Meet Deren Barati Masihi

We recently connected with Deren Barati Masihi and have shared our conversation below.

Deren, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

1. Improvise for 5 minutes

Free, no rules. Just sound and emotion.

2. Change one element

Play a familiar piece slower, faster, darker, lighter, or in a new character.

3. Write tiny ideas

Create 4–8 measure mini pieces — no pressure, just sketches.

4. Limit yourself

Use only 3 notes, or only black keys, or only staccato.
Limits spark new ideas.

5. Listen outside classical

Folk, film music, jazz — new sounds feed creativity

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a classical pianist who creates music rooted in emotion and storytelling. For me, the piano is a way to communicate what words can’t — moments of peace, honesty, and connection. What I love most about my work is seeing how a melody can touch someone’s heart or bring them back to a memory.

Right now, I’m focused on sharing new compositions, growing my performance work, and exploring collaborations that blend music with visual art. My goal is simple: to create music that feels genuine and gives listeners a moment of beauty or reflection.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that shaped my journey most were curiosity, discipline, and the ability to adapt.

Curiosity kept me exploring new ideas and pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone.

Discipline helped me turn inspiration into consistent progress, even on days when motivation was low.

Adaptability allowed me to navigate challenges, learn from setbacks, and evolve with new opportunities.

My advice for those just starting out: stay curious by constantly learning, build discipline through small daily habits, and embrace change instead of fearing it. These foundations will keep you moving forward no matter where your path leads

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My biggest support has come from three sources: a mentor who guided my early growth, peers who constantly challenged and inspired me, and my family, whose encouragement kept me grounded and motivated.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @deren1383
• Facebook: Deren Bratian
• Linkedin: Deren Barati
• Twitter: @DerenBarati
• Youtube: @DerenBratian
• Soundcloud: Deren

Image Credits

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