Kousha Nakhaei

Kousha Nakhaei (kamanche) is a violinist, kamanche player, and music educator. He studied music at York University where he pursued classical violin with Jaime Weisenblum, improvisation with Casey Sokol, South Indian rhythm with Trichy Sankaran. Kousha continued violin studies with Mark Skazinetsky and Arkady Yanivker and explored the violin in many styles, including Celtic fiddling and open improvisation. In addition, Kousha has been studying, performing, and teaching Persian classical music on the kamanche (spiked fiddle) for several years, and has performed with many artists including Yoyo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble and Loreena McKennitt. He is a founding member of Sarv Ensemble, which has toured across Canada and performed extensively.

In his teaching Kousha uses principles of Suzuki Method, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and many other approaches, and is always interested in discovering new, exciting and approachable ways of teaching music to kids and adults alike. Joy of music making, positive motivation, creativity, well rounded understanding of music, and fluency and ease in instrumental technique are the hallmarks of his teaching.