Ustad Shafaat Khan has distinguished himself by being the first known artist to attain simultaneous excellence in performing the Sitar, Surbahar, and Tabla.  With each instrument, assiduous practice is necessary in order to develop the strength and technique to control the intonation and quality of the notes produced from them. Mastership over any instrument requires years of intensive and continuous practice (riyaz) and training (talim). This is a lifelong process for the true Ustads and Pandits.

He has released three historic CDs produced by Dr. Deepak Chopra, in which he performed on the sitar/surbahar, and accompanied himself on the tabla, a first in Indian classical music.  He performed his own composition “River of Strings” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia with a western Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Khan’s musical heritage can be traced back to the 16th century to the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.  He is the son of the legendary Sitar and Surbahar Maestro Ustad Imrat Khan and nephew of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan.  In tabla, he is the foremost disciple of the widely respected Ustad Ibrahim Khan.