Maretha Davel
Harshatha recently took part in a Tamil event called “Fetna.” She was able to participate in the winds and string competition, and got second place in her category! She will be doing her Level 8 CM examination this year.
I am a music teacher, musician…and now a composer. I have been listening to, teaching, making and studying music since I was 6 years old. To my utter delight (and surprise), I discovered in my late forties that I love to compose, and the discovery has been life-changing.
I’ve found that creating music from scratch, with the express purpose of having it performed, is a unique challenge. Having a solid foundation in music theory, performance skills, and a deep understanding of different musical styles undoubtedly benefit me as a composer. However, it doesn’t necessarily make the process of composing any easier.
One of the things I’ve learned through my own experiences is that it’s important to be patient and persistent in the face of the challenges that come with composing. It can be frustrating when the music in your head doesn’t seem to translate to the page or the instrument, to put it mildly. To keep working at it and not give up is essential, and to do so requires tenacity and focus unlike anything else. On the one hand, I’m constantly driven to improve and refine my work. On the other hand, it can be easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt and criticism to the point where it becomes counterproductive. I’m still trying to strike a balance between pushing myself to do better, and recognizing and celebrating my successes.
I have been so lucky to have found a supportive community of creative outliers in iiCoco. Having a group of like-minded creators to share your work with, including the emotional work involved, has been incredibly helpful in the creative process. I am looking forward to our journey together.
I performed in an informal concert of Fortnightly Music Club, playing some of my own compositions. Being part of a concert in which my own music is played, is a mind-blowing experience! A big shout-out to everyone, including all the talented performers and organizers, who made this possible.
Two of my piano students just both achieved First Class Honors for their Royal College of Music Examinations. Not only did they have to prepare for the entire exam remotely, but it was also the first exam each one of them ever played– a true achievement!
To both my students for achieving State Honors in this year’s Certificate of Merit Examinations. Despite challenging circumstances and a topsy-turvy environment, they both worked hard and this achievement is well deserved!
Accompaniment: Benjamin Belew
I specialize in teaching flute, piano and music theory. Teaching and playing instruments still bring me great joy! I believe in the transformative power of music and love seeing my students’ joy and enthusiasm develop as they grow as musicians. My teaching style is based on proven western classical techniques, and I believe each student has the ability to make progress and more importantly, to make beautiful music.
Maretha is currently enrolled at California State University East Bay for a Master of Arts (Composition). She also holds a Master of Music (Music Education) from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. As part of her undergraduate and first graduate degrees, she also passed Flute and Piano Licenciate level examinations, with distinction, through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and University of South Africa.
Being truly international in education and experience, Maretha has taught in many capacities and at various institutions all over the world, from prestigious schools like The National School of the Arts (NSA) in South Africa to Langleywood Academy and Buckhaven High School in the United Kingdom. She has taught privately for the past 20 years, and her students excelled in exams, festivals, recitals and auditions. She was also a Teaching Assistant in Music Theory (Harmony and Counterpoint) at the University of Pretoria for 4 years.
Maretha and her family moved to California in 2011. Her students continue to excel in the CM and ABRSM examinations. In 2019, one of her ex-students from South Africa, Khanyisile Mthetwa, was awarded the Myrna Brown International Scholarship by the National Flute Association of America.
Maretha is a member of the Southern Alameda Branch of the Music Teacher’s Association of California. She is an active member of St Anne’s Episcopal Church Choir under Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti, where she also regularly performs. She is active as an accompanist and teaches music at Sunol Glen School. Maretha has performed with Judy Lam and the Virtuoso International Flute Ensemble.
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