Kiâni.
2003-05: Practical Research on Radif and Old Styles of Setâr playing, under Supervision of Professor Dâriush Talâi.
1993-95: Accompaniment with vocal on Setâr, at Professor Sodeyf Râmbod.
1993-94: Qajar Era Songs, at Professor Asghar Bahâri.
1991-96: Radif and Old Styles of Setâr playing, at Vahid Bassâm.

Professional Experience

1994-present: Setâr Instructor, Private Studio, Tehrân, Iran.
2015-present: Research Colleague, with Mehrdad Momeni in the project of “Explaining the Tuning Theory of Iranian Music: Designing of the Tuner, Explaining the Consonance System of Iranian Music Modes”.
2022-present: Research Consultant, Pâyvar Foundation, Tehrân, Iran.
2023-present: Lecturer of Analysis of Radif of Iranian Music, Art University of Tehran, Faculty of Music, Masters Students.
2014-2023: Setâr Instructor, Tehrân Girls Music School, Ministry of Culture, Tehrân, Iran. Lecturer of History of Persian Classical Music, Lecturer of Theories and structure of Persian Classical Music,
2020-2022: Editor-in-Chief, Noise Reviews.
2017-2019: Review Writer, Noise Reviews.
2014-2018: Lecturer of Organology of Persian Classical Music, Tehrân Girls Music School, Ministry of Culture, Tehrân, Iran.
2002-06: Lecturer of Understanding of Persian Ancient Music, Sooreh University, Tehrân, Iran. Lecturer of History of Persian Classical Music, Lecturer of Research Methods, Lecturer of Analysis of Main Stream Music,
2003-06: Setâr Instructor, University of Applied Science and Technology. Lecturer of Introduction to Persian Classical Music,
1998-2000: Setâr Instructor, Niâvarân Palace Museum, Organization of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism.
1995-96: Setâr Instructor, Art Affairs Office, Ministry of Culture in Garmsâr.
1994-2000: Setâr Instructor, Art Affairs Office, Ministry of Culture in Semnân province. Lecturer of Introduction to Persian Classical Music,

Publications

Articles

2023: “National Imagination, Modernity and Social Status in the Era of Tehran’s Capital: The Narrative of Music,” Sokhan-e-Siavoushan Cultural-Social Journal,
13 (Spring and Summer), 292-312. Tehran: Siavoushan.
2022: “Foreword.” System of Keys Signature; A Survey for Fixing Keys Signature in Persian Classical Music. By Hamid Motebassem and Mehrdâd Momeni. Tehrân: Nây-o-Ney.
2021: “Social Panorama of Ta‘zieh in Tafresh (2016/1395).” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 91, 159-169. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2020: “Musical Iranisation: From the Simplicity of a Question to the Complexity of a History (part II).” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 89, 87-118. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2020: “Musical Iranisation: From the Simplicity of a Question to the Complexity of a History (part I).” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 88, 79-118. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2018: “Darvish.” Dâeratolmaâref-e Bozorg-e Eslâmi (The Great Islamic Encyclopedia), Vol. 23, 618-629, Tehrân: The Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia.
2016: “What’s This Which’s Us?” Farhang-o-Âhang (Culture and Song), No. 32, 48-53. Tehrân: Feel Creative Developers.
2015: “Âqâ Gholâmhossein.” Dâneshnâmeh-ye Iran (The Encyclopedia of Iran), Vol. 4, 727-728. Tehrân: The Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia.
2014: “Star of Târ: A Look to Dâriush Talâi’s Art of Târ Playing.” Honar-e Moosighi (Art of Music) Monthly, No. 142, 25-27, Tehrân.
2014: “Attached of Discussion about Chromatic Scale of the Safavid Era and the 144c Mojannab.” Ajamlar: Compositions Attributed to Iranian Musicians in Ali Ufki and Dimitrie Cantemir’s Collections, Comparative Transcription and Explanatory Notes by Ârash Mohâfez, 53-54. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2014: “Hosseinqoli.” Dâeratolmaâref-e Bozorg-e Eslâmi (The Great Islamic Encyclopedia), Vol. 21, 18-28, Tehrân: The Center for the Great Islamic
Encyclopedia.
2013: “In Nostalgia of Village: A Look to an Era and Its Musical Changes among an Auto-ethnography.” Âftâbnet Magazine, 84-87, Tehrân: Âftâbnet.
2012: “A Look at Hammering Dictation in Radif: Toward a Pedagogical Theory.” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 56, 61-80. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2011: “Ebrâhim Buzari.” Dâneshnâme-ye Bozorg-e Iran (Encyclopedia of Iran). Tehrân: The Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia.
2011: “Abolhassan Sabâ: Being in Harmony with Life.” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 54, 191-200. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2004: “Pedagogy in Persian Music.” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 23, 151-168. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2003: “A Critique on Mâhoor’s Postscript to ‘How to Conduct Research on Persian Music’.” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 19, 149-162. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2002: “A Survey and Critique of Jean During’s Transcription of Radif of Mirzâ-Abdollâh.” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 15, 89-107. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2001: “Abolhassan Sabâ: According to His Setâr-playing” Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 14, 69-85. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2000: “Tradition and Its Musical Situation in Non-Western Cultures.” Journal of the Third Music Festival of Universities Students of Iran, No.4, 4-15, Shirâz: Shirâz University.
2000: “Radif: A Way for Praise.” Journal of the Third Music Festival of Universities Students of Iran, No.1, 8-16, Shirâz: Shirâz University.
1998: “The Master-Student Ripple: Revival of Oral Culture.” Maqâm Music Quarterly, No.1, 49-51. Tehrân: Sooreh.
1998: “Iran Art: Heritage of Sagacity.” Maqâm Music Quarterly, No.1, 29-31. Tehrân: Sooreh.
1996: “Dastgâh Music and the Needs of the Time.” Hamshahri Newspaper, 9: Thu, 8, Aug.
1996: “Pedagogy and Performance in Tradional Music of Iran.” Hamshahri Newspaper, 9 and 13: Thu, 25, Apr.

