I am a seasoned Oud performer, composer, conductor, and music educator with over 34 years of experience shaping Arabic musical performance, education, and cultural leadership. My career spans international stages, orchestral productions, and national cultural institutions, including leadership roles at the Damascus Opera House and the Syrian Ministry of Culture. I am passionate about preserving and developing Arabic musical heritage while fostering new talent through teaching and mentorship. Over the years I have collaborated with orchestras and cultural organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and I continue to contribute to music education in the UAE through teaching, ensemble direction, and program development. I hold UAE Golden Visa status and remain dedicated to expanding opportunities for musicians and students in Arabic music traditions.

Jwan Karjouli

I am a seasoned Oud performer, composer, conductor, and music educator with over 34 years of experience shaping Arabic musical performance, education, and cultural leadership. My career spans international stages, orchestral productions, and national cultural institutions, including leadership roles at the Damascus Opera House and the Syrian Ministry of Culture. I am passionate about preserving and developing Arabic musical heritage while fostering new talent through teaching and mentorship. Over the years I have collaborated with orchestras and cultural organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and I continue to contribute to music education in the UAE through teaching, ensemble direction, and program development. I hold UAE Golden Visa status and remain dedicated to expanding opportunities for musicians and students in Arabic music traditions.

Available to hire

I am a seasoned Oud performer, composer, conductor, and music educator with over 34 years of experience shaping Arabic musical performance, education, and cultural leadership. My career spans international stages, orchestral productions, and national cultural institutions, including leadership roles at the Damascus Opera House and the Syrian Ministry of Culture. I am passionate about preserving and developing Arabic musical heritage while fostering new talent through teaching and mentorship.

Over the years I have collaborated with orchestras and cultural organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and I continue to contribute to music education in the UAE through teaching, ensemble direction, and program development. I hold UAE Golden Visa status and remain dedicated to expanding opportunities for musicians and students in Arabic music traditions.

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Language

Arabic
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Co-owner and Music Teacher at Awtar Online
January 1, 2014 - Present
Co-managed the platform while teaching music, focusing on Arabic music, instrumental skills, and music history. Facilitated international collaborations and online music education.
Master of Arabic Music Section at Higher Institute Of Music - Damascus
December 31, 2002 - August 15, 2025
Led the Arabic Music Section, overseeing curriculum and performances, and contributed to the development of Arabic music education and performance standards.
Assistant Manager of Music Festivals of Young Musicians at Ministry of Culture - Damascus
December 31, 2004 - August 15, 2025
Managed and assisted in organizing festivals for young musicians, promoting youth participation in cultural events.
General Director of Music Schools at Ministry of Culture - Damascus
December 31, 2011 - August 15, 2025
Directed music schools under the Ministry of Culture, overseeing educational programs and institutional management.
General Director of Damascus Opera House at Damascus Opera House
April 30, 2019 - August 15, 2025
Managed operations and artistic activities at the Damascus Opera House, elevating the institution's cultural standing and overseeing performances and events.
Music Teacher at Higher Institute of Music - Damascus
January 1, 1997 - Present
Provided instruction in lute, oud, and history of Arabic music, mentoring students and contributing to academic and musical excellence.
Oud Teacher & Conductor at Arabic Music Institute (EMAAR)
September 1, 2023 - Present
Teach Oud performance and Arabic music theory to students of all levels; Conduct the Teachers’ Ensemble and mentor students in ensemble performance; Develop educational programs promoting Arabic musical traditions
Oud Teacher at Empowering Emirates Musicians Program
February 1, 2024 - Present
Provide professional training for emerging Emirati musicians; Contribute to the development of national musical talent
General Director at Damascus Opera House
November 1, 2014 - April 1, 2019
Directed artistic programming and institutional operations; Organized orchestral productions, festivals, and international collaborations; Oversaw music, theatre, and cultural events at the national level
Director of Music Schools at Syrian Ministry of Culture
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2011
Supervised national music education programs; Developed curricula and initiatives supporting music education in government institutions
Music Teacher & Head of Arabic Music Section at Higher Institute of Music
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2002
Taught Oud performance, History of Arabic Music, and Music Pedagogy; Head of Arabic Music Section (1997–2002)
Head of Arabic Music Section at Higher Institute of Music
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2005
Led Arabic Music Section

Education

Graduate at Higher Institute of Music - Damascus
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997
Associate of Science: Music at Higher Institute of Music - Damascus
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2002
PhD in Philosophy – major: Music at California International University (C.I.U.) - California, USA
January 11, 2030 - August 15, 2025
Associate of Applied Science: Music Therapy at Centre Of Excellence JUAN KARAJOLI
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Higher Institute of Music – Damascus, Syria
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1997

Qualifications

Music Therapy Course MERIT
October 31, 2019 - August 15, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services