Mehrdad Gholami, DMA

Adjunct Instructor of Flute

At an early age, Mehrdad Gholami was inspired by the Tehran Music Group under the direction of Iranian prominent composer, Alireza Mashayekhi. He started working with different composers and devoted his time to commission, premiere and record new sounds for flute with various ensembles. These collaborations with Iranian composers led to the creation of more than 60 new pieces for flute with different ensembles and electronic sounds. Gholami’s first solo album was published by his alma mater, University of Tehran, in a joint project with Iran Flute Society. He has appeared in recordings in various genres ranging from contemporary classical music to world music and pop music. Some of these pieces have received acclamation around the world, including Italy, the United States, Germany and France. Gholami’s efforts in presenting, performing and publishing new Iranian music have led to a growth of compositions for flute by Iranian composers. As an orchestral player, he started with Tehran's ensembles, such as Yarava Modern Ensemble, Tehran Contemporary Ensemble, Tehran City Hall Orchestra and Tehran Symphony. Later, Gholami came back to work with TSO as their principal flute player under the direction of Maestro Alexander Rahbari for the 2015 summer season. Other orchestral appearances include Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra (Los Angeles, Disney Hall debut), Fort Worth Symphony and McKinney Philharmonic.

Educational Background

• DMA, Flute Performance, Texas Christian University, 2019
• M.M., Flute Performance, Texas Christian University, 2015
• B.M., Flute Performance, Tehan University, 2012

Academic Positions

• Adjunct Professor, Flute Music, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2018-Present
• Instructor, Music, Tarrant County College 2019-Present

Selected Performances

• Odysseus Chamber Orchestra, Principal Flute, 2019-Present
• Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Substitute Second Flute, 2018-Present
• Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, invited to perform two programs, 2017-2018
• New World Symphony, Substitute Flute, 2017-2018
• Tehran Symphony, Guest Principal Flute, 2015
• TCU Symphony Orchestra, 2013-2017
• Parsian Chamber Orchestra, 2011-2013
• Tehran Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Principal, 2011-2013

Awards and Honors

• Myrna Brown National Flute Competition, Finalist, 2017
• TCU Concerto Competition, Winner, 2015
• Fadjr International Music Festival, Tehran, First Prize, 2012
• Iran Flute Society Young Artist Competition, Winner, 2011
• Iranian Young Artists Festival, Flute Competition, First Prize, 2010
• Nationwide University Entrance Exam, Iran’s highest academic achievement in the exam in Art, 2007
• Iran President’s Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement, 2007

Professional Organizations

• National Flute Association
• Texas Music Teacher Association
• Texas Flute Society
• Iran Flute Association, Founder and Lecturer

Featured Courses

MUS 151 Minor Applied Flute
MUS 152 Principal Applied Flute
MUS 352 Principal Applied Flute