As Translator of Articles to Persian

2016 “Involving the Performers in Transcription and Analysis: A Collaborative Approach to Dhrupad.” By Richard Widdess, Mâhoor Music Quarterly, No. 70, 123-144. Tehrân: Mâhoor.

As Professional or Scientific Editor

2024: The Radif of Mirzâ Abdollâh, Notation and Interpreted by Abolhassan Sabâ, Scientific Correction and Re-Transcription: Farshâd Tavakkoli, Ali Samadpour,
Vahid Tehrâni Âzâd and Nâzanin Ghanizâdeh (Pâyvar Fondation). Tehrân: Manzoumeh Kherad.
2022: System of Keys Signature; A Survey for Fixing Keys Signature in Persian Classical Music. By Hamid Motebassem and Mehrdâd Momeni. Tehrân: Nây-o-Ney.

Concerts Statements

2019: Bardâsht 1, November 14-15, Bâgh-e Naqmeh-hâ Music Institute, Tehrân, Iran.
2016: Night of Persian Musical Instrument 6, September 22-23, Rudaki Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2016: Night of Persian Musical Instrument 5, January 27-28, Rudaki Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2015: Night of Persian Musical Instrument for the Youngs, December 13-14, Rudaki Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2015: Night of Persian Musical Instrument 4, September 2-4, Niâvarân Cultural Foundation Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2015: Night of Persian Musical Instrument 3, January 22-23, Rudaki Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2014: Night of Persian Musical Instrument 2, September 11-12, Niâvarân Cultural Foundation Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2014: Night of Persian Musical Instrument 1, May 10, Niâvarân Cultural Foundation Hall, Tehrân, Iran.

CD Inserts

2011: “Forutan’s Setâr: Stylistic.” Old Zarbis, Interpreted and Performed by Ostâd Yusef Forutan 2. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2011: “Ebrâhim Buzari and His Radif.” Vocal Radif, According to the version of Ebrâhim Buzari, Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2011: “Sabâ’s Violin.” Abolhassan Sabâ Violin 2 and 3. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2010: “Vocal Style of Seyyed-Hossein Tâherzâdeh.” Tâherzâdeh Songs 2. Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2009: “Vocal Style of Abolhassan Eqbâl Âzar.” Eqbâl Âzar Songs 3. Tehrân: Mâhoor.

CD Reviews

2013: “A Windows for Questioning: About Ajamlar Album.” Etemâd Newspaper, 30 Oct 2013, 9.

