The Awakenings Ensemble brings 25+ years of international teaching experience to schools and conservatories across Asia-Pacific, delivering workshops that blend Middle Eastern and jazz traditions with rigorous pedagogy and cultural authenticity.
ON TOUR IN ASIA| April 6-19 2026World Music Education That Transforms
Why Schools Choose Us
More Than a Performance Group
The Awakenings Ensemble isn't just a collective of internationally acclaimed musicians—we're experienced educators who understand classroom dynamics, curriculum alignment, and how to make complex cultural concepts accessible and exciting for students of all ages.
❋ Cultural AuthenticityTraditional Middle Eastern instruments (oud, ney, daf) played by masters from Iran, Lebanon, and Australia.
❋ Pedagogical Excellence25+ years designing curriculum across primary, secondary, tertiary, and professional contexts.
❋ Global PerspectiveWorkshops delivered in 7 countries across Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Australia.
❋ A Student-Centered LearningInteractive, hands-on experiences where every student participates, creates, and performs.
Who We Are
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Michael Pignéguy
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & LEAD EDUCATOR
Coordinator of Bands, Perth College | Former Qatar Music Academy | Lecturer, SAE DubaiOver 25 years designing and delivering music education across three continents. Specialist in percussion, composition, improvisation, and cross-cultural fusion. Arrangements performed by Boston Pops, Nashville Symphony, and all Australian state orchestras.
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Esfandiar Shahmir
NEY, DAF, VOICE
Former member of iconic Persian group "Homay & Mastan" | Classical percussion studies, WAAPA
Brings authentic Persian musical traditions and decades of international performance experience to educational settings. -
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Michael Edelby
OUD
Conservatoire of Music, Beirut | Lebanese Armed Forces Appreciation Award recipient
Conservatory-trained in Lebanese classical traditions, specializing in maqam systems and Arabic modal music. -
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Steve Richter
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST
25+ years with Perth Symphony, WA Symphony, Yothu Yindi | Film composer
Over 3,500 performances worldwide, bringing expertise in tuned percussion, world music, and ensemble leadership. -
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Joe Powell
BASSIST
WAAPA Lecturer | Highly sought-after on Australian scene
Jazz specialist with deep understanding of rhythm section dynamics and cross-cultural groove integration.
Our Track Record
Trusted by Leading Institutions Across Asia-Pacific
Singapore:
Esplanade (Theatres on the Bay) | Dulwich College | Lasalle College of the Arts
United Arab Emirates:
Raha International School | British School Al Khubairat | GEMS International School | UAE University
Qatar:
American School of Doha | Qatar Music Academy | International School of London (Qatar) | Rhythm Explosion! Public Workshop
Australia:
Artsource (Fremantle) | Studio 42 | Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium | Multiple secondary schools across WA and Victoria
Malaysia:
International School of Kuala Lumpur
Performance Venues:
Jazz at Lincoln Center (New York) | The Esplanade (Singapore) | No Black Tie (Malaysia) | The Ellington (Perth) | The Vanguard (Sydney)
“Effective and thoughtful pedagogical design, motivational incremental-progress style AND very enjoyable for students.”
— Michael Griffin, International Music Educator and Author“He is a great teacher both privately and in a class. I've played several of his arrangements and commissioned him for an arrangement. Love working with Mike!”
— Daniel Miles - International School of Kuala Lumpur“Great performer and teacher, with extensive knowledge of music theory, arranging and composition. Excellent communicator with all ages.”
— Alena Pyne - Choral Educator, South Korea“Mike has a broad range of interest and experience that any music student should tap into. Rhythm and drumming... composition and arranging... band leading and touring... he's got it all!”
— Tim Stocker - Performer (USA, Asia, Australia)
Tailored Programs for Every Age and Ability
Junior School (Ages 7-12)
Interactive Music Experiences
Hands-on exploration through rhythm games, folk songs, body percussion, and small group creation. Students learn traditional patterns from Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria while developing foundational skills in collaboration and cultural awareness.
Interactive Music Experiences
Hands-on exploration through rhythm games, folk songs, body percussion, and small group creation. Students learn traditional patterns from Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria while developing foundational skills in collaboration and cultural awareness.
Senior School (Ages 13-18)
Cross-Cultural Improvisation & Composition
Students explore how jazz and Middle Eastern traditions inform each other through advanced rhythm work (7/8, 10/8 time signatures), maqam exploration, and compositional techniques. Culminates in collaborative performance project.
University & Conservatory
Advanced Fusion Techniques
Deep examination of maqam systems, iqa'at (rhythmic cycles), heterophonic texture, and authentic cross-cultural composition. Professional-level content examining the practical and philosophical challenges of cultural fusion in contemporary music.
The Awakenings Difference
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We provide rigorous, hands-on engagement with specific musical traditions, taught by masters who've performed these styles professionally for many years.
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Music concepts are explored through movement and body percussion before transferring to instruments, ensuring deeper understanding and retention.
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Five ensemble members means intimate student interaction—3-4 students per mentor in creation activities, ensuring every voice is heard.
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Every workshop culminates in student performance which celebrates collaborative achievement and cultural connection.
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Content adapts to class size, student experience level, available instruments, and curriculum focus—whether you emphasise composition, performance, or cultural exploration.
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We can provide resources as well as video/photo documentation for your school archives and promotional use (with appropriate permissions).
Our Educational Philosophy
With over 25 years of teaching experience across three continents, we design workshops that foster growth, creativity, and critical thinking through cross-cultural musical exploration.
Our approach prioritizes understanding each student's learning style, creating inclusive environments where diverse ideas flourish, and developing higher-order thinking through hands-on creation and performance.
Every workshop balances theoretical exploration with practical application—students engage as both analysts and creators, developing skills they can immediately apply to their own musical practice.
Designed to Fit Your School's Needs
Flexibility & Customization
Workshop Format:
60-90 minute sessions
2-3 sessions recommended for depth
Single-day intensive OR multi-day residency
Adaptable to your timetable
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Content Focus: We can emphasize:
Rhythm and percussion
Melody and maqam systems
Improvisation techniques
Composition and arranging
Cultural studies and context
Performance preparation
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Group Sizes:
Small groups (15-25 students): Intimate, interactive
Medium groups (25-50 students): Balanced participation
Large groups (50-100+): Assembly-style with breakout activities
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Integration Possibilities:
Complement existing music curriculum
Support IB/IGCSE cultural awareness outcomes
Enhance arts festival or cultural week programming
Professional development for music staff (available on request)
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