Kansas City native Aryana Nemati has a true passion for music. She has been playing the saxophone for the past fifteen years in addition to flute and clarinet. As she became more involved with music, she began studying with local baritone saxophonist/composer, Kerry Strayer.
Aryana continued to pursue her musical aspirations at UMKC’s conservatory. She received her bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance/Studio Music in the winter of 2014. Here she has studied with Tim Timmons, Zach Shemon, Dan Thomas, and Bobby Watson. She performed with both jazz and classical ensembles at the conservatory. In the spring of 2017, Nemati completed her teaching assistantship and received a master’s degree in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Today Nemati performs regularly with bands of various genres. She has performed at a number of music festivals including Walkarusa in Mulberry, Arkansas, SXSW in Austin, Texas, Boulavardia and the Middle of the Map Music Festival at home in Kansas City. Nemati has recorded with many local and international artists. She enjoys exploring all styles of music and understanding where each comes from. She has had the honor of playing with the following: Harry Connick Jr., Bobby Watson, Mindi Abair, The Four Tops, Sister Carol, Naggo Morris, Harold ‘Spike’ Bonhart, and Ernie Andrews.
Still relatively young herself, Nemati encourages developing musicians to explore the art form. She currently teaches out of her own personal studio, at UMKC, and the Tune Shop in Leavenworth, KS. Nemati provides assistance to her local middle and high school band programs ensembles and individual students. She hopes to spread the wonders of music to many in the vibrant scene of Kansas City and beyond.
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Aryana Nemati M.M.
Musician/Composer/Educator