Elshad Shikhaliyev was born on March 10, 1995,
in Gilazi village, Khizi district, Azerbaijan.
He graduated from Sumgayit Music College
and entered the Azerbaijan National Conservatory
in 2017 for his Bachelor’s studies.
In 2020, he won First Prize at an international
competition held in New York, USA.
In the same year, he also received First Prize
at international competitions in Kazakhstan
and Bashkortostan.
He was admitted to the Master’s program in 2021
and graduated in 2023.
Since 2022, he has been working as an accompanist
at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall.
He continues his active artistic career.

Bachelor’s Degree:
Azerbaijan National Conservatory
Major: Folk Instrument Performance (Balaban)
2017–2021

Master’s Degree:
Azerbaijan National Conservatory
Major: Folk Instrument Performance (Balaban)
2021–2023

Balaban Performance; Azerbaijani Folk Wind Instruments; Mugham Instrumental Practice; Improvisation Studies; Wind Instrument Pedagogy