BeyondBooks: ‘My musical journey is a union of confidence and crescendo’

The moment her fingers glide across the strings of her ukulele, time seems to pause and the world fades into a gentle hush. Each note she creates carries warmth, confidence, and a quiet magic that leaves listeners utterly mesmerised. Meet Varalika Mishra of Class XII at Apeejay School, Greater Noida—a young musician whose passion resonates far beyond the classroom walls. In a candid conversation, Varalika opens up about her evolving musical journey, inspirations, and aspirations. Poised and perceptive, she represents the making of a dedicated music enthusiast steadily crafting her own distinctive rhythm and identity.

Share your recent achievements in vocal music.

I am a passionate vocalist and have been awarded the “Excellent in Vocal Music” Award in 2023 and 2025 at my school. Over the years, I have also participated in several interschool singing competitions, which have helped me gain stage experience and improve my performance skills. In addition to school events, I run my own YouTube channel with over 5,000 subscribers, where I share my music. I independently record, mix, and edit my own songs and music videos, combining my passion for singing with skills in music production and video editing. These experiences have helped me grow both as a vocalist and as a creative artist.

How did you pick interest in this art form?

My interest in music began at a very young age. I was always attracted to melodies and beats, which my mother, a classically trained singer, quickly noticed. She started teaching me songs and ragas early on, and we often sang ragas and bhajans together at home. With her encouragement and guidance, my love for music continued to grow.

How are you juggling between exams and extracurricular?

Juggling can sometimes feel challenging, but I have found my own way to maintain balance. Whenever I feel stressed or tired after long study hours, I take a short break and pick up my ukulele. Singing my favourite songs helps me relax and refresh my mind. Music improves my concentration, boosts my confidence, and gives me the energy to return to my studies with a positive mind set. For me, music is not a distraction, it is the key to staying focused and balanced.

How did your school support you?

My journey in music has been strongly supported by Apeejay School, Greater Noida. I was always encouraged to participate in inter-house and inter-school music competitions, and I was often the first one to be chosen to represent the school. These opportunities helped me build confidence and stage presence. Recently, I also participated in a vocal music competition organized by T-Series, which was an exciting and enriching experience. Throughout my journey, the constant encouragement and guidance from my school’s music mentors have played a very important role in shaping my growth as a vocalist. Their belief in me has motivated me to keep improving and aiming higher.

How has music honed your personality?

Music has truly transformed me as a person. Over the years, I have become much more focused and disciplined, as regular practice requires dedication and patience. Music has also made me more empathetic. Through songs and lyrics, I have learned to understand emotions more deeply and connect with people on a different level. Performing in front of an audience has helped me grow more confident and express myself without fear. In many ways, music has changed me positively. It has shaped my personality, strengthened my character, and helped me become a better and more balanced individual.