Nabaz Hama Rasheed Abubakir
Conductor and Violinist
Nabaz Hama Rasheed Abubakir
Dr. Nabaz Abubakir was born from a proud Kurdish family from Sulaymaniyah city in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, also known as the biggest nation in the world without an independent state. Kurdish people are approximately between 40 to 50 million people without a country in the Middle East; this country known since the 12th century “Kurdistan” found itself divided between four countries: Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria.
Dr. Nabaz began studying Violin at the age of 14. He was a very hard-working and diligent student in school with very high grades. Despite promising his father that he will go to medical school, he ultimately pursued a music career due to his passion for music. During this time, he went to the Sulaymaniyah Fine Arts Institute as a very active violin student, and for the next five years played several solo pieces in recitals and festivals such as Mozart Violinist concerto in D Major and Mendelssohn Violin concerto. After graduation, he became a Violin instructor at the same Institute.
He appeared in the first violin section with several orchestras: Northern Illinois University philharmonic, The University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra, and Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with National Symphony Orchestra in Kennedy Center with YO-YO MA in Washington D.C.
He established Kurdish String Orchestra in 2007 and participated in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival and Competition in Vienna. The Kurdish String Orchestra, under his leadership, received 2nd Prize with excellent success along with an opportunity to perform at the world known Golden Hall of Musikverein.
He received a scholarship in 2007 to study his Master’s degree in the U.S.A. In addition, he received another scholarship to study his Doctorate in Violin performance and Orchestral conducting in 2011. Dr. Nabaz Abubakir is an exceptional Violinist, and Conductor; he holds his Doctorate in Violin performance (D.M.A.) from the University of Kansas, a Master’s Degree of Violini Performance from Northern Illinois University, and also holds a second Master’s Degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Kansas. Dr. Abubakir has a wide range of performing and teaching experience in Violin, and has taught at the collegiate level for several years.
As a Soloist he appeared with several orchestras, and gave several chamber music recitals in Europe, The United States of America, and The Middle East.
Dr. Abubakir uses multiple approaches and teaching methods when teaching his students, but personally finds the right approach for each student that helps them succeed. Among other methods, Dr. Abubakir is also familiar with and can utilize the Suzuki method if the student or parent desires.
Dr. Abubakir teaches Violin and Viola at Jerry Evans School of Music, and also has his own studio teaching Violin and Viola to all ages. His students have been accepted to play in the state of Illinois orchestra, and he has a student who was able to receive a scholarship and play for University Orchestra as a principal performer. Dr. Abubakir’s wide range of experience, dynamic approaches, and love for sharing his passion through incorporating different aspects of his expertise ensures that students will receive high quality mentorship unique to their needs.