Niloofar is a Santoor performer, educator, composer, and researcher based in Vancouver whose work is rooted in Persian classical music while also exploring cross-cultural collaboration, improvisation, and contemporary creative practices.
She began her musical journey through Orff-based music education before starting Santoor studies at the age of 8 under Maestro Dorrani Nezhad. She later continued her training with Roham Shenasa before entering the Bachelor of Music program at Tehran University, where she studied with distinguished musicians including Majid Kiani, Siamak Aghaei, Kourosh Matin, and Mina Oftadeh. Through these studies, she developed a strong foundation in Persian classical music, including the Dastgah system and the Radifs of Abolhassan Saba, Mirza Abdollah, and Faramarz Payvar.
Niloofar has performed both as a soloist and ensemble musician in Iran and Canada, including appearances at Tehran University, Avini Hall, and Western University’s Von Kuster Hall. Alongside her performance career, she is also active as a composer and arranger, creating works for Persian and mixed ensembles while exploring the artistic dialogue between Persian and Western musical traditions. Her emerging work in film composition and music for visuals reflects her interest in storytelling, atmosphere, and intercultural sound.
As an educator, Niloofar brings more than eight years of teaching experience across several music academies in Iran, teaching Santoor, ensemble performance, music theory, ear training, and Orff-based music education for children of all ages. She has extensive experience working with diverse learners, including students with special needs, and is passionate about building supportive, engaging, and creativity-focused learning environments where students can develop both technical skills and artistic confidence.
Niloofar is currently completing her Master of Music Education at Western University, where her research focuses on improvisation pedagogy in Persian classical music. Her teaching combines structure, musical sensitivity, and cultural depth, helping students connect with both the technical and expressive dimensions of music.
Niloofar Ejraei is a Vancouver-based Santoor performer, educator, composer, and researcher specializing in Persian classical music and creative music education. With over eight years of teaching experience, she has worked with children, youth, and adults across music academies in Iran, teaching Santoor, ensemble performance, music theory, ear training, and Orff-based music education. Niloofar combines deep knowledge of Persian musical traditions with a warm, creative, and student-centered teaching approach that encourages musical expression, confidence, and cultural connection.
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