About
Siavash Jafari is an instrument maker, sound artist and musician based in The Hague. His practice develops experimental string instruments where acoustic vibration, electromagnetic feedback, mechanical movement and live control become compositional material. Alongside his artistic practice, he works professionally as an instrument technician and live sound technician, and is a member of the progressive rock/metal band FRIKAM.
Practice
Jafari's work moves between building and composing. His instruments use strings, custom electromagnetic systems, motors and handmade interfaces to create sustained, unstable sonic behaviour. Rather than hiding the mechanics, the work exposes them and treats the instrument as an active participant in performance.
Education
Bachelor of Sonology
Institute of Sonology, Royal Conservatoire The Hague. Bachelor's research: Dialogue of Strings — development of experimental modular electronic string instruments.
Audio Technology
Azad University of Tehran — undergraduate study, not completed.
Selected works
Misfit Harp
Modular electromechanical string instrument and performance system.
Sustain Puppeteer
Two-string feedback instrument / installation and predecessor to Misfit Harp.
Music Machines & Me — Museum Speelklok
New iteration of Sustain Puppeteer presented as part of the museum's interactive music-and-technology exhibition.
Synthetic Groans
Eight-channel fixed-media composition.
Misfit Box
Self-built performance instrument used alongside Sustain Puppeteer.
Selected performances
In Bloom — Control and Chaos
Korzo, The Hague — performance with Misfit Harp.
Spaceship Ensemble
Performance with Misfit Harp.
Sonology Discussion Concert
Live collaboration with Farzaneh Nouri's Énacteur system, Sustain Puppeteer and Misfit Box.
Band
FRIKAM
Member of the progressive rock/metal project founded in Tehran in 2017. The band now works across The Hague, Paris and Tehran, combining composition, recording and performance.
FRIKAM website ↗Technical practice
Technical work is part of the foundation of Jafari's artistic practice, providing practical experience with musical instruments, electronics, sound systems and workshop-based making.
Guitar Technician / Senior Guitar Technician — PRS Guitars Europe
Professional guitar technical work, instrument quality control and workshop practice.
Freelance Guitar & Instrument Technician
Independent instrument repair, maintenance, electronics and custom technical work.
Freelance Live Sound Technician / Engineer
Live sound for concerts, performances and events, including technical setup and troubleshooting.
AV & Electronics Technician — Royal Conservatoire The Hague
Audio/electronics workshop support, equipment building and maintenance for Sonology and Composition studios.