Traditional Santoor playing is a very common in Persian culture and has been used in traditional Persian music for over 1,100 years. This form of music is played very commonly in ceremonies, celebrations, national holidays, and more. All formal and historical Persian celebrations have their own melodies, along with their own related lyrics; it is very important to keep this tradition alive and pass it onto next generations.

In 1987, when my family and I migrated to the United States, I was unable to bring my instrument and purchasing one here in Oregon was not an option; it simply did not exist. Homesick, and with the help of a friend with a talent for woodworking, I built my first Santoor. I was invited to present advance applied music course at PSU for two years 2012 and 2013 where I passed on my unique techniques to one of my highest quality students Monica Rabii. She was the very first graduate from PSU with bachelor’s degree on special instrument "Santoor." This unprecedented event was the utmost fulfilling event in my artistic life.

When I was a small child, I attended my first concert with my father Maestro Abbas Selehi, a gifted violinist. There I fell in love with what I perceived to be an enchanted box – the Santoor or Hammered Dulcimer. Next month, I picked up my first set of mezrabs (mallets) and was fascinated by the first shimmering sound. After teaching me the principles of the traditional art form, my father registered me in a specialized intermediate music class in Tehran, and eventually advanced classes. By age ten, I was competing in and winning musical competitions. By fifteen I was the best in my age group, winning the national first place prize for Santoor playing in Iran, and the opportunity to play alongside renowned Iranian musicians on national television.

I am fortunate enough to have learned this unique instrument since my childhood and continued developing my skills during the last 61 years of my life. My whole purpose was to train more people familiar with this unique form of Persian instrument in order to keep it alive. Students with Persian background will feel more confident by accessing their traditional cultural aspects.

This type of instrument was unknown in Oregon and throughout the United States, and fellow Iranians/Americans did not have access to their heritage. I committed myself to creating opportunities for others to learn this art form in Oregon and in even in other states. My small, private lessons soon led to large annual recitals, local performances, and to my delight, former students who are now teachers.

In 1993 I was awarded as a Persian Master Artists by the Oregon Historical Society

In 2002 I was recognized as a Master Artist in Persian Music by the Andisheh Center

In 2005 I was interviewed by and featured in Oregon Art Beat by Oregon Public Broadcasting

Since 2006 I have taught at annual seminars of Dulcimer Players of the United States and presented santoor and traditional Persian music.