The santur is a migrant instrument. Its oldest ancestors appear in the ancient Near East. Over the centuries, it took shape in Iran and travelled further to Kashmir, where it became the santoor. Its relatives, such as the cimbalom and the yangqin, are played today across Europe and Asia. Wherever it settled, it learned the local music without losing its own character. Its basic principle is the same everywhere. Two light mallets strike the strings. Once you master this technique, you can play almost any music on it, from Persian classical and Indian music to jazz and Western classical pieces.
I have played the santur since I was six, for more than thirty-five years, and today it feels as much a part of me as my own hands. I have taught it for more than twenty years, to students of all ages, from young children to older adults. My teaching follows the instrument, not a nationality. You do not need any knowledge of Iranian music or culture to begin. I teach the technique itself and prepare you for whatever music you want to play. Lessons are available in Persian, English, and German, one-to-one or in workshops. You can begin at any level, without hesitation.