Percussion Tutor
Esmail Fathi is a multi-instrumentalist from Iran who is an expert in traditional Persian instruments, including the tonbak, daf, setar and santur, as well as traditional Persian vocals. Esmail leads the school's Persian percussion group of daf & tonbak students.
String Tutor
Liam Oliver is a multi-instrumentalist from Christchurch, New Zealand, who specializes in traditional stringed instruments from around the world. A guitarist for most of his life, in recent years he has ventured into a wide range or traditional stringed instruments, such as the Persian setar, tar & tanbur, Indian sitar, Afghan rabab, Turkish saz, oud, Greek bouzouki, Kazakh dombra, and more.
Co-Director
An archeologist and architect by trade, Michael is a strong advocate of Persian culture in Christchurch. Alongside Esmail Fathi, Michael founded the country's first Zurkhaneh club, a traditional Persian form of exersize, athletics and martial arts. Michael has since extended his passion for Persian music, poetry and culture with the co-founding of Simurgh Music School, and plays an important role in the school's Samaa (Sufi music & dance) sessions.
