Meet Tara Pirayandeh

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tara Pirayandeh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tara , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply intertwined with my passion for music and my personal growth as an artist. Growing up in a family that valued passion, perseverance, and creativity, I was inspired from a young age to pursue my dreams with dedication and integrity.
Over time, I’ve come to understand that being an artist isn’t just about hard work—it’s about fully immersing yourself in the craft, finding new ways to innovate, and using art as a form of storytelling. For me, music is so much more than sound; it’s an expression of emotion, a connection to others, and a way to leave something meaningful behind.
Every composition, every note I create, is an opportunity to evolve not only as a musician but as a person who is constantly inspired by the transformative power of art.
It’s this understanding that drives me to approach each project with care, intention, and authenticity, knowing that dedication to my work is a reflection of my dedication to myself and my audience.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Tara Pirayandeh and I’m a musician and instrumentalist . I was raised in a family where music and art were woven into daily life. From an early age, sound became my language of expression. I began exploring music intuitively, starting with simple melodies and rhythms, and found joy in performing and connecting with audiences.

My first serious musical connection was with the Tombak, the Iranian percussion, a powerful and nuanced instrument in Persian classical music. I studied under the guidance of Bahman Rajabi, one of the most revered masters of this instrument. His approach helped me develop not just technical skill, but a deep sensitivity to rhythm and tone that still shapes my musical voice today.

Over time, I was drawn to the Tar, a traditional Persian string instrument that spoke to me in a profoundly personal way. Inspired by the expressive playing of great artists like Jalil Shahnaz and Mohammadreza Lotfi, I dedicated myself to mastering its intricate techniques and emotional depth. My formal training continued with leading figures in Iranian music and each of whom helped refine my understanding of Persian classical traditions.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to perform both within Iran and on international stages. Whether playing for intimate gatherings or large festival audiences, I see performance as a way to share not just music, but culture, memory, and emotion.

While music has always been my passion, I’ve also pursued academic interests in parallel. I’m currently studying Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I learned early on that the most powerful art doesn’t come from trying to impress—it comes from telling the truth. My most meaningful growth has happened when I allowed myself to be vulnerable, letting the music reflect exactly what I was feeling, even when those emotions were difficult to face. For those just beginning their creative path, I would say this: don’t be afraid of your emotions. Don’t bury them or reshape them to meet someone else’s expectations. The more truth you allow into your work, the more deeply it will connect with others.
For me, resilience hasn’t been optional—it has been survival. I come from a country where artistic freedom is not always supported, where certain voices, especially those of women, are expected to remain unheard. I’ve faced moments of deep doubt, relentless pressure to conform, and external forces determined to reshape my voice into something safer, more acceptable. Continuing to create in that environment was not just hard—it was an act of defiance.
Holding on to who I am and why I create has been my anchor. To anyone just starting out: protect your authenticity with everything you have. The world may try to mold you, but your unique voice is your greatest strength. Stay close to it, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it feels like the entire system is pushing back against you.
True resilience is quiet but unshakable. It’s not only about surviving challenges; it’s about letting those challenges carve out a deeper, more unshakable version of yourself. And from that place, the art you create won’t just be technically strong—it will be alive. It will carry the truth of who you are, and that’s the kind of art that has the power to change people, no matter where in the world it’s born

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now is finding the balance between honoring my cultural roots and adapting to the broader, often commercial expectations of the global music industry. Coming from a rich musical tradition like Persian classical music, I feel a deep responsibility to preserve its authenticity. But as I study and work internationally—especially in fields like film scoring—I often feel the tension between staying true to that heritage and creating music that fits into Western industry frameworks.
There’s a constant pressure to simplify or alter certain elements so they’re more “marketable” or “digestible” to global audiences. And while I welcome creative evolution and the blending of styles, I never want to dilute the soul of the music I grew up with. The challenge is finding a space where I can innovate without compromising.

For me, that space is about building my own artistic language—one deeply rooted in Persian tradition but expressed through contemporary tools and genres. Recently, I’ve been composing electronic music, producing pieces that weave together its textures with the intricate melodies and rhythms of Iranian classical music. This combination is still rare, but it excites me because it creates something that feels fresh while still carrying the weight of cultural memory.

Also, studying film scoring has given me access to new techniques and technologies, but I see them as tools to serve my voice—not redefine it. I’m also seeking collaborators and mentors who value individuality and cultural depth over conformity, which helps me stay grounded in my vision.

I’m not afraid to experiment with different genres because my passion for music extends far beyond a single tradition. What matters to me is merging all these influences—Persian, electronic, cinematic—into something honest, personal, and alive. I believe the future isn’t about choosing between tradition and innovation, but weaving them together into a sound that is unmistakably my own. That’s the path I’m walking, and it’s the one I’m most passionate about.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Hadi Shakerian
Vafa Khatami

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