Early Life

1

Born in Karachi, Sarah Zaman spent her early childhood there before moving at the age of 10

2

Coming from a family deeply passionate about music, Sarah's parents both possessed beautiful voices, instilling a love for the art from a young age

3

At the age of six, Sarah was first introduced to music through Jeevanpuri by a dedicated teacher at the vibrant Ghansham Art Center in Karachi

4

At the age of 12, Sarah moved to Lahore, where her musical journey continued to flourish

5

Sarah Zaman’s parents recognized her exceptional vocal talent, while also nurturing her sister Naila Riaz’s passion for dance, with Naila earning recognition as a medalist at the All Pakistan Students Competitions

6

Sarah’s journey into the world of Ilm-e-Mausiqi began at the prestigious Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore

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Education &
Formal Training

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Seina-be-Seina is a traditional method of transference of knowledge under a mentor’s (Ustaad’s) strict guidance; imparted to the disciple (Shagird) and sustained over years of discipline, rigorous training, and toil.

1973 – 1975

Ustad Feroze Nizami Kirana Gharana
Principal, Alhamra Arts Council


1975- 1986

Ustaad Chote Ghulam Ali Khan
Principal, Qawwal Bacha Gharana

1978 – 1982

Sufi Khudabaksh Sahib
Khalifa, Gawalior Gharana


1979

Kinnaird College Lahore,
Bachelor of Arts in European History and International Affairs

1986 – 1995

Mian Baba Tufail Narowal
Punjab Gharana; Senior Tabla Nawaz & Musicologist Disciple of the legendary Mian Fateh Din Khan Sahib

2003

Stephano Algerie
Professor of Voice, Queens College, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

2010 – 2021

Munir Khatoon Begum
Sr. Vocalist – All India Radio
Disciple of Ustaad Behrey (Deaf) Waheed Khan Sahib (Kirana Gharana)
Kirana Gharana

Ustaad Parvaize Parras
Ustaad Bhai
Fellow Disciple of Ustaad Chote Ghulam Ali Khan
Exclusive Sittings

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Ustaad Naseer udden Sami – Delhi Gharana: Exclusive sittings.

2003

Stephano Algerie, Professor of Voice, Queens College, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

1986 – 1995

Mian Baba Tufail Narowal (Punjab Gharana); senior table Nawaz & Musicologist; Disciple of the legendary Mian Fateh Din Khan Sahib

1975- 1986

Ustaad Chote Ghulam Ali Khan (Qawwal Bacha Gharana); Principal, Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore

1978 – 1982

Sufi Khudabaksh Sahib, Khalifa Gawalior Gharana,

1973 – 1975

Ustad Feroze Nizami (Kirana Gharana); Principal, Alhamra Arts Council

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1973 – 1975

Ustad Feroze Nizami Kirana Gharana
Principal, Alhamra Arts Council

1975- 1986

Ustaad Chote Ghulam Ali Khan
Principal, Qawwal Bacha Gharana

1978 – 1982

Sufi Khudabaksh Sahib
Khalifa, Gawalior Gharana

1979

Kinnaird College Lahore,
Bachelor of Arts in European History and International Affairs. Formal Training in South Asian Classical Music, Kheyal gaiyki

1986 – 1995

Mian Baba Tufail Narowal
Punjab Gharana; Senior Tabla Nawaz & Musicologist Disciple of the legendary Mian Fateh Din Khan Sahib

2003

Stephano Algerie
Professor of Voice, Queens College, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

2010 – 2021

Munir Khatoon Begum
Sr. Vocalist – All India Radio
Disciple of Ustaad Behrey (Deaf) Waheed Khan Sahib (Kirana Gharana)
Kirana Gharana

Ustaad Parvaize Parras
Ustaad Bhai
Fellow Disciple of Ustaad Chote Ghulam Ali Khan
Exclusive Sittings

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History-flower-top-img

Career

Early 90s

Lahore Arts Forum (LEAF)

Part of the History and Heritage Program, contributing to some of the first live performances, talks, and lectures on classical music at LEAF since its inception in 1989

1992-1996

Lahore Grammar School, M.M. Alam Road

Sarah Zaman introduced Pakistan’s first formal classical music program for primary students in Pakistan, teaching 150 children Sufi kalam and classical ragas, including Layyah (morning), Durga (afternoon), and Bhopali (night), while also conducting a live student orchestra

1996

Ali Institute of Education

Sarah Zaman introduced a Music Program for teacher training, based on traditional classical music and poetry. This program aimed to incorporate the rich heritage of classical music into the education system, enhancing the teaching experience

1996-1999

National College of Arts Visiting Faculty

Taught Shudh Sangeet (pure classical music) in the History and Heritage course for the Foundation Year. The course provided students with an in-depth exploration of classical music's cultural and historical significance in South Asia

