As the notes of Träumerei (No. 7 from Kinderszenen Op.15) by Robert Schumann reverberated through Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim, the calm and poised posture of Carolyn Nunes undermined her emotions. A student of Kala Academy’s Department of Western Music since 2000, this was her final public performance after completing the entire course of pianoforte.
A resident of Panjim, Carolyn is the daughter of Eurico Erasmo Nunes and Vera Nunes, and the younger sister to Crispino and elder sister to Cavin. She completed her graduation in Commerce from Dempo College of Commerce, Altinho while pursuing her education in music. However, her first love has always been music.
“My parents had a great influence on me in pursuing music. My father used to give me to listen to songs as a child with big headphones and his Walkman and as I grew a little older, I saw my brother playing the guitar. I was eight years old when my mother enrolled me for piano classes at Kala Academy in 2000. I was studied eight grades of classical guitar at Kala Academy but the piano was the first instrument I ever played,” says the young pianist.
Carolyn completed the entire course of pianoforte of 13 years and received the certificate of completion of the graduate level course in pianoforte, which is equivalent to a Licentiate Diploma in music. In order to complete this level, the student, besides fulfilling the requirements of solfeggio and musicology, has to give a public performance of one of the important works, and write a dissertation on a relevant topic. Carolyn wrote her dissertation on ‘Franz Liszt – A study of his life and significant works’.
The classical guitar teacher who guided her in her grade 8 exam was Glenlord Rodrigues in 2017 and Pearl Viegas was her last piano teacher at the 53-year-old institute, which is now headed by director, Fr Romeo Monteiro.
“Fr Romeo was very cordial and guided me in my course since he took over as the director of Kala Academy. Most importantly, I owed so many years of my musical journey to my piano teacher, Pearl. I have literally grown up with her surrounded by music. Kala Academy was my second home for the last 23 years. Many students who joined with me, discontinued their classes when they were in Class 10 in school. But I dedicated my heart, mind and soul to music,” says Carolyn, who plays the keyboard, guitar, ukulele and even drums.
She currently runs her own music school in Caranzalem, Carolyn Music School, where even a three-year-old can begin their musical education. In February, her students performed 31 instrumental pieces at the concert at Maquinez Palace. Besides teaching a variety of instruments, she also offers online courses for her students in Belgium, UK and Portugal. “I have been running the school for ten years and I love being busy. I feel at peace when I’m busy,” says Carolyn, who is also a performer, ballroom dance tutor, and a Radio Jockey for All India Radio Panjim for an English breakfast show and a Portuguese show on Saturdays.
Why does she feel more connected to the piano? “I can feel the music, as it is not just my fingers but my whole self that gets immersed in the music and I feel relaxed. There are a lot of emotions that go into playing the piano,” explains Carolyn.
The solo piece that Carolyn played for her final performances is also very special and associated with her childhood memories. “Since I was a small child, I loved the music that played for the Raymond Suits ads and I always wanted to play this song for a performance. When I had to give the title of the one piece that I would be playing for this concert, I informed my teacher about the song. I would love to leave the institution with this piece,” concludes Carolyn.