Michelle Ramos: from Shine student to independent artist

Michelle is a former student of The Shine School of Music at Estudio Shine in Gracia, Barcelona. She trained as a pianist with our teacher Katarina Ruvidic, developed her songs with producer Laura Babetto, and was a regular at our jam sessions. Today she is an independent artist working on her first EP, with releases that already include ‘Cerca del Mar’, ‘Amore’, a cover of Ryuichi Sakamoto, and a single in honor of her dog, Catalina.

We are proud of her journey and wanted to share her story with our students. We sat down with her to talk about her beginnings, her creative process, and what comes next. Here is what she told us.

Could you introduce yourself briefly and tell us about your current musical project, for those who don’t know you yet?

I’m Michelle, an independent artist in a process of building and self-discovery. Right now my musical project is focused on creating my first EP in the near future and on training as a professional pianist.

I’m in a really beautiful stage of rediscovering my own musical voice: defining it, refining it, and above all experimenting. For a long time I had a lot of ideas and emotions I didn’t know how to express, and through my songs, my writing, and my poems I’ve found a way to bring them to life.

My music comes from something very personal: from my inner world, my emotions, and those moments of solitude where everything becomes more honest. Art is letting me tell intimate stories and show a very romantic and sensitive side of me, sharing it with the world and, little by little, crossing borders.

Let’s travel back in time a bit: what is the first musical memory that comes to mind?

Curiously, music has always been present on my father’s side of the family, although I grew up without contact with them, so for a long time I wasn’t aware that this artistic part already lived in me.

My first musical memory is very clear: I was about six years old and was raised by my maternal grandparents, who were like my parents. One day, my grandfather brought mariachis for my grandmother, and something inside me woke up. Seeing them, with their suits, their hats, it was magical. It stayed with me, in my mind and in my heart.

From that moment on, even though I didn’t sing or play any instrument, I knew I wanted to be a mariachi one day. It was a very intuitive certainty. Today I feel that, in some way, that dream is getting closer. I’m building my path in music, training and surrounding myself with people who believe in me, and that lets me keep alive that dream that was born when I was a child.

Was there a specific moment, teacher, or class during your time at Shine when you realized that music would be a way of life and not just a hobby?

Yes, there was a very clear moment that marked a before and after.

For years I worked as a babysitter and used to bring a little girl to The Shine School of Music. Her father played the piano at home, and one day, while I was playing with her, he started playing a piece that moved me completely. It took me straight back to my childhood, to very deep memories with my grandmother. It was a very intense feeling, as if something inside me woke up. That piece was Albinoni’s Adagio.

That day I made a decision: to stop being a spectator and start my own path. After many years waiting in reception, I finally sat down at a piano as a student. And that’s where I met my teacher, Katarina Ruvidic, who has been key in my life.

Over time, I understood that music went far beyond learning to play. During a very difficult period for me, when I went through anxiety and depression, the piano became my refuge. Many of the pieces we worked on managed to calm me, to hold me up, and it was then that I understood Katarina was also applying music with me from a music therapy approach.

She didn’t just teach me technique, she taught me to feel and to heal through music. That’s when I knew this wasn’t a hobby, but a way of life. Since then, everything I’ve created, including my first track ‘Cerca del Mar’, comes from that very real place, where music isn’t just heard, it also transforms.

Do you feel that the technical foundation you built at the school influenced the way you compose or perform today?

Completely. In fact, when I started at the academy and Katarina asked me if I played any instrument, my answer was: “yes, the flute, but when I was little” (laughs).

I was starting practically from scratch, and thanks to her I built a very solid technical foundation. She gave me the tools and the knowledge I needed to understand music and, above all, to start composing with meaning and coherence.

The academy has also been key in my path because it let me meet Laura Babetto, who today is my producer. With her I began working on my songs and giving real shape to everything I carried inside. So it didn’t just influence the way I compose, but also the opportunities and connections that have made my current project possible.

