I am a Pakistani Rabab player, composer, and educator who loves to explore innovative and creative ideas by collaborating with musicians from diverse genres. I’m passionate about bringing my instrument into the electronic music sphere and creating unique sounds that stand out in my region. I also founded STACCATO Music Academy in Islamabad to provide a welcoming, collaborative space for learners of all ages to explore, practice, and perform. Over the years I’ve contributed to high-profile projects and performances, including Coke Studio Pakistan (Special Day), the PSL anthem Rabab sections, WAADA for Independence Day, and a VOA music project where I arranged and composed original pieces. I’m excited to keep blending traditional Rabab artistry with contemporary and global influences through collaborations and live initiatives.

Sannan Mahboob Khan

I am a Pakistani Rabab player, composer, and educator who loves to explore innovative and creative ideas by collaborating with musicians from diverse genres. I’m passionate about bringing my instrument into the electronic music sphere and creating unique sounds that stand out in my region. I also founded STACCATO Music Academy in Islamabad to provide a welcoming, collaborative space for learners of all ages to explore, practice, and perform. Over the years I’ve contributed to high-profile projects and performances, including Coke Studio Pakistan (Special Day), the PSL anthem Rabab sections, WAADA for Independence Day, and a VOA music project where I arranged and composed original pieces. I’m excited to keep blending traditional Rabab artistry with contemporary and global influences through collaborations and live initiatives.

Available to hire

I am a Pakistani Rabab player, composer, and educator who loves to explore innovative and creative ideas by collaborating with musicians from diverse genres. I’m passionate about bringing my instrument into the electronic music sphere and creating unique sounds that stand out in my region. I also founded STACCATO Music Academy in Islamabad to provide a welcoming, collaborative space for learners of all ages to explore, practice, and perform.

Over the years I’ve contributed to high-profile projects and performances, including Coke Studio Pakistan (Special Day), the PSL anthem Rabab sections, WAADA for Independence Day, and a VOA music project where I arranged and composed original pieces. I’m excited to keep blending traditional Rabab artistry with contemporary and global influences through collaborations and live initiatives.

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Language

English
Advanced
Urdu
Advanced
Pashto, Pushto
Advanced

Work Experience

Founder/Director at STACCATO Music Academy, Islamabad
February 1, 2020 - November 6, 2025
Founded and currently directs a music academy and creative space in Islamabad, offering lessons, jam sessions, and performance opportunities for learners of all ages to nurture talent and collaborative creativity.
Instrumentalist / Session Musician at Coke Studio Pakistan (in collaboration with DG ISPR)
March 1, 2022 - March 1, 2022
Instrumentalist in a national Coke Studio project featuring 50+ artists across genres and regions, contributing Rabab performances that showcased cross-cultural collaboration.
Rabab Player / Session Musician at Peshawar Zalmi PSL Anthem
February 1, 2022 - February 1, 2022
Played Rabab sections for Peshawar Zalmi’s PSL anthem; audio mixed and mastered by Rohail Hyatt; produced by Ali Mustafa.
Rabab Player at WAADA – Unity, Faith, Discipline (Habib Paracha)
August 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022
Performed Rabab in the national WAADA project commemorating Pakistan’s Independence Day; an anthem reflecting unity across provincial languages.
Music Arranger / Multi-Instrumentalist at Voice of America (VOA)
May 1, 2023 - November 6, 2025
Arranged and composed three original pieces including vocals and multiple instruments for VOA music project.
Founder/Director at STACCATO Music Academy, Islamabad
February 1, 2020 - November 6, 2025
Initiated and developed STACCATO Studio as a creative learning and performance space, fostering collaboration and skill development for musicians.
Session Artist at Sur Ka Safar – T2F Karachi
June 29, 2019 - June 29, 2019
Featured lead performer in the 'Sur Ka Safar' series, collaborating on classical Rabab repertoire and Afghani folk music.

Education

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at PIA Training Centre
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2019
Fsc (Inter Computer Science) at Islamia College Peshawar
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Matric SSC (Science) at SPS College Swat
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010

Qualifications

Serena Sarangi Stars Initiative Winner
November 1, 2017 - November 6, 2025
National Rubab Contest – Lok Virsa Islamabad
September 1, 2015 - November 6, 2025
APMC Solo Instrumental Performer
January 1, 2017 - November 6, 2025
APMC Solo Instrumental Performer
January 1, 2018 - November 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other