Arif has been playing the violin since 7 years old and started learning the viola at age 13 after completing his Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) violin graded exams and was accepted into the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO). There, he led the viola section as Principal Violist and played in numerous concerts, some with world renowned musicians such asTeddJoselson and Dick Lee. He was also the Principal Violist in the Hwa Chong Junior College String Ensemble (HCJSE) which achieved the highest accolade of Gold Award at the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging competitions. He performed as a soloist in the 2003 HCJSE charity concert and went on to perform for important dignitaries including the ambassadors of Thailand and the President of Singapore during his national service where he was a key member of the Singapore Armed Forces music and drama company.
Arif is currently pursuing a Diploma in Viola Performance (ABRSM) and is also an active member of various established orchestras and chamber groups in Singapore such as theNational University of Singapore Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO) and New Festival Orchestra (NFO). He has also played with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Darrell Ang. A member of ThePhilharmonic Orchestra (TPO) led by Maestro Lim Yau, his performances with them this year include "Viva Verdi!" and “The Barber of Seville” with the Singapore Lyric Opera at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Aside from playing in orchestras, Arif also performs regularly in small chamber groups and at weddings or company functions. He currently teaches violin and viola privately and in various music schools.