The Board of Directors

Ashkan Ghafouri, Director

Ashkan studied past and contemporary Tar technique & styles and Persian Radif from Hooshang Zarif. Ashkan studied theory of music, harmony, and composition under direction of Farhad Fakhreddini. He has been an active member of Hossein Dehlavi Plucked Instrument Orchestra as well as other ensembles including Molana directed by Jalil Andalibi. After migrating to the United States of America, Ashkan refined his technique on Tar with help of Mohammad Reza Lotfi.

In January 2001, He founded the Tarschool as a school for Tar & Setar instruction in Northern California. Other musicians joined the school soon after its establishment, at which point it evolved into a cultural center for studying, performing and appreciating Persian classical and folk music.

In 2002, to live up the name of this great master, He established a Persian music ensemble named after master Neydavood which has performed throughout the U.S. Ashkan has written the notation of the entire works of Persian classical repertory known as Radif as narrated by Master Neydavood.

Hooshang Zarif and Ashkan are co-authoring a textbook on teaching the Persian Radif. In recent years, Ashkan has started an intensive research on the life and works of one of the greatest Jewish Persian musician, master of Persian classical music, Morteza Neydavood.

Ashkan has performed all over the U.S. in many festivals and has performed with many well known artists. He has recorded two CDs based on Persian classical music improvisation.

Afshin Toloee, Treasurer

Afshin migrated to the United States in 1983 to continue his education. He has earned a Masters degree in engineering from University of San Francisco.

He was introduced to Persian classical music by attending a concert by masters Lotfi and Alizadeh in early 80s. Since then he has been very active in learning and playing persian musical instruments. He has been fortunate enough to attend workshops and classes by master Lotfi.

In 2002, Afshin founded RadioDarvish.com, a free 24-hour radio station on the Internet. It has become a very popular station with both Persian and non-Persian listeners in many countries in a few short years. His goal is to promote and cultivate the Persian traditional music via the Internet.

Afshin is also serving his second term on the board of the Francesca, a non-profit organization, as an Officer at Large.

Azita Asefi, Secretary

Growing up around her grandfather playing the violin and her father playing the accordion, Azita has developed a deep appreciation for classical Iranian music. She is determined to turn her appreciation into a passion for promoting Iranian Music, Art and Culture and extending that to the global scene.

Since August of 2008, Azita has taken up Tar Lessons from Ashkan Ghafouri.

Azita has over 19 years of experience in Information Technology as a Systems Architect and Senior Software Developer. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from UC Davis.

Azita has held the position of president of PTA for her daughter's elementary school during 2000-2002.

Azita is a philanthropist and actively contributes to various charities and organizations.