Who is Iyad Sughayer?
I’m Iyad Sughayer and I play the piano! I was born in Jordan to a Palestinian family. We always had music at home, and when my father bought an electric piano for my older sisters, I was told that I would hear tunes on the radio and immediately try to play them by ear.
My first piano lesson was at the age of four, and I remained in Jordan until I was 14 before moving to the UK to study at a specialist music school in Manchester. Manchester has now been my home for the past 18 years.
Alongside performing and recording, I’m very passionate about music education. In 2022, I co-founded the Mashrek Academy of Music in Amman to help expand music education opportunities in Jordan and give something back to the community that supported me when I was growing up.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I ask myself this question quite regularly. I often play the game of asking myself what I’d be doing if I wasn’t a pianist. The answer seems to change from time to time, but I always come back to music.
If I wasn’t a professional pianist, I think I’d still be doing something within the musical world, whether that’s teaching, running educational projects, or helping young musicians develop. I can’t really imagine my life without music in it. It’s been such a central part of my life from such a young age that it would be very difficult to separate the two.
Who inspires you and why?
Too many people to mention! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to study with some wonderful musicians who have shaped my playing and musicianship from a very young age. I’ve learned something different from each of them, and many of their lessons stay with me every time I sit down at the piano.
My family and friends are also a constant source of inspiration. The support, encouragement and belief they’ve shown in me throughout my journey has made a huge difference, particularly during the more challenging periods of a career in music.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think, as an educator, I’ve witnessed first hand the incredible effect music can have on people’s lives. I’ve seen children grow in confidence, develop discipline, build friendships and discover a sense of purpose through music.
If it were up to me, I’d make music a right for every child to experience. Not because everyone should become a professional musician, but because I genuinely believe music has the power to enrich lives and help young people develop skills that stay with them long after they’ve left the classroom.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve been very fortunate to perform in and visit some wonderful places around the world, but I always feel something special when I’m in Beirut. It’s a city that has so much character, history and energy, and I always enjoy spending time there.
I’m not entirely sure what it is, but every time I visit, I find myself wanting to go back. There’s something about the atmosphere, the people and the culture that I really connect with.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Whenever someone visits me in Manchester, the first stop is always Chetham’s Library. Not just because it’s where I went to school, but because it’s such a historic hidden gem in the city.
It’s full of character, history and charm, and I think many people are surprised to discover it tucked away in the middle of Manchester. It also holds a lot of personal memories for me, so it’s somewhere I always enjoy sharing with visitors.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Now It All Makes Sense by Alex Partridge. It’s a fascinating read!
What are you currently listening to?
My listening is incredibly varied! On any given day, my playlist might span from Bach and Mozart all the way to AC/DC and Kaleo, with Bob Dylan and Fairuz somewhere in between. I enjoy discovering music from all sorts of genres, and I think that variety keeps my ears fresh and my musical curiosity alive.
Happiness is?
Family, friends, music and a feeling of belonging somewhere.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope more happiness and music!
Iyad joins Jayson Gillham in Keys to Life – Two Friends, Two Pianos at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – Melbourne Recital Centre (19 July), Concert Hall – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (22 July), Elder Hall – Adelaide University (24 July) and City Recital Hall, Sydney (26 July). For more information, visit: www.jaysongillham.com for details.
Image: Iyad Sughayer – photo by Bruce Marshall