When you sit down to write, do you draw on your personal experiences, or do you let yourself be carried more by external influences like cinema, literature, or other musicians?

My compositions mainly come from personal experiences. Every project I make reflects a stage of my life, a specific emotion, or a process I’ve gone through.

I believe the most sincere works arise from very intense states, whether from deep pain or from moments of great happiness. For me, art has to be felt. When I compose or play, there is always an emotional intention behind it. The way I experience music is very visceral, and that is reflected directly in my songs.

Even so, I also draw on external influences. Literature and philosophical thought play a very important role in my creative process, and authors like Friedrich Nietzsche have influenced the way I understand art as a deep, almost inevitable form of expression of what we are inside.

Is there a specific “non-musical” influence that would surprise people to know has had an impact on your work?

I’ve always surrounded myself with very talented people whom I’ve admired and still admire today. I’ve taken the best from each of them, and that way I’ve been able to find inspiration and feed my desire to learn and to picture myself on a stage, giving my own concerts.

I’ve also lived through endless personal events, like losing family members or breakups, that have been a catalyst to let everything out and turn all that pain into music. The most recent has been the loss of Catalina, a dog I had who passed away. I dedicated a single to her in honor of her loyalty, which never abandoned me in my worst moments, and who understood the fragility of my soul and my silence, being a light in the middle of the hole of darkness I had sunk into.

Tell us about your most recent recording.

The last recording was incredible. We spent several sessions in the studio with my producer Laura Babetto and Marc Tena, sound and mastering engineer. We recorded different things, among them my latest single, ‘Amore’.

I also worked on a cover in honor of the sublime beauty we can find in classical music, which has also been one of my great references when building the musical foundations of my own songs. Performing a piece by a musician as great as Ryuichi Sakamoto was an enormous challenge. In classical music you are very exposed, and you open the door to a lot of criticism, because it’s a world where millions of people have listened to and deeply respect these works. Even so, daring to do this cover was a dream come true and a challenge on another level.

Laura had to transcribe the score and Katarina taught me how to interpret it. Without the two of them, and without my own desire to learn, it wouldn’t have been possible.

What was the hardest, or the most rewarding, part of recording this new music?

One of the most complicated parts of the process was working on the intention with which each person performed their part in the recording.

Technically, in the studio everything can be fixed: you can repeat it, cut it, or improve it. But what really makes the difference is the intention with which each phrase, each chord, or each fragment is played or performed, whether sung or instrumental. For me, that’s where the real challenge lies, and also the essence of the project: getting everything not just to sound good, but to convey the same thing we felt when we created it.

If listeners could take away only one emotion or message from your new tracks, what would you want it to be?

In the end, for me music isn’t just something you listen to, it’s a place to return to when everything outside becomes noise. If my songs can keep someone company through their process, even in silence, then I already feel all of this makes sense.

Now that this project has come to light, what is the next “summit” you want to reach?

My next “summit” is to keep growing as an artist and to consolidate my professional path, as well as to keep building my EP.

Together with my producer Laura Babetto, in collaboration with Sam (drums teacher at Shine), Mariana Mera, and Marc Tena as sound engineer, we’ve brought to life a new and very special track. On this project I’ve worked not only as a composer on all the tracks alongside Laura, but also as a vocalist, contributing another very important part of myself.

It’s been a really beautiful piece of work, because this time I wanted to step a little away from my more classical compositions and explore more of a jazz and blues sound. The studio where we recorded is very well equipped and has high-quality vintage instruments, which let us experiment a lot with the sounds. It was a long process, taking months, because practically all the instruments were recorded with real musicians, taking great care with every detail so that everything had coherence and meaning.

I have a lot of confidence in this project, just like in ‘Cerca del Mar’. I feel they have a more commercial focus and that they can make a really nice impact when they come out. I’m a very persevering person and very focused on what I want. When something gets into my head, I make it happen. My goal is clear: to keep developing my voice as a singer, to present my EP, and to get people not just to listen to my music, but to truly feel it, to live it from the inside.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or historical, who would be your ideal match and why?

