Afarin Nazarijou’s musical journey began at the age of five in her hometown of Tehran, Iran. Introduced to the world of music through the piano, she quickly displayed a natural talent and passion for the art form. However, it was when she discovered the Qanun, a traditional Persian string instrument, that her true calling emerged.

Under the guidance of esteemed instructors, Afarin honed her skills on the Qanun, immersing herself in the rich tapestry of Persian music. At the Tehran Music School, she further expanded her musical horizons by playing the Tombak, a Persian percussion instrument. Graduating with a high school diploma, Afarin was already recognized for her talent and dedication to her craft.

Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of Iranian music and explore new musical territories, Afarin pursued higher education at the University of Tehran. There, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Performing Iranian music, distinguishing herself as a versatile musician and a meticulous scholar.

Seeking to broaden her musical horizons even further, Afarin set her sights on international studies. In 2019, she was accepted into the master’s program of Contemporary Improvisation at the renowned New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Throughout her studies, Afarin delved into the intricacies of contemporary improvisation under the guidance of acclaimed musicians such as Anthony Coleman, Hankus Netsky, Ran Blake, Lautaro Mantilla, Mike Block, and Nima Janmohammadi. Also,
she took part in a master class by Tyshawn Sorey at New England Conservatory. Her time at the New England Conservatory of Music honed her skills in spontaneous musical expression, enriching her repertoire with innovative techniques and approaches. Graduating with honors and winning the Peter Row’s award, Afarin emerged as a versatile musician capable of seamlessly blending traditional Persian music with contemporary elements.

Eager to continue her musical journey and enrich her multicultural perspective, Afarin pursued another master’s degree, this time at the University of Alberta under the mentorship of Maryam Moshaver. During her time in Alberta, she explored new avenues of musical expression, further refining her craft and deepening her understanding of global musical traditions. Graduating in 2023, she emerged as a seasoned musician with a diverse range of influences and experiences.

With her captivating performances, Afarin enthralls audiences worldwide, blending traditional Persian melodies with modern improvisation. From Europe to Africa, Asia to North America, and
participating in performances alongside musicians and organizations such as Ahmad Pejman, Siamak Jahangiri, Dariush Talai, Aga KhanI organization, Christophe Rezai, Silk Road Project, Mahsa Vahdat, Nagme Yarkin, Mohammadreza Fayaz, Tzadeka, Soheil Peyghambari, Isabel Crespo, and Lucy Little. She has shared her passion for music and her unique blend of Iranian Classical music, free improvisation, and composition with audiences of all backgrounds.

Passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians, Afarin now serves as a teacher assistant at the University of Alberta, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians.