88 Keys to Cinema: A Musical Journey Through Movies: 17th- 18th February 2024

Studio Meraki celebrated the magic of film scores with 88 Keys to Cinema, a spectacular event showcasing our talented piano students. Over two memorable evenings, the performances brought together the enchantment of movies and the beauty of piano music, with a hall brimming with enthusiastic audiences on both days. 

Our students took us on a musical journey through:

• Disney classics like The Lion King and Aladdin

• Beloved musicals such as The Sound of Music and La La Land

• Iconic soundtracks including Jurassic Park and The Pink Panther

• Bollywood tunes like the evergreen Kal Ho Naa Ho

• Modern masterpieces such as Interstellar and Oppenheimer

The event culminated in a grand finale, taking the audience on a nostalgic trip with timeless hits from the Kapoor Family's rich filmography.

Adding to the charm, our students embraced their movie themes by dressing up as characters or in styles that reflected the music they played, making the evenings not just a musical delight but a visual treat as well.

88 Keys to Cinema was more than just a recital; it was a celebration of music, movies, and memories—truly a fun-filled experience for everyone involved!

Watch the trailers for the recitals here: 

Watch the recitals here:

Day 1: https://youtu.be/OvU2CRmOPCQ

Day 2: https://youtu.be/Ii_qbOLE9LE

Sharp Minds and Flat Notes: A Month of Musical Challenges: July-August 2024

One of the most exciting events of the year at Studio Meraki was our Team Competition, a month-long musical challenge that brought students together in a fun and engaging way.

Students were divided into teams and earned points through a variety of activities that encouraged consistent practice, musical exploration, and performance. These activities included:

• Daily practice streaks

• Watching and analyzing music-related videos

• Transcribing songs by ear

• Performing for a live audience

After weeks of dedication and teamwork, the competition was all set for an exciting live final round. However, due to unexpected heavy rains and an official advisory to stay indoors, the in-person event had to be swiftly transitioned online. Despite the last-minute change, the live virtual finals were a resounding success, with students adapting effortlessly and showcasing their skills through impressive performances and engaging rounds of music theory and aural skills.

Rianna’s Brilliante Performance: A Proud Moment for Studio Meraki: September 2025

We are incredibly proud of our student Rianna Shah, who participated in the prestigious Brilliante Piano Prodigy Competition in Bengaluru on 28th and 29th September 2024. This national-level event showcased the finest young pianists from across the country, exclusively for musicians aged 10 and under.

Rianna’s dedication and talent earned her a spot as one of the six finalists invited to perform in Bengaluru—the only finalist selected from Maharashtra. While she didn’t take home the top prize, she delivered a stellar performance, impressing both the judges and the audience with her musicality and poise.

Beyond the competition, Rianna had an enriching experience, engaging with fellow young musicians, attending insightful workshops and masterclasses, and gaining valuable exposure in a high-level musical environment.

The distinguished jury for the competition included:

• Neecia Majolly – Founder and Trustee of the Majolly Music Trust

• Shantanu Patel – MMus in Piano Performance and Conducting, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

• Anjli Mata – Head of Academic Support Team, Trinity College London

Rianna’s journey at Brilliante reflects not just her hard work and passion but also Studio Meraki’s commitment to nurturing young talent and preparing them for excellence on national and international platforms. Congratulations, Rianna! We can't wait to see what’s next for you.

Exam Results: 2025

Name	Examination	Marks
Nandita Menon	Theory Grade 4	95	Distinction
Sanjana Gannavarapu	Theory Grade 2	92	Distinction
Sidesh VijayaMurugan	Grade 3 Digital	90	Distinction
Kimaya Shah	Grade 2 Digital	96	Distinction
Mokshada Shah	Grade Initial Digital	95	Distinction
Armaan Shroff	Grade Initial Digital	92	Distinction
Shanaya Agarwal	Grade Initial Digital	90	Distinction
Nishkka Shah	Grade Initial Digital	89	Distinction
Amaaya Shetty	Grade Initial Digital	88	Distinction
Aaria Pundole	Grade Initial Digital	87	Distinction
Tiana Pundole	Grade Initial Digital	85	Merit
Anika Khapre	Grade Initial Digital	84	Merit

Studio Report: Webinar on Music Exams: November 2024

Studio Meraki senior teachers, Sonam Lodhi, Rohan Sigamany and Ajey Deshpande conducted a webinar on Music Exams for parents and students, with the objective of providing clarity on the role of examinations within a student’s musical education.

The session underscored that while music exams can serve as a valuable tool in fostering discipline, critical thinking, and performance skills, they should not be regarded as the sole indicator of musical progress. Emphasis was placed on adopting a repertoire-rich approach to learning, ensuring that students explore music beyond the prescribed syllabus.

Discussions also addressed challenges associated with examinations, including performance pressure, subjectivity in assessment, and financial considerations. The importance of balanced preparation, coupled with ample opportunities for recitals and performances, was highlighted as a means to sustain student motivation and engagement.