Without a doubt, my ideal collaboration would be with Alejandro Fernández.

As I mentioned, since I was very little my dream has been to be a mariachi, and his music has been very present in that imagination. I deeply admire his lyrics, his performance, and the message he conveys in every song. I feel his way of singing connects with something very authentic and emotional, and collaborating with him would be a dream, not only musically, but for everything that world and that artistic root represent for me.

What has your experience been like in the Barcelona music scene?

It’s been a very rewarding experience and, above all, very welcoming on the part of many musicians.

I think that in the Barcelona music scene the support between independent artists is essential. In the end, many of the opportunities to play live, to collaborate, or to get yourself known come through other musicians and the contacts you build. It’s a path that, when you don’t have a label behind you, can be more complicated, but not impossible. And that’s exactly what also makes it beautiful: building your own space little by little, through work, persistence, and community.

Finally, what advice would you give to the student who is in the school’s studios right now, dreaming of making music?

I would tell them to keep believing in themselves. As you learn more, everything becomes more complex and demanding, but the important thing is not to give up.

I remember that, in my case, when a piece wasn’t coming out I would get really frustrated, but there was my teacher supporting me and, above all, telling me she believed in me. And that helps so much more than it seems.

The world of music leads you to explore and discover many things about yourself, and also to find your own musical language. Music heals, and Shine has great professionals who support you through that process. Don’t be afraid. Fears and embarrassment are made of cardboard.

Check out Michelle’s music:

and her instagram

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Why Adults in Barcelona Are Taking Up Piano (And Why It’s Never Too Late)

There is a quiet revolution happening in Barcelona. Busy professionals, parents, recent retirees — people who always said “one day I’ll learn piano” – are finally doing it. And the results are changing their lives in ways they didn’t expect.

The idea that learning an instrument is only for children is one of the most persistent myths in music education. Adult learners bring focus, motivation, and a clear sense of what they want to play. These are enormous advantages.

• Adults learn the why behind music far more quickly than children
• Self-directed learning – being able to tell your teacher what you love and want to play, accelerates progress dramatically
• Cognitive science consistently shows that learning piano as an adult improves memory, concentration and mental flexibility
• Many adult students report reduced stress and anxiety after as little as a few weeks

The key difference with adult learning is finding the right teacher. Someone who understands that you’re not preparing for a conservatory exam – you simply want to sit at the piano and play beautifully.

At Shine Music School in Barcelona, piano lessons are available for adults at all levels, from complete beginners to those returning after years away from the instrument. Lessons are fully personalised, focused on your musical interests, and available in English, Spanish or Catalan.

You are never too old to begin. The best time to start is now.

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Piano Lessons for Kids in Barcelona

Piano can be a great way for small children to learn about music. It is a superb instrument for building a strong musical foundation, and with the right teacher can open up a new world for kids, filled with far-reaching benefits. At our studio in Barcelona, piano classes are one-on-one with a dedicated teacher, and can even be arranged online in conjunction with our handy instrument rental options. What could be better than doing a music lesson from the comfort of your home?

It’s all in the science! Music has long been touted as an important element in the development of our brains, and giving your child the opportunity to explore that can help them in a variety of ways outside of the music realm. Unlock their musical creativity, help them learn in a fun and engaging way with teachers who are adept at connecting music to games as well as learning. At Shine Music School in Barcelona we are also offer siblings the chance to form small group classes, which can make learning the instrument more dynamic and versatile.

Piano is an instrument which is fantastic for accompanying singing, as well as other instruments. Not only can learning piano boost your confidence, but also your serotonin levels. Music has been proven to improve our immune systems as well as provide a literal workout for our brains! If you can instil a love of music in your kids from a young age, you will be benefitting them in the long run, helping them to become well rounded humans as well as expanding their minds.

