Mushfiq Hashimi is the principal vocal teacher at the Mushfiq Arts Centre. Mushfiq Hashimi has a Masters degree in music from the Rotterdam Conservatory in Holland. He has trained under maestros such as Prof. Robin Chatterjee, Smt. Krishna Chatterjee, Shri. Buddhadev Dasgupta, Shri. Vidhyadhar Vyas, Shri. Kostav Rai, Connie de Young, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pt. Ajoy Chakraborthy. Mushfiq is the disciple of Pt. Ajoy Chakraborthy – the torchbearer of the Patiala Gharana (school of music).

In addition to North Indian Classical music, Mushfiq has spent many years mastering the techniques of ghazal gayaki (music). Qawwalis, Indian and Afghan folk music, light Classical music and popular Bollywood tunes are some of the other genres of music taught at the school. Each student of vocal music receives a foundation in North Indian Classical music after which an area of speciality can be pursued.

Mushfiq's rich Afghan heritage has given him a deep understanding and appreciation for the poetic works of Sufi poets such as Abdul Hamid Aseer(Qhandi Agha), Maulana Jalaludin Balkhi (Rumi), Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil and Kabir, to mention a few. He also sets to music poetry of Mirza Ghalib, Hafiz, Nasir Khusrao, Ahmad Faraz and several others. Mushfiq shares these literary gifts with his students to enrich their musical experience and expertise.

The Centre offers a holistic approach to the teaching of music with a unique process that includes guidance on public performance; acoustics and sound recording. The Centres' teaching methodologies have two major focal points: vocal technique and the art of raga music. This technique facilitates optimal use of an individuals' voice, while pursuing melodies in the desired structure of a raga.

In keeping with this holistic approach, Mushfiq Arts Centre tries to bring families of students into this artistic learning, so that instead of confining the musical experience to the classroom and practice sessions alone, students get a thriving artistic environment at home. www.mushfiq.ca