Electronic Publications

Articles

2023: “A Look at the Musicological Perspectives of an Important Manuscript.” Pâyvar Foundation. payvarfoundation.org.
2021: “Willow, Lake and Storm: In Fortieth Anniversary of Eshq Dânad.” Noise Reviews. www.noise.reviews.
2020: “Pâyvar and His House: Fixing the Archive Defect.” Pâyvar Foundation. payvarfoundation.org.
2020: “Sounds Play: Toward a Universal Definition of Music.” Anthropology and Culture, Special Number for Nowruz 1399, March. 183-196.
2019: “Criticism or Kindness; Artistry or Guarding?” Noise Reviews. www.noise.reviews.
2019: “Myth and Situation; Past and Present: A Look at Social Construction of Myth among Musical Cultures of Northern Khorâsân.” Anthropology and Culture,
www.anthropologyandculture.com.
2019: “Audible Experiment of Presence of Friend: A Report of Field Observation Interactivity between Customers and Music in Coffee Shops.” Anthropology and Culture, www.anthropologyandculture.com.
2019: “Abandoned Intersubjectivity in Case of Fake Version of Ey Irân Song.” Noise Reviews. www.noise.reviews.

As Translator of Articles to Persian

2021: “Jazz and Existentialism.” By Rinzler, Paul. Noise Reviews. www.noise.reviews. October 21.

Reviews of CDs

2019: “Impotence and Inevitable Influence.” Noise Reviews. www.noise.reviews.
“Another Time, History.”
“Oppressed Sexuality, More Oppressed Music.”
“Singing Under Pressure of Tricks.”
“In Need of Liberty and Trust to Strangers.”
“A Way to Freedom from Historicism.”
“How Kind Vocal Carpets?”
“Today Vocal: Examine for Understanding of Market Subjectivity.”
“Junk Shop of Old Vocals.”
“Celebration of Skill and Emotions.”
“A Half-World Emotions and Regret.”
“Taking Blossom from Dry Stem.”
“Musical World of Half-World.”
“To A Near Far Away.”
“A Line for Three Biographies.”
2018: “Without a Window to Tomorrow.”
“Storyteller of Closed Way.”
“The Share of Present in Probable Future.”
“Careless to the Totality.”
“Time Does Not Pass.”
“From the Incomplete Training Path.”
“A Work for No Work.”
“A Bridge Far From Complexity.”
“Foot on Center and Border.”
“Help Me Neighbors.”
“Bored of Interpretation and Certainty.”
2017 “No Improvisation Is Absolut Improvisation.”
“An Imitation Combined with Collage.”
“An Original Which Is Not New.”
“Play It This Way.”

Articles in Progress

“Nightmares of Equivalence: The Music of Memory and Expectation in Tehrân as the Capital (1785-1978).”
“Iranianization of Musical Fazls of Islamic Era: Planes of Historicity.”
“Pishdarâmad and Darvishkhân’s Share in Its Formation.”
“Dastgâh Returning Hierarchy: A Look to Dastgâh Structure.”
“Modulations in Dialogues of Ta’zieh: Uses and Functions.”
“Persian Musician in Picture Frame.” (Co-Author)

Reviews in Progress

“Definition of Music: Necessary Attempt.” On: “Towards a Definition of ‘Music’.” By Philip Tagg (2002).
“The Musical Universals: Existent but Latent.” On: “Is the Search for Universals Incompatible with the Study of Cultural Specificity?” by Jean-Jacques Nattiez (2012).
“Penumbra of Social Structures.” On: “The Concept of the ‘Âsheq’ in Northern Khorasan” by Stephen Blum.

