Photo Credit: Cybelle Codish
Ara Topouzian is an Armenian-American musician whose proficiency at the kanun (Middle Eastern harp) has made him a nationally-recognized artist.
He has performed in concert, at music festivals and many celebrated venues across the United States, with the top musicians in Middle Eastern music.
Topouzian’s traditional musical style keeps to his Armenian heritage but has expanded to include music from around the Middle East, as well as jazz, fusion, new age and blues.
The recipient of numerous awards, Ara Topouzian’s music has been heard and sold around the globe.
In 2012, Topouzian became an Kresge Artist Fellowship, awarded by: Kresge Arts of Detroit, a program of the Kresge Foundation. In 2013, Topouzian won a Knight Arts Challenge from the Knight Foundation.
HYE Times 
Hi Ara, I have followed your work for a while and commend you on your research! I have a pretty good LP and 78 collection of Armenian records. One of my favorites is “Folk Music of the Middle East” and I would love to learn more about Jerry Bezdikian. Would you consider writing about him? Also, I’ve been curious about why George Mgrdichian recorded the LP “The Oud” as the “Aram Arakelian Ensemble”. Sincerely, Carolyn Rapkievian
Thank you for your comments! I love Jerry’s music and he was someone I listened to growing up and I have always loved his style of playing. It would be a great idea to do a story on him.
Hello Ara,
I love the sound of the Qanoun, I wish I was still living in Michigan to become your student.
Any advise on how to start this journey, what brand to purchase, is there any school in the California, etc.
Thank you in advance.
Marwan Bishara
Hello!
Do you teach qanun lessons for adults? I’ve been in search of a teacher in the Detroit and Windsor area.
I would be interested in learning traditional Arabic music (eg. Um Khoultoum, Wadih Safi, and older music).
I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
Victoria
vmabboud@yahoo.ca
I have a beautiful Kanon which was damaged(skin burst on the side) I was wandering do you know someone in Los Angeles who can repair?