Honorific title (derived from Arabic ustādh: ‘master’) for a Muslim master musician in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and neighbouring regions. The term is applied only to males, and is also used for a highly regarded teacher, writer, poet or visual artist. To be called an ustād implies that one has studied over a long period of time and that one has a circle of students. The title Ustād, preceding the musician's name (e.g. Ustād Salāmat Ali Khān), is used within classical music genres. It may be awarded by an official committee or may come into gradual use, applied generally and informally through social consensus. In eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan ustāz is an alternative form. In western Afghanistan the title Ustā (preceding the name, e.g. Ustā Karīm) is applied to low status players of the shawm (sornā) and drum (dohol) duo.
JOHN BAILY