The webinar further stressed the need for collaborative decision-making among teachers, students, and parents when determining exam readiness. External assessments were also identified as a constructive means of providing objective feedback and validation.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, which enabled participants to seek clarification and gain a comprehensive understanding of the place of music examinations within long-term musical development.

Teachers' Workshop: Learning, Sharing, and Growing Together

At Studio Meraki, we believe that great teachers never stop learning. This year, we hosted a Teachers’ Workshop for both new and experienced faculty members, providing a platform for professional growth, collaboration, and fresh perspectives on music education.

The workshop featured short sessions led by our own staff, covering a wide range of essential topics, including:

• Teaching young beginners (ages 5-8) – strategies to engage and inspire early learners.

• Effective online teaching – best practices for maintaining engagement and progress in virtual lessons.

• Communication skills – fostering strong teacher-student-parent relationships.

• Preparing students for exams and recitals – ensuring confidence and readiness.

• Short-term and long-term goal setting – guiding students on their musical journey.

• Teaching by ear, improvisation, and incorporating games – making piano lessons more interactive and creative.

The entire teaching staff actively participated, sharing insights, discussing challenges, and exchanging innovative ideas. This collaborative learning experience reinforced our commitment to delivering high-quality, dynamic, and student-centered music education.

Masterclass with Marouan Benabdallah: A Day of Musical Inspiration: 11th April, 2024

Studio Meraki had the immense pleasure of hosting a captivating piano masterclass with the internationally renowned Moroccan pianist, Marouan Benabdallah. This special event was an extraordinary learning opportunity for our students, who performed and received expert guidance from a pianist celebrated for his artistry and deep musical insights.

Students showcased their skills through a diverse repertoire, featuring works by Brahms, Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy, and even their own original compositions. Each performance was met with invaluable feedback, helping students refine their interpretation, technique, and expression under the mentorship of Maestro Benabdallah.

About Marouan Benabdallah

Not yet forty-two, Marouan Benabdallah is widely regarded as Morocco’s foremost piano talent, with a musical lineage deeply rooted in the Hungarian tradition. His illustrious career includes triumphs at international competitions and performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall (New York) and the Forbidden City Concert Hall (Beijing).

Beyond his concert career, Marouan is dedicated to reviving and promoting classical music from the Arab world through his groundbreaking initiative, the Arabæsque Music Project. His commitment to cultural enrichment and artistic diversity made his presence at Studio Meraki even more special.

Performers at the Workshop

• Sean Noel

• Nakul Jogdeo

• Vishwesh Majali

This masterclass was an inspiring experience, offering students and faculty alike a glimpse into the artistry, discipline, and passion that define world-class musicianship. We are truly grateful to Marouan Benabdallah for sharing his time and expertise with us, leaving behind a lasting impact on our musical community.

Masterclass with Mark Troop: A Transformative Learning Experience: September 2024

Studio Meraki students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a two-day masterclass with the distinguished British pianist and educator, Mark Troop, on 15th and 16th September 2024. Hosted by Gunjarav School of Music, this event provided a unique platform for young musicians to refine their craft under the guidance of a world-class mentor.

Throughout the masterclass, participants engaged in intensive one-on-one sessions, receiving expert feedback on interpretation, technique, and musical expression. Mark Troop’s vast experience and insightful approach allowed students to explore new perspectives in performance and artistry, making it a truly enriching experience.

Studio Meraki Participants

• Nidhi Puri

• Mohak Shamani

• Alina Mirchandani

• Vishwesh Majali

This masterclass was not just a learning experience but also a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow musicians, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration from a maestro dedicated to music education. Congratulations to all our students for their dedication and hard work!

About Mark Troop

Mark Troop is a pianist, broadcaster, and writer, best known as the founder of The Chamber Music Company (CMC), dedicated to innovative performances. He has performed at major festivals, co-founded the CMC Summer Solstice, and led British Council tours across India, Spain, and Latin America.

His work includes a BBC Radio 3 series on Latin American music and the creation of festivals like The Latin American Roadshow and CMC Rare Music Series. A former Guildhall School of Music faculty member, he continues to teach at Dartington International Summer School and St. Paul’s Boys’ School.

Studio Meraki’s Musical Tribute to Amaltash: March 2024

Studio Meraki was honored to collaborate with the music team of the Marathi film Amaltash to perform select background scores as part of the movie’s promotion. Our piano students and teachers beautifully interpreted the film’s compositions, a tribute that was warmly received and appreciated by the cast and crew.

About Amaltash

Released in 2024, Amaltash is an Indian Marathi-language musical drama directed by Suhas Desale, with a screenplay co-written by Mayuresh Wagh. Starring Rahul Deshpande, Pallavi Paranjape, Deepti Mate, Pratibha Padhye, and Trisha Kunte, the film explores the deep connection between music and life, making this collaboration particularly special. The background score, composed by Amol Dhadphale, plays a pivotal role in shaping the film’s emotional landscape.

Performers from Studio Meraki

• Sonam Lodhi

• Ajey Deshpande

• Samyra Bilimoria

• Rianna Shah

Adding to the experience, Sonam Lodhi and Ajey Deshpande were invited to a special screening of the film, where they had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Amaltash team.

