BeyondBooks: ‘My school nurtured musical passion in me’

The moment Ishanvi Shukla of Class XI at Apeejay School, Greater Noida, begins to sing, the world seems to sway with her. Her voice blends a sweet resonance with precise riyaaz and flawless notes, earning admiration from everyone who listens. In a candid interview, Ishanvi opens up about her passion for music, expressing her desire to connect deeply with listeners and leave an unforgettable impact through her voice. For her, music is not just art; it is an experience.

Share your recent achievements in music.

Over the years, music has been a meaningful and consistent part of my life. In 2022, I secured second position in a Patriotic Song Competition, followed by receiving the Certificate of Excellence in Vocal Music in the 2022–2023 academic year. A major highlight of my musical journey was participating in Elithon v6.0 in October 2023, where I performed as the lead singer in a band. We composed and presented an original piece, which we named Timeless Reverie and secured first position in the competition. It was a valuable experience in creativity, which allowed me to explore composing and songwriting. More recently, I secured first position in the school Talent Show in 2024 and again in 2025. These achievements reflect my growth as a vocalist and my love for music through the years.

How did the journey start in music?

Music has always been a natural part of my life because of my family. My father introduced me to different genres from a young age by playing and singing along with my grandmother, who often sang classic Hindi songs, and my mother’s devotional music created a strong musical atmosphere at home. Growing up surrounded by music helped me form a deep emotional connection with it. Music was never just something I listened to, but something that brought me a sense of peace and belonging. Over time, this connection naturally developed into a passion for singing, and I also began playing the guitar as a way to express myself more creatively.

Share your training regime.

I pursue vocal music across a variety of styles, including English songs, Hindi and Bollywood music, devotional bhajans, and classical elements like sargam, which helps me stay versatile as a singer. I have received formal training through Apeejay School, Greater Noida, where my music teacher has been a major source of guidance and inspiration.

How did your school support your journey?

The school has played a very important role in my musical growth by consistently encouraging me to perform and improve. As a member of the school choir, I regularly perform at events and functions. I have also been given opportunities to present solo performances during school assemblies. The school has supported band performances with my classmates and has encouraged me to participate in various competitions. By giving me platforms to perform and express myself, the school has helped me build confidence on stage and recognise my potential as a vocalist.

How has music honed your personality?

Music has played a significant role in shaping my personality by helping me become more expressive, disciplined, and confident. It gives me a healthy way to understand and express my emotions, which has made me more self-aware and emotionally balanced. Regular practice and riyaaz have taught me patience and consistency, while performing has strengthened my confidence and stage presence. Most importantly, music brings me a sense of peace and clarity, and it continues to shape me into a more expressive individual.