Mrs. Mahvash Guerami was born on May 1945 in Tehran, Iran. As a child she was fascinated by the Accordian and wanted to learn to play it. So when at age thirteen her mother asked her if she wanted to study music she thought she would finally learn to play the Accordian. But since the Accoridan was not considered an instrument worthy of being taught at the Conservatory of Music in Tehran, she chose to play the Santour instead. At the time studying music professionally was not regarded highly in Iranian society and certainly not fit for a women. But Mrs Guerami was happy in her world of music and forgot the harrassement she sometimes faced in the streets for carrying a music instrument.

Practicing at home in 1968

At the Conservatory, under the dirction of Ostad Khaleghi followed by Mr. Dehlavi, Mrs. Guerami florished as a Santour student. There she met Ostad Faramarz Payvar who was her Santour teacher and continues to be her life long mentor. While a student at the Conservatory, she was invited to play with the Saba Orchestra at Farhango Honar (Culture and Art Ministry). This began her career with the Iranian National Television at the young age of sixteen. A shinning moment in her career as a student came when Mrs Guerami was asked to play the "Concertino", a difficult composition, as her Diploma final. She played this piece in front of Pahlbod (former Minister of Culture and Art) at Talareh Farabi. She was recognized as an outstanding performer and offered a grant by Pahlbod to study abroad. She turned down the offer however saying "My music is Classical Iranian Music. Where better than Iran to study and further my knowledge in this field."

First place winner in Santour 1970

This was an unusual choice since at the time Tehran University did not have a music program. Therefore, when the topic of starting the music program at the University began to circulate, Mr Barkeshti who was to be the dirctor of the Music Department at the University chose Mrs Guerami to work with the various agencies involved in starting the Music program. She was among the first to be admitted into Tehran University Music Department and got her Bacculareate in Music in 1970. She continued to play with Saba Orchestra and taugh music at the Conservatory. She was also invited to work with the National Radio the same year. There she met Mr Morteza Hannaneh, who inspired and encouraged her to be the best she could be.

This was the most memorable time of Mrs Guerami's career. She traveled across Iran to perform in many concerts, won numerous award, and felt passionate about what she did. During one of her performances for visiting UNESCO officials, she was invited to teach Santour at Illinoise University. But again she could not imagine leaving her beloved Iran and the world of music she had grew up in. Once again she turned down the offer to go abroad.

Rehersals at Radio Iran 1971

She did leave Iran however in 1981, not by choice, for a new life in San Jose, California. Mrs Guerami started out in America with the life of an immigrant, working long, hard hours and raising her daughter alone. She continued to be active in teaching music and having numerous concerts in the Bay Area. In 1986 Mrs Guerami was recognized as a distinguished Folk Music Master and was sponsered a grant by the California Art Council. Thereafter she held several concerts in the Bay Area. In 1983 she went on stage again at the Montgomery Theater, followed by another concert in 1985 at San Jose State University. She also has been invited to play in Dallas, Los Angeles, St Mary's College in Moraga, Davis Hall , and at the Marin County Opera House by various Iranian organization. Another noteworthy invitation was by Survivor's International in San Francisco which hosted the 50th Anniversary of Amnesty International . She was invited a second time to perform for Survivors a duo with the famous Saxaphonist John Handy. Today Mrs Guerami continues to be active in teaching music and is once again getting ready to go on stage on August 4th at Piedmont Veteran's Memorial Hall, and December 22nd at Santa Clara Convention Center.

Mrs. Guerami performing at the Montgomery Theater 1983