This collaboration was a wonderful experience for our students and faculty, bridging the world of cinema and live piano performance, and celebrating the power of music in storytelling.

Watch the videos on our Youtube channel and Instagram page.

Piano Queens: Women Who Shaped Piano History: March 2024

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Studio Meraki launched the Piano Queens Challenge, an interactive learning experience designed to highlight the remarkable female composers who have shaped piano history. Throughout March 2025, participants explored the lives, music, and legacies of extraordinary women composers, uncovering their contributions to the world of classical music. Each day, they received insightful biographies, key historical facts, and listening selections, accessed through QR codes, allowing them to immerse themselves in the music of these trailblazing artists. An interactive timeline helped participants understand the composers' place in history, while a dedicated WhatsApp group encouraged discussions and deeper engagement. To complete the challenge, students reflected on the daily pieces through a Google Form, sharing their thoughts and interpretations. Those who successfully finished by April 15th received certificates of completion, presented at our next recital.

Women composers have often been overlooked in classical music history, and this initiative provided an opportunity to celebrate their invaluable contributions. The challenge inspired students to appreciate the diversity of musical expression and recognize the role of women in shaping piano history. Congratulations to our winners – Alina Mirchandani, Sera Bilimoria, and Samyra Bilimoria – for their dedication and achievement!

Snapshots in Sound – A Musical Journey Through Memories: 30th July 2023

On 30th July 2023, Studio Meraki hosted Snapshots in Sound, a unique piano recital celebrating the original compositions of our students. Each participant selected a photograph with personal significance and used it as inspiration to compose a piano piece, translating emotions and memories into music. Some students chose to write about pets, family vacations, siblings, family members, nature, abstract images, and travel experiences, while others captured more personal and intimate moments in their compositions. The result was a heartfelt evening of storytelling through sound, where each performance painted a vivid musical picture of the moments that mattered most to them.

To commemorate this special event, we later published a book featuring the students' original compositions alongside their chosen photographs, making them officially published composers. This project not only nurtured their creativity but also gave them a tangible keepsake of their artistic journey, reinforcing the power of music as a form of personal expression.

Watch the recital videos here: 

Batch 1: https://youtu.be/HqPyvqS3kc8

Batch 2: https://youtu.be/Zh1wTFHO_uo

Halloween – A Spooky Musical Celebration: October 2023

Studio Meraki embraced the Halloween spirit with a spine-chilling musical celebration, where students dressed up in creative costumes and performed spooky tunes to set the eerie mood. Adding to the festive atmosphere, students decorated their pianos and brought their performances to life with dramatic scripts inspired by Annabelle, ghost recitals, crawling spiders, and witches, making it a truly immersive experience.

The excitement continued as our teachers—Ajey Deshpande, Rohan Sigamany, and Sonam Lodhi—delivered a thrilling mash-up performance of the Addams Family theme combined with the haunting Bollywood classic "Ami Je Tomar" from Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

Performers:

Rianna Shah, Kimaya Shah, Shanaya Agarwal, Simran Dhoka, Kiyaan Bilimoria, Samyra Bilimoria, Kashish Jain, and Sarah Jain.

The performances were featured on our social media pages, allowing a wider audience to experience the magic of Halloween at Studio Meraki. With music, storytelling, and creativity coming together, Halloween 2023 was a spellbinding night to remember! 

Studio Meraki’s Internship Program

At Studio Meraki, we believe in nurturing not just musical talent but also leadership and teaching skills. Our internship program offers senior students the opportunity to assist our faculty in teaching, gaining hands-on experience in music education. Through this initiative, interns develop essential skills such as communication, lesson planning, and student engagement, preparing them for future roles in music or education.

The minimum duration of the internship is one month, and upon successful completion, participants receive recommendation letters, adding value to their profiles and portfolios. These credentials can significantly strengthen college applications and career opportunities, making this program a valuable stepping stone for students looking to broaden their musical and professional horizons.

Senior students Aarmita, Alina, and Akanksha successfully completed their internships with us, gaining valuable teaching experience and contributing to our music programs.

Book-End Recitals – Celebrating Milestones in Music

At Studio Meraki, we believe in celebrating every step of a student’s musical journey. Our Book-End Recitals mark the completion of a piano book, giving students a chance to showcase their progress in an intimate private recital for their family and loved ones. They perform their favorite pieces from the book, with the option for their audience to join online as well, making it a special and inclusive experience.

These recitals not only boost confidence but also help students refine their performance skills in a supportive setting. At the end of their recital, each student is awarded a certificate, recognizing their dedication and hard work.

Building a Community of Concert-Goers

At Studio Meraki, we have cultivated a community of students who share a passion for live music. Many of them regularly attend concerts at Mazda Hall, organized by the Poona Music Society, where renowned artists from around the world come to perform.

We actively encourage our students to attend these concerts and engage with the musicians, giving them exposure to world-class performances and an opportunity to gain insight into the world of professional music. These experiences broaden their musical horizons, inspire their own playing, and deepen their appreciation for live performances.