International and National Conference Papers and Invited Lectures

2023: “The Court Musician and His Descendents: Modernity and the Question of Status in Iranian Music; 1- The Reconstruction of Artistic Status in Situations
and Mentalities: About the Method.” Bidâr Art and Literature School, November 4 – December 16, Tehrân, Iran.
2022: “National Imagination, Modernity and Social Status in the Era of Tehran’s Capital: The Narrative of Music.” Siâvoushân Institute, September 8, Tehrân,
Iran.
2022: “Considerations about Writing the Oral Heritage with a View to the Radif of Iranian Music.” Pâyvar Foundation, August 19, Tehrân, Iran.
2022: “The Music of Memory and Expectation under Shadow of the National Imagination in Iran.” Penumbra of National Orchestra: Impressions of Quiddity and Status of National Orchestra. Roudaki Foundation, May 24-25, Tehrân, Iran.
2021: “Constitutional Revolution, Rights and Rise of ‘Contemporary Iranian Musician’.” Khânesh School, July 28 (online).
2020: “Teaching the Radif of Iran Music: A Critical Survey.” Academic Society of Music Faculty of Art University of Tehrân, November 26 (online).
2020: “Musical Iranianization: the Shadows of History on a Work by Darvishkhân.” Pelican Online Humanities School, July 14 – August 4.
2020: “Musical Iranianization: Radif and the Crises of Nationalization.” Pelican Online Humanities School, May 20 – June 10.
2020: “Iranianization of Musical Fazl of Islamic Era: Planes of Historicity.” Sundays of Anthropology and Culture, No. 180th, Feb 3, Research Center for Culture, Art and Communication, Tehrân, Iran.
2019: “Shajarian in a Historical Panorama.” Hanouz Tuesdays, September 24. Hanouz Publication.
2019: “Persian Music: A Two Hundred Years Perspective.” Three Sessions Lectures in Amirkabir University of Technology, May 15-25.
2018: “A Tuning Theory for Persian Classical Music.” (Co-author with Mehrdâd Momeni), March 4. Tehrân University: School of Performing Arts and Music.
2010: Workshop and Seminar about Persian Music, in Cooperation with Prof. Raimund Vogels and Chârsoo Ensemble, Hanover University of Music, Theater and Media, May 28-29, Hanover, Germany.
2008: “System of Consonance of Safi-al-din al-Urmawi: Inattention to Cultural Diversity.” International Congress of Shirâz Philosophy School, Tehrân: Iran Art Academy.
2005: “A Look to Setâr-playing Style of Abolhassan Sabâ.” September 16, Tehrân: Rudaki Hall.
2003: “Abdolqâder Marâghi: Biography and Works.” (Head Secretary and Lecturer) Seminar in Memorial of Abdolqâder Marâghi, Niâvarân Artistic Creations Foundation (NACF), January 15-16, Tehrân, Iran.
1996: “Rhythm and Meter in Songs of Dastgâh Music.” Âgâh Artistic Creations Center, Semnân, Iran.

Fellowships, Awards

2017: “New Approaches to the Research of Folk Music Fellowship.” Iran Music Association in Cooperation with Leuphana University.
2014: Fourth Music Websites and Writings on the Internet Award.
2000-04: “Research on Old Styles of Setâr-playing Fellowship.” Center of Research and Preservation of Persian Music (depended to IRIB),
1999: (First Prize of Research Article) the Second Music Festival of Universities Students of Iran Award.
1998: (First Prize of Performance and Radif) the First Music Festival of Universities Students of Iran Award.

Published CDs

2013: Cooperation with Ârash Mohâfez as Player, Ajamlar (CD). Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2012: Cooperation with Jean During as Player, Darâmad-e Dovvom (CD). Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2012: Cooperation with Mohammadreza Fayyâz as Narrator and Player, Introduction to the Dastgâhs of Iranian Music (Book and CDs). Tehrân: Mâhoor.
2005: Cooperation with Majid Kiâni as Player, Âftâb-e Hosn (CD). Tehrân: Iran Art Academy.

Published Interviews

2016: “National Youth Music Festival Is Looking for Radifs of the Qajar Era.” Fârs News Agency, September 3.
2014: “Night of Persian Musical Instrument: A Free Tribune for Solo.” Etemâd Newspaper, 30 Jul, 9.
2013: “About Popular Music and Iranian Music.” Tehrân Press News Agency.
2010: “The Return of the Traditionalists: Periods of Development and Decline of Iranian Music.” Sooreh Monthly, No. 48&49, 206-209. Tehrân: Sooreh.
2007: “Jorjâni’s Musical Study Is about Absolut Music.” Âyeneh-ye Khiâl Monthly, No. 3, 20-21. Tehrân: Iran Art Academy.
2006: “Grief and Laugh.” Hamshahri Newspaper, January 3, 22. Tehrân: Hamshahri.

Fieldwork Experience

2017: Tehrân, Iran. Ethnographic Fieldwork with Persian Classical Musicians for Dissertation of MA.
2016: Tafresh, Iran. Ethnographic Fieldwork with Traditional Ta’zieh Singers, and Recording Their Vocals.

