Salman Usmani – Founder

Doctorate in Music Composition, GHI University

Training & Lineage

Salman began his musical journey at the age of 7 under the traditional guidance of the Senia Gharana. He later received extensive training that enriched his artistry with the traditions of the Patiala and Kirana Gharanas. Rooted in the Guru–Shishya Parampara, his training gave him technical mastery and a versatile style marked by discipline, creativity, and emotional depth.

Performances & Collaborations

  • Performed extensively across India and abroad, with thousands of concerts to his credit.
  • Represented Indian music at the IPL Opening Ceremony (Hyderabad, 2016).
  • Lead singer in A.R. Rahman’s band; performed globally with celebrated artists including Javed Ali, Siva Mani, Sanaa Moussa, Raja Hasan, Prithvi Gandharv, and playback singer Karthik.
  • Specialized in Hindustani Classical, Ghazal, Sufi Qawwali, and Semi-Classical forms.
  • Playback singer for the movie 376D, showcasing versatility in film music.

Awards & Recognition

  • Honored as a Young Artist (Hindustani Classical Vocal, 2017 – Chennai).
  • Featured in The Hindu and multiple Indian magazines.
  • Recognized at various prestigious film festivals for outstanding musical work.
  • Covered by international newspapers and magazines; students’ achievements widely appreciated.

Radio, Television & Media Work

  • Regular performer on Akashvani (All India Radio) and other radio channels.
  • Appearances on Doordarshan, ETV, and other television networks.
  • Worked as a Music Composer for channels, blending tradition with innovation.

Teaching & Mentorship

As Founder of Surraag Music Academy, Salman has trained thousands of students in India and abroad. Many of his disciples are now established professional singers, stage performers, and music directors (including Tamil music directors).

With 18 years of teaching experience, he focuses on voice production, voice culture, and raag-based training in Hindustani Classical, Sufi, and Ghazal music. Following the Guru–Shishya Parampara, his approach imparts musical skill along with cultural and spiritual depth. Students often experience remarkable improvement within one month.

Specializations

  • Hindustani Classical Vocal (Khyal, Raag-based training)
  • In-depth training in Senia, Patiala & Kirana Gharanas
  • Ghazal & Semi-Classical forms
  • Sufi Qawwali and devotional music
  • Playback singing for films
  • Music composition for stage & television
  • Voice production & voice culture
  • Stage performance training
  • Mentorship for singers & music directors

Highlights

  • Learn directly from a maestro with 18+ years of teaching experience.
  • Master Hindustani Classical, Ghazal, Sufi, and Semi-Classical music.
  • Rapidly improve singing skills with personalized guidance.
  • Gain performance opportunities on stage, media, and playback projects.
  • Develop deep cultural and spiritual understanding of music.

Real people,
real results

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