Student Profile
Shayan Ramchandran
Shayan Ramchandran, voice student of Scott Ramsay
Q: Please describe your overall experience at New Music School.
A: It has been a very fun process with NMS. This being my very first voice lesson experience, it has been an amazing first experience and it is easy, exciting, and overall has opened many new doors for me as a singer and a performer.
As a parent, I echo Shayan's comments. We’ve appreciated many of the avenues offered by NMS for Shayan to perform and further hone his talent through recitals, juries and master classes, as well as the opportunity to perform in a public setting at the Tree lighting ceremony at 900 N. Michigan shops last year.
Q: Describe the best performance experience that you have participated in at New Music School and how that helped develop your musicianship.
A: The best performance I had with NMS was the second master class I participated in with Alexandra Silber. This one stuck in my memory, because my song choice was something I loved and something that sounded great with my voice. My teacher and I spent a lot of time on this song, and overall it was a fun experience to sing for a few of my peers. It also helped build my confidence to sing in front of more professional singers and to receive feedback from her on my performance.
Q: What type of life lessons have you gained through the discipline of studying music?
A: I have learned that it is alright to lean on others for help, how to take feedback and criticism about certain attributes of my voice and body, as well as how to use that feedback in order to enhance parts of my life in and out of singing.
Q: What kind of goals would you like to achieve through music?
A: I hope to become the best person I can be. I believe that music has the power to influence others that normal words simply cannot. I want to influence others and music is a fun, creative way to do that. I also hope to somehow repay those who have helped me throughout my life in any sort of way and using music to bring about enjoyment and joy in others.
Q: If you have participated in any community service performances, please describe your experience.
A: Around December of last year, I sang at a tree lighting ceremony at the 900 North Michigan building in Chicago that benefits Make a Wish Foundation. It was an awesome experience because I got to meet many new people and overcome my fear of singing at an organized public venue, in front of thousands of people. Overall, I loved every part of it, especially impressing those who came to watch me sing.
Q: What is your relationship with your teacher like?
A: The relationship I have with my teacher, Scott Ramsey, is more than a student to teacher relationship. He’s an amazing role model and there is a mutual respect for each other, which allows us to go back and forth in a carefree joking manner. No matter how many jabs we throw at each other, or jokes we make at each other’s expense, we still love and respect one another, and I am so grateful he has taught me all that he has, and if he is reading this, I wish him all the best and I thank him for being one of the best mentors I have ever had.
As a parent, I echo Shayan’s comments. Scott was a great find for us. He has helped to develop Shayan’s voice and confidence and served as a good role model for him. It has been great to see their chemistry and bonding and I can tell that Shayan truly enjoys his lessons with Scott and looks forward to them, because of their ability to joke and laugh with each other.
Q: How has your teacher/NMS prepared you for success outside of NMS?
A: Scott has prepared me, not only on a professional level, but also, has taught me important lessons on perseverance, control, and courage as a young singer. He’s opened many doors for me and has helped me through every audition, every tough song, and even some life problems. Overall, he has made my time at this program a heck of a lot better.