SHILLONG, July 13: Berlin-based musicians Leona Berlin and Mathis Grossmann conducted an intensive music masterclass in Shillong, offering students of the Shillong School of Music a valuable opportunity to learn directly from experts in vocals and drums.
The workshop, held on Saturday, was jointly organised by the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (SAM), Chennai, and the Shillong School of Music.
Currently serving as guest faculty at SAM, Leona and Mathis brought their expertise and global musical experiences to Shillong, engaging with young musicians who are serious about building a career in music.
Leona is a genre-defying singer, songwriter, and producer, known for her innovative vocal techniques. Mathis, on the other hand, is a highly skilled jazz and contemporary drummer who regularly performs across Europe. Both musicians have been closely affiliated with the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, and travelled from Chennai to mentor and inspire young talent in Shillong.
Speaking about the session, Leona said, “We explored different ways to use the voice, including techniques like chest voice, head voice, and mixed voice. We also talked about what it takes to pursue a professional music career or simply improve as a serious artist—whether in vocals, instruments, or even music production.”
Reflecting on her own musical journey, Leona shared that she began writing and producing songs at the age of 16, growing up in a musically inclined family.
“Since completing my studies, I have been running my own band and collaborating with incredible international artists. Music has always been part of my life,” she said.
Speaking about her teaching experience in India, Leona added, “It’s been a lot of fun working with the students at SAM. There’s so much talent. I’ve been here since early June and will be around until mid-August.”
Mathis Grossmann, meanwhile, said he planned to perform some of his original compositions during the workshop to motivate the students.
“A lot of people have questions about the drums. They want to know how to practice, how to get better, and how to really play music—not just the notes. I try to share insights from my experience as a drummer who has worked with many different artists and also teaches,” he said.
Mathis began performing at concerts when he was just 14. Coming from a family of musicians, he later pursued formal training in jazz drums in Mainz, near Frankfurt, and eventually moved to Berlin to further his musical career.
Speaking about his time in India, Mathis said, “This is my first week here, so everything is new and exciting. The students at SAM are really driven, and it’s inspiring to work with such motivated young musicians.”
SAM representative Abraham Simon said the institution has been organising similar workshops in Chennai and Hyderabad.
“This time, we decided to come to the Northeast. After conducting a session at Skylark Music & Arts Academy in Guwahati, we brought the initiative to Shillong, in collaboration with the Shillong School of Music,” said Simon, who handles Public Relations for the academy.
He added that the purpose of the workshop was to engage with Shillong’s musical community and understand the aspirations of local artists.
“We know Shillong has incredibly talented musicians. Through these sessions, we want them to know that SAM offers a residential program in Chennai where they can pursue full-time music education and turn their passion into a profession,” Simon said.
