Bagher Moazen

Bagher Moazen (born 2 September 1948) is a well known Iranian-Canadian classical guitarist and composer. He is also a Tango dancer and instructor.

Bagher first started guitar under Abdullah Mafakher who introduced him to the delights of Spanish music. His next inspiration and teacher was the well-known French musician, Dr. Jean During, who had come to Iran to study Persian music. Later, in 1973, Bagher continued his studies in London. He met Joseph Urshalmi, and studied with him to improve his right-hand technique. Upon the recommendation of Julian Bream, this was followed by three years of intensive study with Timothy Walker. Walker opened Bagher's mind to revolutionary methods of fingering, articulation and interpretation.

In 1979, Bagher returned to Iran to become the first teacher of the classical guitar for full-time students at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Later he opened his own school of music. However, by 1985, the political situation became impossible, as music was banned. He left once more to go to Germany and subsequently to Canada. In 1987, Bagher arrived to Canada. After residing in Montreal for 8 months, he moved to and continues to live in Toronto.

Bagher has been teaching music and giving concerts regularly since his arrival in Canada in 1987.

In 2003, Bagher released his CD, Nomad, featuring an international repertoire of music rich in melody and rhythm from composers such as Carlo Domeniconi, Lorca, Paco De Lucia, Roland Dyens, Rak plus his own compositions. This CD was highlighted on CBC's Music and Company, March 19, 2004. Tracks were also broadcast out of London, England at the beginning of June 2005 on the BBC. The CD has become quite popular among classical guitar fans.

As well as performing, Bagher continues to nurture a new generation of classical musicians. He has been teaching for over 35 years, using special methods that accelerate learning and provide maximum enjoyment of the learning process. He also specializes in the Shinichi Suzuki (violinist) method of teaching. Also Bagher was the first instructor to teach guitar in the International Academy of Music in Iran. Moreover, Bagher teaches Tango dance by applying unique teaching methods since 2005.