He later studied under Taj Esfahani, one of Iran’s most respected vocalists, mastering the Homayoun and Segah dastgahs—two of the fundamental modal systems in Persian classical music. To refine his knowledge further, he attended classes with Mahmoud Karimi and Esmaeil Mehrtash, two leading figures in the preservation and teaching of traditional Iranian music.
By the late 1950s, Aghili was already performing on Isfahan Radio, showcasing his ability to handle the delicate intricacies of classical Persian music while appealing to the tastes of the broader public.
The Beginnings of a Professional Career
Houshmand Aghili officially began his professional career in 1955. His debut song, “Saqinamah”, was composed by Esmaeil Mehrtash. The song immediately established him as a promising young voice capable of carrying the weight of Iran’s deep musical heritage.
The late 1950s and early 1960s were transformative years for Iran’s musical landscape. With the growth of Iranian National Radio and later the introduction of television, a new generation of singers gained national fame. Aghili was among them, regularly invited to perform on radio programs and later at the opening ceremony of Iranian Television, where he shared the stage with luminaries such as Morteza Hananeh and Hossein Ghavami.
