Resonations Studio
(702) 207-9431
Vasana K. de Mel, founder & director
Vasana, or “Vas” is not your ordinary piano teacher.
She is classically trained and educated in piano performance through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music London (Grades 1-8) and at the University of Colorado Boulder (B.M. in Piano Performance). Teaching a variety of musical cultures in various lecture & performance formats since the mid-1990s (a natural outgrowth of her performance background and the M.A. and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology that she earned at UCLA), Vasana now teaches private lessons at Resonations Studio.
Her diverse and comprehensive knowledge of music enriches your experience in every lesson. Vasana teaches a solid foundation of piano repertoire, music theory, ear training, and basic composition techniques. She translates her expertise into meaningful lessons by taking fundamental musicianship skills and shaping these into enjoyable lessons. She can be playful with the youngsters and thought provoking with the older students.
Vasana understands that learning to play the piano or further developing skills in piano performance requires focus, dedication, consistency, and varying degrees (per student) of guidance. That is why she maintains a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere which
students to strive to do their best. Veteran piano mum, Heather, says: “eager to please their teacher, for the most part my kids practice without you having to nag them.”
To better serve their aspirations to becoming professional or semi-professional musicians, Resonations Studio provides abundant performance opportunities to its budding pianists by way of 2 annual recitals and additional performance opportunities through events offered by Columbine Music Teachers' Association, Classic Pianos, Schmitt Music, and Festival for Creative Musicians. As students advance, they are given the choice to obtain credentials through the American College of Musicians/American Piano Guild Auditions if they wish.
Vasana’s credentials and experience in both the U.S. and U.K. compounded with her musical heritages in South Asia and Southern Africa give her a global perspective in music instruction. Her exposure to this rich musical tapestry inspired Vasana to pursue her M.A. and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology at UCLA. Resonations Studio pays tribute to these musical cultures by offering workshops (coming soon) and showcasing different instruments from around the world on its walls and cabinetry. Though Vasana takes a classical approach to piano instruction, your child will travel the world in music culture and heritage without leaving the Denver suburbs!
Curriculum Vitae
Education
2012 Teaching Certificate, Music Together, LLC., Princeton
1998-2006 Ph.D., Ethnomusicology, University of California, Los Angeles
Dissertation: “Music as symbol, music as emissary: a study of Bailaand Kalypso musics of Sri Lanka.” Advisor: Prof. Steven Loza. 1995-1998 M.A., Ethnomusicology, University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis: “A History of the Sacred, the Devotional, and the Secular in Sri Lankan Buddhist Music.” Advisor: Prof. Timothy Rice.1991-1994 B.M., Music (Piano Performance), University of Colorado, Boulder
1983-1989 Grade 1-8 Credentials in Piano Performance, Theory, and Ear-Training, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London
Board of the Royal Schools of Music, LondonWork Experience
2016-present Grant-writer & Secretary, CMTA*
2016-2017 Events support, Board of CSMTA*
2015-2017 Director/Instructor, “Stepping Tones: Folk/World Music & Movement,” Littleton, Colorado
2014-2015 Piano Master Class Leader, CMTA*: Achievement Day, Littleton, Colorado
2013-present Adjunct Instructor, Music Together/“Petite Musician,” Littleton & Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2007-2009 Adjunct Instructor, “Music Appreciation,” College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas
2007-2008 Piano Teacher, Bonnie’s Music Shoppe, Las Vegas
2005-2006 Visiting Assistant Professor, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
2005 Participant-organizer, Tsunami Relief Aid concert, Denver Performing Arts Center, Denver
2004-2005 Piano Master Class Pedagogue, Devika de Mel Piano Studio, Littleton, Colorado
Spring 2003 Instructor, “Latin American Music,” University of Colorado, Boulder
Spring 2003 Instructor, “Music Appreciation,” Red Rocks Community College, Lakewood, Colorado
Fall 1999 Concert organizer and program writer, “Spiritual Devotional Music of Sri Lanka,” World Festival of Sacred Music, Temple Isaiah, Los Angeles
World Festival of Sacred Music, Temple Isaiah, Los AngelesFall 1999 Concert organizer and program writer, “Udumbara—An Evening of Pop, Folk, and Classical music of Sri Lanka,” Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
and Classical music of Sri Lanka,” Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center1995 Music Teacher, La Petite Academy, Littleton, Colorado
1994-present Independent piano teacher & consultant, Resonations Studio, Colorado, California, & Nevada
Fellowships, Awards, and Honors
2004-2005 UCLA Dissertation Year Fellowship
2004 UCLA Quality of Graduate Education Supplemental Award
2003-2004 U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship
2000 University of California Regents’ Fellowship
1994 University of Colorado Piano Performance Supplemental Award
1993-1994 University of Colorado Honor Society and Golden Key National Honors Society
1990-1991 Shenandoah University Dean’s List
Music Performance
2002 Guitar, “Music of Mexico Mariachi,” University of Colorado, Boulder
1998-2000 Percussionist & dancer, and singer in “Music of Ghana,” Tabla player, “Music of India,” UCLA
1995-2001 Guitar, vihuela, and vocals, “Mariachi Music of Mexico,” UCLA
1993 Piano, Bach Festival: Well Tempered Klavier performance series, University of Colorado, Boulder
1980s-present Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Maracas, Congas, Bongos, and Guiro player for Baila & Kalypso traditions
Kalypso traditions1970s-present Pianist (Western classical, jazz, popular, and some world music fusion)
Pianist (Western classical, jazz, popular, and some world music fusion) Professional Associations
American College of Musicians (Piano Guild), College Music Society, *Columbine Music Teachers’ Association (CMTA), Colorado State Music Teachers’ Association (CSMTA), Music Teachers’ National Association (MTNA), Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM)
