Naseer Ashraf

B.M., University of Rhode Island; M.M., SUNY at Purchase College; Artist Diploma in Piano Performance, SUNY at Purchase College.

Piano

Faculty since 2022

Wakefield, Rhode Island

Solo and recital appearances in Providence (RI), New York (NY), Portland & Ashland (OR), and Atlanta & Savannah (GA). Composition student of Du Yun, Laura Kaminsky, and Eliane Aberdam; piano student of Sławomir Dobrzański, Stephanie Brown, and Miyoko Lotto; viola student of Joseph Ceo and Ann Danis. Naseer is a staff pianist at SUNY at Purchase College, and music director of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Pearl River, NY. He has been a guest artist at the University of Rhode Island Summer Music Academy. He has had the privilege of performing with Bradley Brookshire (Harpsichordist and Assistant Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera), the late Susan Thomas (principal flute, Rhode Island Philharmonic), and collaborating with the students in the studios of several renowned musicians, such as Dr. Tara Helen O’Connor, James Austin Smith, Timothy Cobb (Principal Bass, New York Philharmonic), Demian Austin (Principal Trombone, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), among several others. Naseer was a concerto soloist with the South County Chamber Orchestra (RI), and has had his compositions performed by chamber ensembles associated with the Rhode Island Philharmonic.

“Every person is unique in mind and body, and no method or approach will be exactly the same from one student to another. When first I meet a new student, I feel as though I am learning to teach all over again. I believe it is a teacher’s duty to discover how each student learns, then guide them along their unique musical journey. Fostering an environment of trust is necessary in order for a student to feel open and safe to try, fail, and have the courage to try again. Developing musicality comes from frequent exposure to all kinds of music. Strong technique starts in the mind, and is all about producing the best tone in the easiest and most comfortable way. Musical literacy is at the forefront of my teaching, as I believe it is the key to boundless musical exploration. Above all—particularly for young beginners—parental involvement and support are crucial to a student’s success.”