Teachers
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Milad Zendehnam
A Berlin-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and sound artist whose work bridges the worlds of Persian tradition and contemporary jazz experimental music.
Rooted in improvisation and driven by curiosity, his sound blends elements of electro, jazz, and blues with the textures of Persian string instruments and modernproduction, focusing on the profound connections between music and our everyday lives, behaviors, and the cultural tapestry that surrounds us.
He studied traditional music and composition at Azad Art University of Tehran before earning a double major in Jazz Performance and Music Production & Engineering from Berklee College of Music, where he graduated magna cum laude.
Over the years, Milad has worked as a performer, educator, and producer. He taught at Azad Art University and Berklee City Music, and also served as Production Manager at Berklee College of Music.
His creative approach is both intuitive and conceptual, exploring how music, culture, and language weaves through everyday life.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Milad’s work is grounded in connection, exploration, and a deep belief in the transformative power of sound.
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Roshanak Rafani
Accomplished Percussionist and Music Teacher
Roshanak is a skilled percussionist and music teacher who began her journey with the Daf at age 8. She later expanded her expertise to include Persian percussion instruments such as the Dayere and Tombak. Alongside private lessons in music theory, Roshanak studied classical percussion in Tehran while pursuing a degree in Social Sciences at the University of Tehran.
Professional Experience
Since 2014, Roshanak has taught Daf and Tombak in Iran and continued her teaching career in Germany. From 2018, she has studied classical percussion with Dominic Oelze at the Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin.
Roshanak’s professional career started with a renowned theater in Tehran, where she performed in the percussion section. She has collaborated with prestigious orchestras including the Austro-Iranian Symphonic Orchestra (AISO), Tehran Cultural Orchestra, Nilper Orchestra, and Junge Philharmonie Berlin. In 2016, she founded the Tehran Percussion Ensemble, participating in music festivals across Iran. Her performances have spanned Iran, Armenia, Germany, and other countries, including Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Spain.
At the Global Music Academy, Roshank offers lessons in Daf and Tombak lessons for students of all ages and music levels.