Performance is a central part of my academic identity. I have performed as an oudist (and self-effacing vocalist) with Nedjma in eastern France, Awtar Amman in Jordan, Disoriental at UC Berkeley, and the St. Olaf Somali Music Ensemble in Northfield, MN. I have also performed on many other varieties of instruments, including Javanese gamelan, koto, carillon, flute and other woodwinds, and various European medieval instruments. I can also play a touch of jazz piano.

I previously directed Disoriental, a Southwest Asian and North African music ensemble at UC Berkeley. Leading weekly rehearsals, I transcribed and arranged musical repertoire that is not commonly performed in the United States, such as popular songs from the Arab Gulf. More recently in Minnesota, I’ve enjoyed learning and performing Somali songs on the oud through a collaborative public engagement project at St. Olaf College.

Warming up for a sound check at a film festival at St. Olaf College (2024)