Biography
Akram Haddad is an award-winning composer, orchestrator, educator, and versatile musician dedicated to deepening the understanding and appreciation of Arabic music and culture. His work bridges Middle Eastern, Western, and other folk traditions, fostering global musical connections.
His diverse portfolio spans feature films, television, video games, theater, choir, and media composition. Notably, he orchestrated Assassin’s Creed Mirage (Ubisoft Bordeaux) , he orchestrated the video game Assassin’s Creed Mirage (Ubisoft Bordeaux) and conducted the New York Arabic Orchestra at PowerStation Studios in NYC. He also composed for Yes Repeat No (dir. Michael Dahan) and, in 2022, created The Middle East, an album for Universal Studios’ library music. In addition, he releases original meditation music under Nairuz, Nayat, and Healing Echoes Project, accumulating millions of Spotify streams since 2021. His arrangement Arabic Medley was performed by the Firdaus Orchestra at Dubai Expo 2020 and, in August 2024, by the Landmark Orchestra at the Hatch Shell in Boston.
Haddad’s contributions to choral music include serving as resident composer for the Al-Ba’ath Choir for over a decade, with compositions such as Psalm 121 performed globally. His theatrical works include composing for Rijal Fe Alshams, directing music for 15+ productions as Artistic Director of Al Midan Theater in Haifa, and orchestrating the theatrical concert El Maestro in 2020, which featured over 40 performers. He has also collaborated with dance artists, including Sahar Damoni at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in Tel Aviv.
As a pianist and conductor, Haddad has performed internationally, leading orchestras and ensembles in his own compositions. He currently teaches at Berklee College of Music (Screen Scoring), New England Conservatory (World Music Ensemble, Contemporary Arabic Music Traditions, Contemporary Musical Arts), and Brandeis University (Middle Eastern Arabic Music Traditions, Journey to World Music). He has also held faculty and residency positions at Tufts University, the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, Ono College, and Haifa University.
A graduate of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance (B.M., M.M. in Composition) and the New England Conservatory (Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Improvisation, awarded the Peter Lyman Row Global Musicianship Award), Haddad’s journey began with classical piano at the Robin Conservatory in Haifa.
Teaching Philosophy
Music is a living, evolving art form, and teaching it requires a balance of tradition, innovation, and adaptability. In an ever-changing world, my goal as an educator is to empower students to embrace their uniqueness, cultivate creativity, and develop the skills needed to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the musical landscape.
I believe that learning music is not just about mastering techniques or theories but about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and self-expression. My teaching approach encourages students to explore, experiment, and adapt, equipping them with the ability to shape their own artistic voices. By integrating diverse musical traditions, interdisciplinary perspectives, and technology, I strive to create a dynamic learning environment where students can connect deeply with their craft while remaining open to new possibilities.
At the core of my teaching is humanity—the understanding that music is a profound means of communication and storytelling. By encouraging students to engage with their work emotionally and intellectually, I aim to instill in them a lifelong love for music that extends beyond performance into personal and communal expression. My role is to guide, challenge, and support each student as they find their place in the ever-evolving world of music.