Despite his interest in the Oud at a young age, it was not until Hasan went abroad in pursuit of higher education that he felt a need to play it. Hasan links this need to a sense of urgency in rediscovering his heritage and identity. Hasan moved to Tokyo after reiciving a scholarship from the Japanese government in 2005, where he collaborated with a number of artists, and gave performances that included fusing the Oud with Shakuhachi, Austrian Zither, Santur, Koto and Experimental Guitar.