- Sasensky School of Piano Managing Director Shashikala De Silva on the piano recital taking place today (15)
Sasensky School of Piano stands as a beacon of excellence, dedicated to nurturing the artistry of budding pianists. At its helm is Shashikala De Silva, a seasoned musician whose journey is as inspiring as the institution itself. From initiating piano education at the tender age of four to earning accolades such as Associate of Trinity College London and CIMA passed finalist, her musical odyssey spans over 16 years of teaching experience.
Beyond the realms of traditional education, her foray into the corporate world was a brief interlude, for her true calling beckoned from an unexpected source – teaching piano to her neighbours’ children. This serendipitous pastime not only brought immense joy but also sparked a realisation: a passion for music could be shared, fostering community and connection.
In her words: “Music is a powerful form of self-expression, and the piano, with its timeless elegance, provides an ideal medium for individuals to explore their creativity and to connect with the world of music.” Driven by a deep love for music and the piano, she embarked on a mission to share this passion, guiding others to discover the joy of playing and achieving their musical aspirations.
The profound satisfaction derived from witnessing her students’ progress and being part of their musical journey fuelled her commitment to making a positive impact on lives through piano education. Recognising a community need for quality piano instruction, she undertook the bold step of establishing Sasensky School of Piano – an institution where individuals of all ages and backgrounds converge to learn, grow, and embrace the transformative power of music.
The Sasensky School of Piano is holding Best of the Best, a recital celebrating its talented students, today (15) at the BMICH. In conversation with The Daily Morning, De Silva spoke about the significance of the event as well as the high notes of piano education and the changing landscape of music education in Sri Lanka.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
Can you share some unique aspects of the teaching methods employed at Sasensky School of Piano that have contributed to its reputation as one of the best piano schools in Sri Lanka?
Our school, I believe, is the only school dedicated for piano education as we do not teach any other instruments. This makes us very focused on giving the best to our students. Some key highlights of our piano school include:
Expert teachers: Our teachers are accomplished pianists with extensive teaching experience. They are dedicated to guiding students on their musical journey, whether they are beginners or advanced pianists looking to refine their skills.
Individualised curriculum: We understand that every student is unique, and our curriculum is tailored to meet the specific goals and aspirations of each student. From classical to contemporary, our students have the flexibility to explore a wide range of musical styles. Students also have the opportunity to sit for graded exams such as from Trinity College London.
Focus on technique and expression: We strongly emphasise technical proficiency which ensures that students can navigate a wide range of musical challenges. We also encourage students to develop their unique artistic expression fostering creativity and a deeper connection with music.
Networking opportunities: We try connecting students with professionals in the music industry, which can open doors for future opportunities.
Continuous assessment and goal setting: We engage in periodic assessments that help students track their progress and identify areas for improvement and help students to set and work towards musical goals which ensures a sense of purpose and motivation.
Integration of technology: We have been utilising technology for virtual lessons. As such, we are among the pioneers in the country to go online. We have a strong online presence.
Performance opportunities: We believe that performing in front of an audience is a vital aspect of musical growth. Our school hosts regular recitals and competitions, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents and build confidence.
Well-equipped facilities: Sasensky School of Piano boasts a safe environment, well-maintained practice rooms, and performance spaces, creating an environment conducive to learning and artistic development.
Community and networking: We foster a sense of community among our students, connecting them with fellow pianists and music enthusiasts. This network not only enhances the learning experience but also provides opportunities for collaboration and friendship.
Our exam results speak for itself: We have a high rate of distinctions in local and international exams which speaks volumes in terms of our teaching ability, focused approach, and our drive to achieve the best for our students.
As a Trinity College London approved teaching centre, what advantages does this accreditation bring to the school and its students in terms of piano education and recognition?
Being a Trinity College London approved teaching centre for piano education brings several advantages to both the school and its students such as quality assurance, global recognition, comprehensive curriculum, and diverse repertoire as the curriculum includes a diverse range of musical styles and genres. Parents, students, and the wider community view the school as a reputable institution for music education.
Over its 16 years of existence, how has Sasensky School of Piano evolved and adapted to the changing landscape of music education in Sri Lanka?
It certainly hasn’t been an easy journey. We have had our share of ups and downs. However, I am proud of what we have achieved so far. Sasensky School of Piano has a remarkable history that dates back to its founding in 2011. Established by myself, our school was built upon a deep love for music and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of piano education.
From its inception, Sasensky School of Piano has consistently strived to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for pianists of all ages and skill levels. Sasensky’s commitment to musical excellence, passion for teaching, and dedication to each student’s artistic growth laid the foundation for our school’s enduring success. Throughout the decades, our school has had the privilege of guiding numerous students on their musical journeys, many of whom have gone on to become accomplished pianists, composers, and music educators themselves. The legacy of Sasensky School of Piano is deeply intertwined with the achievements and contributions of our alumni, and we take great pride in their impact on the world of music. In keeping with my vision, we have continually adapted to the changing landscape of music education, blending time-honoured traditions with innovative teaching techniques to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience. As we move forward, the school remains dedicated to our core values, ensuring that students receive the highest level of piano education and artistic guidance.
