By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | December 13, 2025
On December 27, 2025, Harmony Chorale will perform 'Echoes of Time' at the Tata Theatre, NCPA—an annual concert that marks fifteen years of teaching, mentoring, and community-building.
For Shaila Saldanha, the venue holds a deep personal meaning. As an eighteen-year-old, she once sat in that very theatre, quietly telling herself, “One day, I will perform here.”
Shaila Saldanha: A Quiet Promise at Tata Theatre
At eighteen, sitting inside the Tata Theatre at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Shaila Saldanha watched a performance and made a quiet promise to herself: “One day, I will perform here too.” At the time, it felt more like a private thought than a plan. Music had already been part of her life for as long as she could remember, but the idea of standing on that prestigious stage seemed distant, almost improbable.
Music, however, was never an ambition she chased—it was the environment she grew up in. From the time she could speak, it shaped her everyday world. Much of this foundation came from her parents.
Her father, Sylvester Saldanha, though never formally trained, possessed an uncanny musical instinct. He could pick up any instrument, find the scale, and play it. Born in a time when talent often went unsupported due to financial limitations, he carried his unfulfilled musical dreams and made sure his daughter never lacked the resources. Her mother, Sophia, equally steady, provided quiet support, sitting through practices and performances.
Learning Discipline, One Note at a Time
By the age of two, Shaila had already won her first singing competition. At four, she was introduced to the ukulele, and by 10, to the violin. Under the guidance of violin teacher Alex D’Costa, who travelled from Wadala to Mulund to teach her, she learned not just how to play, but how to understand the intricacies of music. When those lessons stopped due to circumstances beyond her control, the violin was set aside. The music, however, never stopped.
College years saw Shaila step naturally into leadership. She began a children’s choir at St. Pius Church, soon followed by a youth choir. What started modestly slowly grew into something larger—Harmony Chorale. The name, logo, and spirit were shaped collectively, reflecting the very idea it stood for: A rhythm for all ages. In 2002, the group released its first Christmas album, A Ray of Hope, entirely self-funded and driven by belief rather than resources.
Fifteen Years, Hundreds of Voices, One Stage
Life, however, does not move in straight lines. In 2005, Shaila stepped back from music to focus on family. But music has a way of waiting. In 2009, a simple suggestion from a friend (asking her to teach vocals to children) sparked a return. What began as one class at home quickly grew into something far more structured. By 2010, teaching had become her full focus.
A year later, a friend asked her to teach his daughter the violin. Shaila hesitated. She hadn’t touched the instrument in years and knew she was rusty. He insisted. What began with one student turned into twelve within two months. Muscle memory, it turned out, is a powerful thing. It all came back.
Since then, Shaila has trained hundreds of students in vocals and violin. Ages range from kindergarten children to seniors in their seventies. Some arrive confident, others unsure. Some are gifted, others simply willing. Her belief is uncomplicated: dedication matters more than talent. Over the years, students have grown not only as musicians but as performers. Learning confidence, teamwork, and the courage to stand on stage.
Opening Doorz, in conversation with Shaila Saldanha (53): Violinist, Vocal Coach & Choir Director.
Excerpts
Let’s start at the very beginning. How did music enter your life, and why the violin?
Music entered my life before I even realised it could be a choice. I was barely two when my father started teaching me songs—every genre you can think of. He played the guitar, and we would sing together at home.
Tell us a little about your father.
His name was Sylvester Saldanha. He never played in a band, but he was exceptionally gifted. He was born before Independence, and in those days, talent didn’t always come with opportunity. Finances were limited, but his ability was limitless. You could hand him any instrument, and he would figure it out (scale, pitch, everything) without formal training.
Was he the one who introduced you to instruments?
Absolutely. He first introduced me to the ukulele when I was around four because guitars were too big for me then. Later, when I turned ten, he told me something that stayed with me: “If you can learn the violin, everything else will become easier.” That’s when the violin entered my life seriously.
What did the violin give you beyond music?
Discipline, patience, and a deep understanding of music. Reading notation, understanding harmony—it all came from there. I also learnt to harmonise on my own. Since I didn’t always have someone to play a second violin, I learnt to sing one part and play another. That skill later helped me immensely while teaching choirs and voice harmonies.
Did you enjoy practising?
I did. Of course, there were days when I wanted to run out and play with friends, but practice was non-negotiable. Once you got into the rhythm, time would just disappear. Even today, when I practise, I get so absorbed that I only stop when pain sets in due to an old injury.
Did you take any formal exams?
Yes, I completed up to Grade 4 with Trinity. After that, my teacher couldn’t continue, and life took over.
Do you encourage students to take music exams?
I do, but many of my students prefer performing. I actually believe concerts are harder than exams. Exams are predictable—three pieces, scales, done. A concert demands confidence, memory, teamwork, stage presence, and handling instant feedback.
What levels have your students reached?
Vocals up to Grade 8 and violin up to Grade 4.
What is your core philosophy as a teacher?
Very simple: dedication matters more than talent. I’ve seen people being told they don’t have a voice. That was never my criterion. If you want to learn and you’re willing to work, the rest will follow.
Your annual concerts are well known, especially at NCPA. How did it begin?
For the last four years, we’ve performed at NCPA, but the concerts themselves have been happening for 15 years. They are completely self-funded. The aim is not to showcase perfection, but growth.
Growth in what sense?
Confidence. Watching a child who was terrified on day one stand on stage, hold a mic, sing, dance, and perform… that transformation is priceless. Many students stay with me for over a decade because they don’t want to quit.
Have any of your students pursued music professionally?
One student, Arya Nair, studied at the LA School of Music and is now working on her own production. Others continue music alongside academics and include it in their professional portfolios.
What age groups do you teach?
From five years old to seventy-two. Music truly has no age limit.
How do you approach teaching singing?
We begin by understanding the student—their vocal range, exposure to Western music, and comfort level. I strongly believe in musicianship. Singing isn’t just about voice; it’s about theory, sight-reading, and interpretation.
The class usually has four parts: breathing exercises, vocal exercises, melody work, and harmonies for advanced students. Breathing is key—it’s almost like yoga, using the diaphragm, chest voice, and head voice correctly.
What can audiences expect from this year’s concert?
It’s a two-and-a-half-hour performance. We begin with classical music—from Canon in D to Emperor’s Waltz. Then we move into English songs that ‘inspired’ Hindi film music, followed by themed group performances. Every student gets a moment to shine.
Finally, how many students have passed through your journey so far?
263 vocal students and 98 violin students. And each one has added something to my own journey as a teacher.
For Shaila Saldanha, music is not about producing performers. It’s about shaping confident human beings, one note at a time.
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Image Courtesy: Shaila Saldanha