How blind musician Azhar mastered an instrument he has never seen

Jul 23, 2026

Azhar Zulkifli – better known as Azhar Seruling Emas – taught himself to play the traditional flute entirely by ear, a talent that eventually took him to perform in Beijing. (Bernama pic)

PASIR PUTEH

Yet within days, he had taught himself to produce its hauntingly beautiful notes.

That determination would eventually take the 40-year-old, better known as Azhar Seruling Emas, all the way to Beijing, China, where he performed on the international stage about a decade ago.

Looking back, Azhar describes the experience as one of the proudest moments of his life.

His musical journey began unexpectedly after actor Sabri Yunos invited him to join Astro’s comedy programme “Karoot Komedia”.

“At that time, I had never played the seruling and did not even know what the instrument looked like,” he told Bernama.

“But I saw the offer as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.”

Azhar underwent intensive training from 8am to 7pm each day. After just one day of practice, he managed to coax his first notes from the instrument.

Rather than relying on sheet music or watching other musicians, he learnt entirely by ear.

“Others can see musical notes or observe finger techniques, but I relied completely on my hearing. I listened repeatedly before trying to reproduce the sounds until I became skilled at it.”

Remarkably, within about a week, he had mastered the basics. Today, Azhar plays both the six- and seven-petik seruling, each of which produces its own distinctive tones.

Azhar shares his knowledge of the seruling with his nephew, continuing his efforts to keep the traditional instrument alive. (Bernama pic)

He particularly enjoys performing classics such as “Ulek Mayang”, “Gadis dan Bunga”, “Al Baladi” and “Ya Habibi”. Patriotic songs remain the most challenging because of their intricate changes in key and tempo.

Additionally, for Azhar, the seruling offers more than music. “The sound is soothing. It brings calm and comfort whenever I play,” he said.

His journey has since led him to performances across the country and abroad, proving that visual impairment has never limited his ambitions.

Beyond performing, Azhar – who receives RM450 monthly assistance from the social welfare department – hopes to ensure the seruling remains relevant for future generations.

To that end, he is currently teaching the instrument to his 22-year-old nephew, Aidil Ashraf Azizi, in the hope that Aidil will continue the tradition.

“I am always willing to teach anyone who wants to learn,” Azhar added.

Away from the stage, Azhar has also explored songwriting. He composed “Membiru Langit Terbentang” about 11 years ago – another reminder that passion and perseverance can overcome even the greatest obstacles.