As a guitarist, composer and writer I have performed in the US, Australia and Singapore with various projects exploring jazz improvisation and poetry.  My ensemble Kafka Pony explores improvisation on compositions expanding stylistic boundaries which often feature words/poetry.  As a composer my works utilise traditional and electro-acoustic components bridging the divide between predetermined and chance processes.

I work in collaboration in theatre and film projects and have been involved with groups performing Jazz/Indian fusion, Azarbaijani and Armenian repertoire. In 2003 my composition for small big band was a finalist in the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Competition.  In 2006 I recorded a selection of original compositions for my guitar trio.

In 2020 I was a recipient of a Music Victoria grant to compose "Distance Travelled", a song cycle on the theme of displacement and belonging.  A new recording of 5 original songs 'love speak' was recorded and produced in 2020 with Kafka Pony and Robin Waters, featuring Rosy Luby in vocals.

In 2024 I performed as part of  Portfolio Project with Zemzemeh duo at the Leaps and Bounds Festival. As a solo guitarist, (Mastaneh guitarsong) I create cross stylistic compositions exploring poetry, voice and looping guitar.

I perform Iranian music on oud and work in collaboration with other improvisors.

In September 2023 I exhibited Journey of Violets; an interactive meditation on a poem by Shafiei Kadkani at  Smith and Gertrude Gallery collaborating with artist Pouya Bagheri and movement artist Jonathan Sinatra.  This work was supported by a small project grand from Yarra City Arts.

I graduated from Berklee in 1995 and studied composition at Queensland Conservatorium. I have composed music for film, theatre and ensembles from solo bass recorder to large jazz settings. As part of my continuing practice I have delved extensively into embodied movement practices such as Aikido, dance and performance art since 1998.  I teach guitar, Alexander Technique.

To learn about how my interests converge to visually capture improvised creativity, visit my photography page.

Education  

Bachelor of Arts: Berklee College of music 
Master of teaching: Melbourne University (VIT registered teacher) 
Diploma Alexander Technique: School for FM Alexander Studies