From our humble beginnings, we are now 200+ students strong. We have a strong online presence too where students from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates join us for online lessons. We are among the pioneers, if not the first, music school to adopt online teaching with the onset of the pandemic. We are present in three locations: Mirihana, Colombo 6, and Pelawatte. Plans are underway to open the fourth teaching centre very soon.
We have produced many all-island prize winners year-on-year at Trinity College London exams. We have a high rate of distinctions – more than 90% of our students achieve distinctions at our local and international exams. As we move forward, we remain true to our founding principles while embracing innovation and contemporary educational approaches to continue fostering the next generation of pianists.
With a track record of producing all-island prize winners at Trinity College London exams, what sets your approach apart in preparing students for these prestigious examinations?
We recognise that each student is unique, with individual strengths and areas for improvement. Our teachers tailor learning paths to address the specific needs and goals of each student, ensuring a personalised and effective preparation process. Rather than focusing solely on exam requirements, our approach emphasises holistic skill development. We strive to cultivate well-rounded musicians by incorporating elements of technique, musicality, theory, and performance into our curriculum.
We place a strong emphasis on exposing students to a diverse range of musical styles and periods. This not only enriches their musical appreciation but also ensures they are well-prepared to excel in the varied repertoire requirements of Trinity exams. We understand the importance of performance confidence in exam settings. Our teaching methodology includes regular performance opportunities, both formal and informal, to help students build confidence, manage nerves, and deliver their best in the exam room.
Our approach covers all aspects of the Trinity exam, including technical exercises, aural skills, sight-reading, and interview components. This includes interpretation, expression, and an understanding of the historical and cultural context of the pieces students are performing.
We conduct regular progress assessments to track each student’s development. This helps us identify areas that may need additional focus and allows us to provide constructive feedback to guide further improvement. We foster a collaborative learning environment, which enhances the overall musical experience and promotes a supportive community.
Our teachers undergo continuous professional development, staying abreast of the latest teaching methodologies and examination requirements set by Trinity College London. This ensures that our teaching approach remains current and effective.
How does Sasensky School of Piano foster a sense of community among its students, and what role does this community play in their musical journey?
At Sasensky School of Piano, fostering a sense of community is integral to our philosophy, and it plays a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the musical journey of our students. We cultivate a strong sense of community and it impacts our students by actively promoting a collaborative learning environment where students engage with each other, share their musical experiences, and support one another.
We have regular group activities, such as ensemble performances, music games, and recitals which provide students with opportunities to collaborate and showcase their talents. We encourage the development of peer support networks. The senior students are often given responsibilities to check over exam papers, practice sessions, and musical projects together.
The school actively participates in community engagement projects, such as charitable initiatives and musical events.
We actively involve parents in the musical journey of their children. Parental support is crucial, and by fostering a sense of community that includes parents, we create a holistic support system for our students. We also maintain connections with our alumni, involving them in events and initiatives.
Can you elaborate on the significance of the annual piano recital today (15), and what makes this event a standout experience for both the performers and the audience?
We are gearing up for Best of the Best 2023, a recital that will celebrate our talented students. The event will take place at 6 p.m. today at Kamatha Hall, BMICH.
As we approach the end of the year, our young pianists are eagerly preparing to take centre stage and share their musical achievements with their families and friends. The event’s primary goals are to inspire our next generation of talent, instil confidence, and to provide the students with a fantastic platform to showcase their skills in front of an audience. The recital promises to be a musical extravaganza that will showcase the exceptional talents of our piano students.
I also appreciate our sponsors and well wishers for believing in the power of the arts and the positive impact it can have on our community. Their support has not only helped make this recital possible, but has also contributed to the cultural enrichment of our society.
While there is nothing special about the date of this performance, or any other reason in particular, I see many benefits of conducting regular recitals.
Looking ahead, what are the future aspirations and goals for Sasensky School of Piano, and how do you envision the school’s role in shaping the musical landscape of Sri Lanka?
We have ambitious plans for the upcoming year where we are committed to pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and making a lasting impact in the lives of our students. We have a calendar full of activities such as piano games, recitals, music festivals, and community projects, to name a few. Additionally, we’re excited to announce the introduction of the Trinity College London Rock and Pop curriculum. This initiative aims to provide our students with the chance to play their favourite music, featuring an extensive selection of hit songs.
With a team of highly qualified and passionate piano teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum designed to meet the needs of students at all levels, our school provides a comprehensive and enriching piano education. We are excited to welcome students of all ages and skill levels who are eager to embark on their musical journey or take their existing skills to the next level. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced pianist, Sasensky School of Piano is committed to helping you reach your musical aspirations.