Encouraged by his father, Aghili began formal music training. His first major mentor was Taj Esfahani, one of the most celebrated vocalists of Persian traditional music. Taj Esfahani’s mastery of the radif (the classical repertoire of Persian music) and his ability to deliver pieces with subtle emotional nuance left a lasting imprint on Aghili. From him, Aghili learned the Homayoun and Segah modes, two of the most expressive and complex dastgahs (modal systems) in Persian classical music.
Later, he attended courses with Mahmoud Karimi, a great master of Persian vocal tradition, and Esmaeil Mehrtash, a composer and mentor who emphasized creativity within the classical framework. These experiences not only honed Aghili’s vocal technique but also gave him a profound understanding of Persian musical philosophy, which views music not just as entertainment but as a pathway to spiritual and emotional depth.
By the time he began to perform on Isfahan Radio, Aghili had developed a style that was both deeply traditional and uniquely his own. He combined technical precision with a warm, resonant voice that carried emotional weight.
