Asif Sinan

Asif Sinan
Asif Sinan
Born	Karachi, Pakistan
Genres	Indian classical music, jazz
Occupation(s)	Musician, composer, singer
Instrument(s)	Guitar, bass guitar, folk instruments
Years active	2012–present

Asif Sinan (Urdu: محمد آصف سنان سمد‎) (born 14 December 1979) is a distinguished Pakistani Indian Classical & Jazz guitarist and songwriter. Renowned for his unique musicianship, Sinan has earned appreciation for his mastery as an accomplished guitar player and his successful contributions as a music educationist and music therapist.

Musical Style

Asif Sinan's musical prowess is characterized by a unique fusion of Indian Classical and Jazz influences, a style he aptly refers to as 'Jazzical.' Through his innovative approach to guitar playing, Sinan's instrument emits tonalities reminiscent of the sitar, adding a distinctive touch to his performances.

Early Life and Fellowships

Asif Sinan's journey in the world of music commenced at a tender age, as he found himself drawn to the vibrant music scene of Karachi, Pakistan. At the young age of 13, he embarked on his musical exploration by joining several local bands, where he honed his skills.

Recognizing his prodigious talent, Pakistan's esteemed Rock and Blues guitarist, Amir Zaki took him under his tutelage. Under Zaki's expert guidance, Sinan's abilities flourished, and he spent five transformative years under his mentor's wing, developing a deep understanding of Jazz and Blues.

Asif Sinan's passion for musical learning led him to pursue formal education at the prestigious National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in 2004. There, he enrolled in a comprehensive four-year program in Music, with a major focus on Indian Classical Music. Sinan's dedication and commitment to his studies earned him well-deserved recognition, and he graduated with honors in 2008.

Armed with a solid foundation in music and an impressive array of skills acquired through mentorship and formal education, Asif Sinan embraced his solo career in the wake of his graduation. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary musical journey that would see him evolve into a distinguished Jazz and Indian Classical guitarist.

In 2012, Sinan gained immense media attention for his Eastern Classical rendition of Pakistan's National Anthem, captivating audiences with his mastery in infusing the guitar with the evocative tonality of the sitar.

In 2013, Asif Sinan was selected to participate in the prestigious International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), organized by the US State Department. This exclusive 6-week Music Fellowship provided Sinan with a unique opportunity to engage in workshops, showcase his talent through performances, and foster collaborative exchanges at art centers and universities across prominent cities in the United States. During his enriching journey, Sinan left his musical mark in Washington DC, New York, San Diego, Milwaukee, Omaha, Memphis and Chicago, establishing connections and cultural ties that transcended borders.

Asif Sinan's exceptional musicianship was further acknowledged in 2013 when he was awarded the coveted MOCAfestFellowship at the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Conference. This prestigious fellowship extended an invitation to Sinan as a representative musician and artist from Pakistan to showcase his talents through multiple performances and workshops held at ExCeL London and was attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and 16 heads of states. Sinan's captivating presentations resonated deeply with audiences, fostering appreciation for the richness of Pakistani music on an international platform.

In 2014, Asif Sinan once again, received the MOCAfest Fellowship at the 10th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Conference, showcasing his musical talent in Dubai, UAE, and earning acclaim for transcending cultural boundaries.

In 2015, Sinan was invited to TEDx India, Secunderabad, centered around the theme 'Unlocking South Asian Potential.' His talk and captivating performance showcased his innovative 'Jazzical' style, merging Indian Classical music with Jazz improvisation. The event fostered collaboration among regional artists and left a lasting impact on South Asia's creative landscape.

Innovations

Sinan played a pivotal role in developing a groundbreaking international-level guitar tutorial program on www.GuitarUstaad.com. This innovative platform aimed to cater specifically to South Asians, offering music enthusiasts the opportunity to learn guitar online in their native languages, Hindi and Urdu. Through this pioneering initiative, Sinan contributed to enhancing music education accessibility and fostering a vibrant community of aspiring musicians across the region.

Asif Sinan's artistic endeavors extended to www.NowChayn.com, where he served as the lead producer for all audio and music for an international meditation app. The app, available in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, offers users a unique experience in mindfulness and meditation through a diverse array of soothing musical compositions. Sinan's creative contributions to the app's audio content enriched the meditation experience for a global audience, highlighting his commitment to using music as a tool for fostering mental well being.

Collaborations and Notable Performances

Sinan's talent has graced stages worldwide, from Creighton University in USA to the prestigious "Deutsches MusikFest" in Chemnitz, Germany drawing an audience of 150,000; the MOCA Festival in London and UAE; the TEDx event in India and at the Metropolitan Community College and the Milwaukee Jazz Conservatory in the USA. Sinan also enthralled audiences at the "Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival" in Mexico.

Additionally, Sinan's musical contributions at various events, including those hosted by the Oxford University Press (OUP), Karachi Literature Festival, the US Consulate, the Indonesian Consulate, All Pakistan Music Conference, Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), Children’s Literature Festival, Pakistan Arts Council, Alliance Francaise, Radio Pakistan, Tehzeeb Foundation, Goethe Institut and the Pak-American Cultural Center, have been well-received.

Sinan has also led online workshops and performances for WIEF Young Leaders Network (WYN), Malaysia and Metropolitan Community College, USA.

Notably, Sinan has continued to promote cultural exchange through numerous live performances and studio recordingswith international artists like Melisa Le Rue, Kilema Clements, Axemunkee & Mary Zoo, Duo Agogo, Youssra Al Hawary, Hogan & Moss, Tres Hombres and Diego Garcia.

Music Therapy

Asif Sinan always believed in the efficacy of music as a transformative tool for enhancing well-being. Sinan pursued an immersive certification in Music Therapy from the prestigious Chennai School of Music Therapy in India. Equipped with specialized knowledge and training, since 2022, Sinan has embarked on a journey to serve as a Music Therapist at the Synapse Institute of Neuroscience.

In his role as a Music Therapist, Asif Sinan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, offering both online and in-person therapeutic sessions. His approach is rooted in an evidence-based and clinical framework, focusing on leveraging music to promote neuroplasticity and fostering holistic growth across physical, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of individuals.

Music Education

Since 2015, Asif Sinan has held the position of Visiting Faculty at the Aga Khan University (AKU), where he has been instrumental in designing and conducting an innovative course titled 'Music – The Healer's Art' for MBBS (equivalent of M.D. in the US) students. This pioneering course explores the fundamentals of music with concentration on Indian Classical theory, along with therapeutic aspects of music and its application in healthcare settings, offering valuable insights to medical students.

Since 2017, Asif Sinan has been actively involved in nurturing musical talent at The Citizens Foundation (TCF) College. Serving as a dedicated trainer, he imparts instruction in the 'Fundamentals of Indian Classical Music' as well as performance techniques.

Additionally, Asif Sinan has conducted courses at the Bahria University, Department of Psychology, where he skillfully trained Ph.D students on the subject of 'Using Music for Conflict Resolution.' Demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians, Sinan has conducted numerous impactful music workshops for students across diverse educational institutions, including Dream Foundation Model Street School, various government-run schools, Nixor College, NED University and Infaaq Foundation Korangi Academy, among several others. Through these engagements, Asif Sinan continues to inspire and empower students, fostering a deeper appreciation for music's transformative potential and its role in promoting harmony and understanding.

External links

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