Professional Experience as Consultant, Referee or Organizer

2022: (Consultant and Referee) Attracting Orchestra Musicians, Tehrân: Kherad Art House.
2007-08: (Consultant) International Congress of Shirâz Philosophy School, Music Department, Tehrân: Iran Art Academy.
2007-present: (Consultant) Encyclopedia of Music of Iran, by Jahângir Nasri Ashrafi.
2004: (Referee) the First Music Festival of Iran Medical Universities Students.
2003: (Scientific Consultant and Director) International Santour Festival, September, Niâvarân Cultural Foundation, Tehrân, Iran.
2003: (Head Secretary and Lecturer) Seminar in Memorial of Abdolqâder Marâghi, Niâvarân Artistic Creations Foundation, January 15-16, Tehrân, Iran.
2002: (Scientific Consultant) the Fourth Music Festival of Universities Students of Iran Award, Research Council.
2000: (Referee) the Third Music Festival of Universities Students of Iran Award, Articles Department.
2000: (Chief Editors Council) the Third Music Festival of Universities Students of Iran Award.

Performance Experience and Concerts

2014: Solo Setâr Improvisation, Night of Persian Musical Instrument 2, September 11-12, Niâvarân Cultural Foundation Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2014: Solo Setâr Improvisation, Night of Persian Musical Instrument 1, May 10, Niâvarân Cultural Foundation Hall, Tehrân, Iran.
2012: With Gardoon Ensemble, Silk Road music Festival, July, Sheki, Azerbaijan.
2011: Solo Setâr Improvisation, Rainbow of Garmsâr Festival, Garmsâr, Iran.
2010: With Chârsoo Ensemble, May-June, Germany (Hanover), France (Toulouse, Montpelier), Switzerland (Zofingen).
2009: With Chârsoo Ensemble, October-November, Germany (Bonn, Marburg, Munich), France (Paris), Switzerland (Geneva).
2008: Solo Setâr Improvisation, December 19, Âsemân Hall, Art Academy of Iran, Tehrân, Iran.
2007: With Chârsoo Ensemble, October-November, Bonn, Koln, Munich (Germany), Lyon (France).
2007: Solo Setâr Improvisation, Honâr Culture House Hall, August 30-31, Tehrân, Iran.
2007: Solo Setâr Improvisation, Âgâh Artistic Creations Center, August 3, Semnân, Iran.
2007: Solo Setâr Improvisation, Honâr Culture House Hall, May 11, Tehrân, Iran.
2007: Solo Setâr Improvisation, Organization of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, January 13, Tehrân, Iran.
2005: With Sorush Ensemble, International Congress of Nature in Oriental Arts, Iran Art Academy, December 3, Tehrân, Iran.
2002: With Sorush Ensemble, Rudaki Hall, January 16, Tehrân, Iran.
1999: With Farid Kheradmand (Setâr and Tombak Improvisation), Shafaq Culture House Hall, January 23-24, Tehrân, Iran.
1998: With Farid Kheradmand (Setâr and Tombak Improvisation), December 17-19, Semnân and Garmsâr, Iran.
1998: Solo and Ensemble performance, First Music Festival of Iran Students, April 18-22, Tehrân University, Art University, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehrân, Iran.

Students Advising For BA Final Research

Sooreh University: SâLumeh Jokâr, Mârâl Jamshidiân, Hojjatollâh Qarib, Emâd Hanifeh, Navid Tavassoli, Nina Akbari Tirâbâdi, Ârash Mohâfez, Hamidrezâ Khalatbari
Islamic Azad University: Elhâm Ertejâi Bâlâ

Service to Discipline and the Guild

2003-11: Board Directors of Researchers Department of Iran Music House.
2008-11: Board Directors of Iran Music House.
2002-present: Researchers Department of Iran Music House.

Service to Community

2019-present: Founder and Artistic Manager: Bardâsht, a Project for Introducing the Young Improvisors.
2013-present: Founder and Board of Directors Member: Night of Persian Musical Instrument.
2003-05: Chief Editor: Gâhân, Interior Newspaper of the Center of Research and Preservation of Persian Music (depended to IRIB).

Edited: 2024 August