I am Tamanna Aravind, a 14-year-old ninth grader at Bethel High School, Connecticut. I am a multi-instrumentalist studying piano under Dr. Claudia Knafo at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege, and violin under Beryl Chacon. I also play the flute and piccolo, studying under Aimee Toner. In addition, I play the viola and the organ. I am currently an intern at King Street Church in Danbury, where I serve as a collaborative pianist and organist under the mentorship of Paul Malyszka.
Apart from my musical background, I am also a member of the Tri-M Honors Society, the Class of 2030 Vice President of the Bethel High School (BHS) Student Government, a member of the BHS Mock Trial, a skilled skier and an avid reader!
My Musical World!
My musical journey began at age three at the Suzuki School of Newtown where I learned music and instrument fundamentals under Helen Malyszka and Trish Keil. I started my piano studies under Paul Malyszka at age four and later expanded into violin/viola studies under Bobi Evrova. I was a member of the Suzuki School’s Chamber Ensembles performing on piano, violin and viola in classical, fiddle and jazz music. At age 10, I became a member of RMT Johnson Elementary School Flute Ensemble, later studying flute and piccolo under Aimee Toner.
At an early age I began participating in music festivals and programs such as the Bach Festival at Neighborhood Music School, Hartt Summer Institute and Chamber Music Central. I won my first competition at Bethel Public Schools’ Thomas Rombilus Piano Competition at the age of nine, performing George Winston’s Arrangement of the Carol of the Bells, which was inspired by the early winter season, highlighting mood, tone, and musical storytelling!
After completing the Suzuki repertoire, I continued my piano studies with Margarita Nuller and later with Beryl Chacon expanding into a repertoire of greater technical and musical depth. Then, in May of 2026 I auditioned and was accepted into the Manhattan School of Music Precollege for Classical Piano. I now study there under Dr. Claudia Knafo. Since then I have won and participated in many competitions and music festivals both at local and international level such as the CIMF Concerto Competition, Audrey Thayer Piano Competition, GCTYO Concerto Competition, Piano Stars International Competition and Musical Networks’ Carlsbad Music Festival in Czech Republic. In June 2026, I made my debut at Carnegie Hall as part of Piano Stars International Competition Winner’s Recital!
My Music Journey…
Orchestras and Ensembles!
Currently, I am a member of the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO). In the past, I have been apart of many other orchestras such as the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO), where I progressed from Sinfonia Orchestra to Principal Orchestra and had the privilege to perform in Australia at the Sydney Opera House as part of the GCTYO International Tour.
I am a member of my school’s orchestra, playing violin and piano, as well as the band, playing flute. I have also been a part of several musicals as the violinist in the pit orchestra, as well as Bethel High School’s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors where I serve as the pianist and conductor in the pit. I have auditioned and been accepted into the CMEA Middle School Western Regionals all 3 years of middle school, and will be auditioning for the high school division this year.
In 2025, I began serving as an intern at King Street Church in Danbury as the piano and organ accompanist under the guidance of Paul Malyszka where I have been gaining experience in accompanying choirs, supporting congregational singing, and leading service music.
I am excited for my future and hope to pursue music business and performance as my career. Thank you for reading my bio! If you want to know more about my upcoming events, please click below!