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Career-sarazaman-img

2000

National College of Arts Visiting Faculty, MA (Hons) Visual Arts

Taught seminars on Seminars on Arts of South Asia (SASA), focusing on traditional South Asian music. Conducted lectures and demonstrations covering the history, evolution, philosophy, technique, and practice of South Asian classical music

2000-2005

National College of Arts

Originated the concept and partnered with Sanjan Nagar Institute of Philosophy and Arts (SIPA) to establish the first-ever Department of Musicology at the National College of Arts. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in formal music education in Pakistan, blending academic study with practical musical knowledge

2006 – Present

Developed an Original Course

Created Music Analysis: Analytical Listening of South Asian Classical Music, a comprehensive and innovative course that bridges theory with practice. This course offers in-depth analysis and listening techniques to understand the intricacies of South Asian classical music

2020 – 2022

Chairperson of Zaman Foundation

The Zaman Foundation is a symbol of hope and compassion, committed to transforming lives and creating a brighter future for the people of Pakistan. The foundation has been at the forefront of providing support across key areas such as education, healthcare, water filtration, and humanitarian relief

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International-flower-img

International Performances of South-Asian Classical Music

1995, Beijing

The Girl Child Project


Recorded for The Girl Child Project, presented at the UN Conference for Women in Beijing, supporting initiatives for the empowerment and rights of girls worldwide

1998, Toronto

Caravan Festival of Canadian Ethnic Communities


Represented Pakistan at the Caravan Festival, celebrating the diversity of Canadian ethnic communities, through a performance showcasing traditional South Asian music and culture

2000, Jaipur

Women’s Peace Conference, WIPSA


Represented Pakistan at the Women’s Peace Conference organized by WIPSA (Women in Positive Social Action) in Jaipur. Featured in a Jugalbandi performance with leading thumri exponent Bunno Begum

2000, Delhi

Private Performance, Delhi


Performed privately for the acclaimed poetess Amrita Pritam in Delhi, offering a tribute to her literary legacy

2001

BBC Urdu Service


Recorded Khyal, AHIR/Bhairay for BBC Urdu Service

2001, Delhi

Peace Conference


Represented Pakistan as a delegate at the SAHR Peace Conference "Including the Excluded: A South Asian Vision" in Delhi, focusing on inclusive dialogue and human rights in South Asia.

2002, Oslo

The Pakistan Festival


Represented Pakistan at the Pakistan Festival in Oslo, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage through classical music and performance

Performances in Pakistan

1985 – Present

Sarah Zaman has regularly performed at the All Pakistan Music Conference (APMC) and has been part of numerous solo programs held at Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore. Her performances have played a significant role in enriching the cultural landscape of the region, contributing to the preservation and promotion of classical music in Pakistan.

1985

Annual All Pakistan Music Conference, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore

1990

Khishwar Naheed Book Launch: Siya Hashye Mein Gulabi Rung

1995 & 2000

Saz-o-Aavaaz, Karachi

2003

Symposium on Inter-Faith Dialogue, Sadhoki

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1989 - 2021

Women’s Action Forum (WAF), Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad

1990 - 2021

Lahore Arts Forum (LEAF)
Various solo monthly programs

1997

International Music Conference: Living Traditions of Music in Asia and the Muslim World
Represented a groundbreaking academic paper, "The Status of Traditional Performing Artists in Pakistan"

2008

Monthly & Annual All Pakistan Music Conference, Karachi

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Honorary and Volunteer Work

1981

Alliance Française
Delivered a lecture on South Asian Classical Music, sharing insights
into its history, traditions, and cultural significance

1985 - Present

Women’s Action Forum (WAF)
Performed at various WAF events and composed the anthem
"Ab Deher Mein Beyaara-o-Madadgaar Hain Hum"

1990

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Performed at various HRCP events

1990 - Present

Lahore Arts Forum (LEAF)
Participated in various performances

1995

AJOKA Theatre
Performed in Lahore and Islamabad

1996

Ali Institute of Education
Founding Member, Music Program & Lecturer

1996 - 2007

National College of Arts (NCA)
All efforts at NCA between 1996 and 2007 were voluntary,
demonstrating a strong commitment to arts education

2000 - 2003

Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA)
Member, Board of Governors

2004

Fatima Jinnah Government College for Women
Mentored students post performances

2004 - Present

Provincial Committee for Scrutinizing Pride of
Performance Awards
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Honors and Awards

WAF-Listed (Women’s Action Forum)

WAF’s Tribute to the Multifaceted Talent of the Women of Pakistan

Lifetime Achievement (ALAAP)

Recognition for Lifetime Achievement in Contribution to Music

ASR (Applied Social Research) - Resource Center

Honored and acknowledged in the tribute to the women’s movement at the Lahore Biennale, titled ‘In the Present Lies the Past: Feminist Excavations’

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