Atlanta, Nov 26, 2012: The end of October is usually filled with pumpkins, candy and Halloween decorations. But instead of picking scary costumes, students at Studio! Music Academy picked songs to perform for the school’s 5-year-anniversary recital. Students at Studio! learn classical piano, voice and Bollywood piano. This year’s theme, “A Musical Journey,” showcased three segments: Classical Compositions, Voices and Vibes and Bollywood to Hollywood. More than 100 music enthusiasts graced the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Alpharetta on Sunday, October 28th for the piano/voice recital.

Founder/Director of Studio!, Archith Seshadri and Assistant Director/Piano Teacher, Ashwin Seshadri emceed the program that started promptly at 2 p.m. The afternoon began with a rendition of the Indian and American national anthems on the piano. Each student performed a classical piano repertoire ranging from Beethoven’s Ode to Joy to Burgmuller’s Arabesque. Other popular classics included Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer, Oh Suzannah, Auld Lang Syne, and even Vande Matram. Some students even composed their own songs for this section.

The next segment had students showcase their vocal ranges. Some of the kids performed popular Disney tunes from The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. One student even performed an Indian classical piece (Carnatic varnam) on the piano while singing the song, showcasing a true fusion of the two styles of music. Voices and Vibes ended with three chorus pieces where all the students sang Be Kind To Your Parents, Castle on a Cloud (Les Miserables) and Do Re Mi (Sound of Music).

The final segment of the recital showcased the transformation from East to West. Several senior students of the academy performed popular Bollywood tunes on the piano! The songs ranged from the latest films like Rockstar (Tum Ho) to yesteryear classics like Chura Liya. Some students even played Broadway classics in this segment including songs by The Beatles and The Sound of Music. Other popular songs from Tamil and Telugu movies also made this segment popular with the audience. This section concluded with a rendition of Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire.

The school’s teachers performed a surprise ensemble as the show reached a finale. The Seshadri brothers performed a piano/voice piece jamming to “Yesterday” by The Beatles. Archith Seshadri also dedicated a song to his mom with a soulful rendition of “The Prayer.”  One of Studio!’s newest teachers, Prateek Viswanathan, played Au Clair De La Lune and Ashwin Seshadri concluded the recital with his own composition and the song “Khuda Jaane” from Bachana Ae Haseeno.

The recital ended with each student receiving a musical trophy for their performances. WeSap served as the Gold sponsor for the recital. Eye Level of Duluth, DJ Jaz, Mehul Designs, Yagna Collections and Bhojanic served as Silver sponsors. Rajesh Jyotishi and Associates and The Rao Family served as Bronze sponsors.

“I’ve always been passionate about teaching and music. We started the school on accident after some parents asked us about teaching their kids. Now that it’s been 5 years, we can truly see the difference in the community. We’ve made so much progress over the past few years and are able to teach so many different styles of music to our students.  When our students’ create their own songs, and win competitions, it’s a gratifying feeling. I think the balance of having young teachers who have grown up with the American way of teaching, but are still embedded with their Indian roots makes Studio! unique. Now that we’ve come to our 5-year mark, we have some exciting ideas for the road ahead,” said Archith Seshadri.

“When the older students played Bollywood songs on the piano, the audience was really able to connect with it. It’s good to pass on what you know to the kids, and you're teaching them something they'll remember. It makes a positive impact on them and I feel like we're role models to the kids,” said Ashwin Seshadri.

“I am extraordinarily lucky to teach so many students at once, and was very proud to hear all of Studio!’s students. I figured that after years of learning piano, I could give back to the music community by teaching it. My favorite moment in teaching is just when my students figure out a concept,” said Prateek Viswanathan.

With an enrollment of 50 students in 5 years, students at Studio! not only learn different styles of music, but also learn music theory. This helps them read music, and write their songs. Students apply their music knowledge by completing research projects about composers, time periods, and world music. “Teaching students theory is important so that they know what they are playing instead of just memorizing songs. It helps them prepare to become better musicians. It also lays the groundwork for students wishing to qualify for the ABRSM exams. It’s a worldwide certification program where students can earn college credit,” said Archith Seshadri.

Studio! students have also performed at community and cultural programs including the Festival of India and Naach Fusion’s Dance Recital. Studio! is one of the only schools in Atlanta that offers Bollywood piano. “The structured curriculum, flexible schedule and goal-setting methodology really help our students and parents. Students not only learn music but they learn test taking skills, how to be organized, and how to develop stage presence. Parents are given periodic surveys for feedback and students are given exams and report cards to evaluate their progress,” said Archith Seshadri. 

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