With Passion for Music: I am a pianist and composer and my music is inspired by real stories in life. I believe that music has the power to build bridges between all nations in the world. I am like a journalist, but instead of writing words, I write music. Music is the most powerful form of communication, and I want my music to be a bridge to peace. I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, but relocated to Syria in 2006 when I was forced to leave because of the war. I lived as a refugee in Syria for two years until 2008 when I received a full tuition scholarship to study at Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana, through the Iraqi Student Project. I have been playing music since when I was ten years old. In Syria, I continued studying music at the High Institute of Music. In the United States, I studied piano with Ketevan Badridze and Dr. Jeffery Jacob. Majoring in Visual Arts while studying music at college, I discovered my passion and mission for life - writing music to tell stories in a powerful way. What motivated me throughout my experience in music composition is the realization that music can influence and control our actions, our choices, and help us understand ourselves at a deeper level. Music uses a language that is complex and at the same time unique within its discipline. We are all involved in music intentionally. A person who goes through life without singing a song is missing the richness of the spirit. I have produced music in a variety of styles for movie trailers, special events, videos, concerts, theater and dance performances, and promotions. Also, I have held concerts in New York with Music for Harmony, in Chicago (IL), South Bend (IN), Manchester (IN), Monterey (CA), Seattle (WA), St. Louis (MO), Bluffton (OH), Oak Ridge (TN), and Oklahoma (OK). Sincerely, Karam Salem