The Surtaal Music Academy

Lahore, Pakistan

Partner program

Since 2024

75 students

PFCF partnered with the Surtaal Music Academy, founded in 2019 by Zia Ul Haq, a master’s‑qualified musicologist driven by the mission of “building the next generation of artists,” with a special focus on making free musical education accessible to underprivileged children. From its beginnings in Johar Town and Islampura, the academy blends structured vocal and instrument training—ranging from classical raags and ghazals to Bollywood and Western pop, with a strong technical foundation in singing.

Under Zia’s direction and with support from renowned Pakistani music figures like Xulfi, Sanam Marvi, Shiraz Uppal, and Shuja Haider, Surtaal combines coaching, studio experience, and mentorship. The academy boasts a professionally equipped recording studio and offers both group sessions and one‑on‑one training. Since its 2019 launch, it has accumulated over 10,000 teaching hours, helped students earn 20+ national awards, secured 100+ TV appearances, marking a remarkable impact in nurturing young musical talent.

Our goal with this partnership is to help Surtaal develop its music program to a larger scale, grow as an organization and establish connections with our international network.

TAKE A VISIT AT THE SURTAAL ACADEMY

About lahore

Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, is renowned for its rich musical and artistic heritage. Known for its classical music traditions, including Qawwali, Ghazal, and Sufi music, the city has been home to legendary musicians like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Noor Jehan. Lahore’s cultural scene is deeply rooted in centuries of Mughal influence, visible in its architecture, poetry, and performing arts.

Multiple locations

Recording studio

Mentorship program

Traditional & modern music

surtaal collage

TEAM ON THE GROUND

Zia Ul Hag

Founder / Director

Zubair Javed

Vocal teacher

Aryan Ali

Guitar Teacher


Through its partnership with the Playing for Change Foundation, music and dance are becoming even more central parts of this journey of transformation—bringing healing, joy, and empowerment to young girls who are beginning to believe in themselves and their futures.

Dr. Aunampai Passakchai, Dhammajarinee Witthaya School | Director

FEATURED STORIES

Icon 1 Inside a Dance Class in Mali!

We present this video of a dance class in Mali, showcasing the amazing dance program in the ancient village of Kirina, and symbolic of the outstanding efforts of our team to widen opportunities for girls and female leaders not just

Read More »

VIDEOS

Discover this program
  • Traditional West African Dance | Kirina, Mali
  • Oumar Dembelé | Ecole de Musique de Kirina
  • Traditional dance performance: Kirina, Mali
  • Jarabi | Kirina Lolow
  • When Malian Music Meets Beethoven | Massani Cisse | Ecole...
  • Koussa Kora Balla | Music performance at Ecole de Kirina,...
  • Guedé | A Rhythm from Ecole de Musique de Kirina,...
  • Boubacar & Nfaly: Sabou Diaby
  • Fakoly Fassa | Ecole de Musique de Kirina
  • Adama Tama solo performance in Kirina
  • Sacko Dougou by N'Faly and Gouem: Ecole de Musique de...
  • Welcome to Ecole de Musique de Kirina, Mali
  • A 360° dance class in Mali
  • Ecole de Musique de Kirina | Kora and vocals feat....
  • Meet Oumou, a young musician in Mali
  • Our music school in Mali dedicates a groove to the...
  • Ecole de Musique de Kirina Mali Kora student Gouem
  • Damon Albarn visits our school in Kirina, Mali

SURTAAL ON A MAP

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GIVE BY CHECK OR WIRE

You can mail your checks at:

Playing For Change Foundation,

8424 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite A, #761, West Hollywood, CA 90069 – USA.

If you wish to give via Wire transfer, give stock or assets please email us at contact@playingforchange.org