TEHRAN Music is a means for becoming free from tension and stress. By playing and listening, one's spirit becomes free and peace of mind is attained. A large number of musicians have brought honor to the country via performance of their art, among whom are several renowned Iranian female musicians.
Golriz Hashemi, the well-known pianist, is an outstanding artist, both from a moral and artistic point of view.
Her dexterous hands striking the black and white ivories of the piano create a pleasant sound.
She received the TEHRAN TIMES warmly in her home, which is artistically decorated. She has delicately drawn designs on the frame of the entrance door to her home. Her house is decorated with antiques and traditional photos.
Hashemi, who began studying music at the age of 9 at the Tehran Conservatory of Music, received a bachelor's degree in piano under the training of Ophelia Kombajian.
After graduation, she began teaching in school and at a television music workshop.
She passed a course in children's music training in Sweden, where she spent several years teaching piano privately. A member of the jury at the Youth Music Festival, she will help select the best performance groups at the Fajr Music Festival to be held next February.
Hashemi used to teach at a university, but due to her dissatisfaction she now prefers to teach music in private classes.
Speaking on her interest in this art, Hashemi said, "Before entering the conservatory I started ballet at the age of 7. There were signs of interest in art within me.
My father discovered that and encouraged me study art. His friends also had an important role; they encouraged me to enter the conservatory where I became fond of music and piano." On the effect of art in her life, Hashemi said, "I thank God for having a parent who made me study music. Music is always a part of my life. I enjoy it both spiritually and emotionally." Hashemi referred to her husband as a good patron in her professional life. An architect, my husband helps me a lot in choosing musical pieces for my concerts, and the most important thing for me is that my performance be heard by him.
In general, I believe that my interest, perseverance and encouragement from my husband are the three important factors in my success." Mostly performing recitals or accompanying other musical instruments with her piano, Hashemi is more interested in classical rather than traditional music. She criticized the Music Association for supporting traditional music.
"Classical and traditional music each have their own place and their special fans. Both should be supported. It is not right to support traditional music and musicians at the expense of classical music and musicians.
" On teaching methods, she remarked, "A large number of music classes are offered while only a handful of them are useful.
Unfortunately, those who know nothing about music are engaged in training the youth. This is a disaster that misleads the youth and damages their talent. Attention should be paid to quality.
The best way to optimize the situation is to bring all art classes under the umbrella of direct supervision by relevant experts." Commenting on the future status of music in Iran, she said, "Everything depends on how music is treated in the country and how music officials deal with this issue.
The important thing is that everything should be rectified at a fundamental level. Conservatories should be improved; the symphonic orchestra needs young performers as well as polished professionals.
We lack competent music teachers. Music should be taught very early in life. Children should learn music more seriously." Touching on various styles of music including pop and jazz, Hashemi said, "All over the world there are various styles of music.
Unfortunately, we go to extremes. The fact that both real artists and incompetent ones come to the scene and perform reduces the standard in our country.
There are a handful of artists who are really competent and can perform pop and jazz music in Iran." On vulgarity in music, Hashemi said, "The kind of music that is not composed well, or has not been performed well, or in whose lyrics vulgar words are used can be termed vulgar music." On her plans for the future, Hashemi said, "I hope I will have sufficient energy and health to perform music every day and in every country. I am fond of performing on the stage. Since childhood I have been fond of being heard by neighbors, by the nation, and by the whole world.
I love the excitement and anxiety of being on stage. It is a kind of sweet fear and anxiety." "When I play the piano, I am mingled with the music; I see colors, I see scenes; I hear voices. I establish a deep connection with the music. I can be happy with the piece I am playing; I can be sad. One must be able to talk with the music and establish a relation with it."