Marina Chado- founder, violinist, manager of the String Instruments Department and executive director of the school. She is a well-established educator, with an over 30-year work experience.
(Marina Chado graduated at the prestigious conservatorium “Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky” in Moscow, Russia, under the mentorship of the world renowned professors Melnikov and Chugaeva. Since then she has had many performances as a solo act accompanied by both philharmonic and chamber orchestras I Moscow, Munich, Belgrade, Skopje, throughout North Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia.
Her repertoire consists of pieces by Bach. Betoven and Mozzart, as well as Tchaikovsky, Brams, De Falla and Dvorak, through to Prokofiev and Shostakovich.)
A leader in the educational processes, the music school “Pianoforte” from Skopje,, has successfully enriched the education of many children and young people for 23 years. The school has a long tradition with a competitive spirit and its students have won numerous (500+) prestigious national and international awards.
The story of the private music school “Pianoforte” began over two decades ago, according to the vision of the two founding members and owners- Mrs. Marina Chado, violin professor and executive director, and Mrs. Violeta Stefanovska- Shukovikj, piano professor and academic director in the school.
Formed in 2000, the music school “Pianoforte” followed the international trends in reference to its facilities, staff and program parameters in music education. This educational institution continues to be true to its practices which will guide and direct future generations to progress in the educational system. “Our life mission is to enable the highest quality of music education!”
Today, “Pianoforte” facilitates over 250 students per year. The students attend programs in classical music education for the piano, the violin, the classical guitar, the flute, the harp and musical theory, as well as programs from the Department of popular genres, where they can learn how to play percussion instruments, the electric guitar and pop singing. All of the offered programs are taught by the most contemporary music educational methods. Specific learning technology is used, and group practices and music making is encouraged. Whether the student is a complete novice, or an experienced musician who wishes to perfect their craft, the education program of “Pianoforte” can help them achieve their goal.
- Why is music education important for an early age?
We can witness a vast number of studies in the field of children’s mental health that claim that children should be in close contact with and actively practice music from the earliest age. This activity would contribute to the continuous development of the brain functions as well as their permanent bonding. Practicing music during a child’s education can contribute to the development of logical thinking and help with a healthy decision making process. The benefits of this activity are multilateral.
- What do we wish to accomplish by learning an instrument?
We are an educational institution that has a goal to create healthy habits for children through the learning of an instrument- a trait which lacks in other subjects. Discipline, focus, internal motivation, endurance, a feeling of aesthetics, creativity and many other elements from life can be found in this one activity- playing an instrument. That is how “Pianoforte” contributes to the future of our society.
- How can we discover which instrument best fits our child?
The children often come to us with the idea of what they would like to play, and that process has so far proven to be successful. Our team also has great experience in the matter, and though short tests can discover which instrument the child will find the easiest. In other words, we discover where the child’s interest lies as well as how developed their motor skills are.
- What is happening in our education and how much does the system care about that?
During the last few decades, many of the opportunities have changed. Unfortunately, the system does not offer the same quality of education as before. However, there are individuals who fight to create conditions for contemporary and quality education in all areas. The private music school “Pianoforte” dedicates a lot of effort in modernising the programs and methodologies. We do not expect help form the system- we would rather help the system.
- What about the parents’ habits then and their habits now?
The parents are always right, they want the best for their children. However, today’s parents are faced with a great temptation when having to decide between activities for their children. Sometimes I think that they forget that afternoon activities should be connected to sports, recreation, creativity- in other words, thing which would “recharge” their children’s batteries.
- How do we, in “Pianoforte” contribute to the healthy development of the children?
Our team approaches the child in a holistic manner. We are interested in every reaction, whether they express happiness or frustration during a class, courage or fear of failure, how they overcome difficulties and reach their goals… For each situation the team is equipped to handle it in the best possible way for the healthy development of the child.
- What motivated you to open this type of school?
There should always be an alternative to us in the public school domain. I will once again say that individuals are the ones that move society forward. At least, according to history. We chose to be a moving force in society that would care for the future of its generations. We have enough knowledge and courage to implement that in everyday life.
- What is our goal?
“Pianoforte”s goal is to help society in the creation of healthy, honourable and creative generations.
- What do we wish to change?
We want to influence the cultural life of the youngest population. We also want to pay more attention to the true values of a society. Simply put, we want to bring back music to our schools, but on a higher, more professional level.
- Do we have support from the institutions to do this?
There have been attempts to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Science, which have unfortunately failed. However, we do have an excellent collaboration with the State Music and Ballet Center, as well as with other music schools in the country.
- Who can work with children?
I have a very short answer for this very serious question. That would be primarily musicians who like children, who have a high work ethic, a sense of responsibility, who constantly upgrade themselves both personally and professionally. Throughout history, we can see that the teachers were highly valued members of society. They are exemplary people.
- What does the school offer?
“Pianoforte” offers many programs. We cater to anyone’s taste.
- What are our plans?
We are a team that constantly moves forward. Very soon, we will offer a contemporary and modernised approach to learning instruments. It will be something revolutionary and extremely efficient. We are preparing the conditions to train our staff in the implementation of the new program as we speak. It will be fun and exciting.