Mohammed Mir Mahmoud

Greetings! This is Meer! I am a versatile and creative individual with a rich background in music performance, arrangement, teaching, and photography. My journey in the world of music has taken me from the stages of Syria and Lebanon to the vibrant Canadian music scene. As a dedicated artist and educator, I bring a unique blend of skills and experiences that I am eager to share as a guitar teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Professional Experiences: As a founding member of the Orontes Guitarists since 2015, I have had the privilege of performing across Syria, Lebanon, and Canada, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres to live audiences. I thrive in collaborative environments, approaching rehearsals with a problem-solving mindset, participating in recording sessions, and contributing to the arrangement of music for our ensemble. In 2016, we celebrated the culmination of our efforts with the release of our debut album, "The Clock." I was recognized as an Artist Protection Fund Fellow in 2018-2019, during which I served as an artist in residence at the University of Victoria, engaging in recording sessions and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the region and touring around Canada,I was also honoured to be a recipient of the Prairie Debut Touring Grant, which will allow me to further expand my musical horizons and tour extensively with the ensemble throughout Canadian prairies, reaching audiences in various provinces and smaller communities. Teaching and Educational Background: Drawing upon my Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Al Baath University and my time at the High Institute of Music, I have been a dedicated guitar and music teacher. In Damascus, Syria, and Beirut, Lebanon, I led music classes for various institutes, creating curriculum content, actively addressing student concerns, and providing tailored solutions. My commitment to education extends to my role as a Teaching Assistant at the Yes Academy Lebanon in 2016, where I assisted with guitar lessons, prepared concert programs, and successfully led music students to performances. Photography and Language Proficiency: Beyond the realm of music, I am fluent in both Arabic and English, leveraging my language skills as an Arabic to English interpreter. My passion for photography has also found expression in my role as a Peer Research Assistant at the University of Victoria, where I instruct photography and capture moments that tell compelling visual stories. Volunteer Experience and Certifications: In 2017, I dedicated my time as a teacher with Jusoor for Syria, preparing music lessons, creating music for psycho-social programs, and teaching classes for refugees. My commitment to the arts and education has been further acknowledged through certificates, including the Artist Protection Fund Fellow award in 2019 and a participation certificate from the Yes Academy Lebanon and American Voices in 2016-2017. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my diverse background, passion for teaching, and dedication to musical excellence to the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. I look forward to contributing to the vibrant musical community at RCM and inspiring the next generation of guitarists.