Born just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ali Yazdanfar began his study of the double bass at age 7, later studying with Boris Blumenkrantz. He attended The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, earning a B.A. in physics in 1996, as well as Phi Beta Kappa distinction, the Kerr Memorial Prize for physics, and the Louis Sudler Prize for artistic achievement. While studying, he also had the chance to pursue performance opportunities at the Peabody Conservatory, where he studied privately with Paul Johnson. Further studies were with Paul Ellison, Hal Robinson, and François Rabbath.

Formerly a member of the Houston Symphony and principal bass of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Ali Yazdanfar is now a member of the National Symphony Orchestra. He also has appeared as principal bass with the orchestras of San Francisco and the National Arts Center in Ottawa.

In addition to having given recitals in Washington, Baltimore and Houston, Mr. Yazdanfar was a finalist in the 1997 International Society of Bassists solo competition. He has given master classes at McGill University, the Universite de Montreal, and the Curtis Institute of Music. He also teaches privately in the local area and during the summer at the Domaine Forget Music Academy in Quebec.