By: Nic Abelian
Michelle Qureshi, a distinguished classically trained guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, has made a significant impact in the ambient and new age music scenes since 2012. With 15 albums and 33 singles and EPs to her name, Qureshi’s music has accumulated tens of millions of streams on global platforms, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.
Qureshi’s unique approach to music blends her formal training with intuitive, improvisational elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Whether performing as a solo guitarist or presenting transformative sound experiences, her work resonates with a broad audience. Her Harmonic Sound Immersion™ events, which she describes as a “horizontal concert,” leverage the healing vibrations of both ancient and modern instruments, offering participants a meditative and immersive experience.
Qureshi’s work has earned recognition from some of the most influential voices in the music industry. Her most recent albums, A Day On Venus (January 2024) and Zindagi (June 2024), have garnered critical acclaim. A Day On Venus won the Best New Age Instrumental Album from the Clouzine International Music Awards and Best Album Wild Card from One World Music Radio. Along with other releases like A Blueprint for Life (2023) and Within (2020), her music has consistently topped charts and been featured on major playlists.
Celebrated not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its therapeutic potential, Qureshi’s music is deeply influenced by her spiritual practices. As a Reiki Master, yogi, and student of Shamanism, she incorporates these elements into her compositions, creating soundscapes that offer a healing experience for listeners. This distinctive blend of technical skill and spiritual depth sets Qureshi apart from other artists in the ambient and new age genres.
In her early years, Qureshi pursued an education in psychology but soon realized her true passion lay in music. She began teaching herself guitar in her teens and formally studied classical guitar at the age of 20, earning Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and election to the music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda. These academic achievements laid the foundation for a career in which she mastered not only the guitar but also many other instruments, which she skillfully integrates into her compositions.
Qureshi’s impact on the music industry is further evidenced by her numerous nominations and awards from respected platforms like Zone Music Reporter, New Age Music Guide, Echoes Radio, New Age Notes Radio, One World Music Radio, and Clouzine. Her music has been featured on Sirius XM and various editorial playlists on Spotify and Pandora, reaching a wide audience and earning a place in the hearts of listeners around the world.
Photo Courtesy: Michelle Qureshi
Her discography reflects a journey of exploration and innovation. Albums like Scattering Stars (2016), which won Best Ambient Album from One World Music Radio and was listed among the top 50 albums of the year on the ZMR charts, demonstrate her ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and critically acclaimed. This album, along with others such as Seventh Wave (2017), Silver Chord (2018), Short Stories (2018), and Sage (2019), showcases Qureshi’s talent for crafting deeply immersive soundscapes that invite listeners to explore new dimensions of consciousness.
Photo Courtesy: Michelle Qureshi
Qureshi’s artistry is also supported by her role as an Artist Ambassador for several prestigious brands, including Stonebridge Guitars, Furch, LaBella Strings, Elite Acoustics, and Timberline Guitars. These endorsements highlight not only her skill as a musician but also her influence within the industry.
As Qureshi continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in music, her work stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of following one’s unique path. In a genre where artists are often expected to conform to specific styles, Qureshi’s refusal to “pick a lane” has allowed her to carve out a distinctive niche, earning her both critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
For those looking to explore the world of ambient and new age music, Michelle Qureshi offers a compelling and transformative experience, blending technical mastery with spiritual depth in a way that few other artists can. Her music is available on all major streaming platforms and can also be heard on Sirius XM and various radio programs around the world.
For more information, visit Michelle Qureshi’s official website and follow her on Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Published by: Martin De Juan