Finding the right teacher is key. A teacher that can share their love of music and actively engage their students can be hard to find! Teaching kids a musical instrument is a special skill that requires a good understanding of psychology as well as music. Our teachers at Shine encourage their students, and boost their confidence while teaching them their favourite songs. We do not follow a particular curriculum but goals are set by the teacher during the course of organically learning the piano. For older children, we have been training those that wish to, in the Trinity music exams, and each child can track their progress through the grades. Shine prides itself on matching the right teacher to your child to ensure that learning music stays fun and engaging.

Begin early! Children from the age of 5 are encouraged to start music, as at this age they are beginning to read. This ties in with being able to recognise and read notes. Although students younger than 5 can learn an instrument, we prefer to offer our smallest musicians our Music Awareness courses which introduce rhythm, notes, songs, and teach them to recognise tones through movement, dance and musical interaction. Students who have attended these classes are easily able to continue onto our private music classes with their preferred teacher.

Barcelona is a city filled with musical history and at Shine we encourage the continuation of this musical exploration with the youngest generation! Check out our online piano classes for kids!

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Conversations with Katarina Ruvidic

Katarina Ruvidic is a piano teacher with more than six years of experience, teaching all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced students. In her classes she presents various musical styles to keep even the smallest music students interested. Katarina provides the foundation for learning with individualised lesson plans. In addition, Katarina is a music therapist with two years of experience in developing music therapy knowledge with diverse patients.

What was the first thing that got you interested in music?

Since I can remember, I always listened to music at home. I loved to sing and
dance while I was discovering different musical styles that my parents introduced me too.

Who inspired you to make music?

In kindergarten, we had music classes, and I was always impressed with the teacher
when she was playing the piano. When I got home, I used to “play” the radiator, while imagining that it was a piano, singing, and giving music lessons to my parents. Then when I was six years old
I would dance while listening to my cousin play the piano, imagining that the movements I was creating an energy that was connecting with the music.

Where and how did you win your biggest prize?

My biggest prize was the laureate (overall winner) In the “Nikolai Rubinstein” contest in Paris, also in the international pianist contest “Davorin Jenko” in Serbia. But my favorite is from 2009, when I won a special award for the best sonata performance by F.J. Haydn at the “International Pianist Competition” in Serbia, where I was also the overall winner of the contest.

How would you describe your lessons?

I always adapt the musical classes and styles with respect to the person I am with working with. Carl Maria von Weber said “Music is the true universal language”, so it is a powerful tool that allows us to transmit and exchange energy, emotions, moods. It opens a new door for us, a new space where we are creating an atmosphere that allows us to feel free and in contact with the inner world of oneself.

Of your concerts, which one have you enjoyed the most and why?

The truth is that I always enjoy the moments when I give the concert, and each one is
special for me. But I remember that in one of my first concerts that I gave at the Academy
Serbia de Ciencias e Arte, I felt very happy before giving the concert, because it was the first time all my family and friends were able to come.

What famous musicians do you admire?

It is a difficult question, because I admire each one. It’s not easy being a musician, it never has been. Musicians always had difficult times, their art was often not accepted. Dating back to
the Mozart era, or in the Stravinsky era when he performed his ballet and concert
orchestral “The Ritual of Spring”. People find it hard to accept new, innovative things, which
makes sense too, because when we’re used to certain types, everything that’s
new challenges our limits, we need time to get out of the bubble and digest it. So
I admire each musician and his music, because being a musician is a creative risk, equally a
vocation that should have no limits.

When did you find out that you wanted to be a music teacher?

When my sister turned two, I wanted to teach her to play the piano. From that
moment, the desire was born, and I always thought that one day all the knowledge and the
experience I have, all the tricks and wisdom received from the best masters, I want to share
with my future students.

What advice do you have for piano lovers who are starting to study the instrument?

Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to learn to play any instrument,
regardless of age and abilities. I always believe that when desire is what
guides us, everything can be learned. The learning process is very nice, although sometimes
it can be frustrating. You have to be persistent, believe and enjoy the process.

How do you think the internet has impacted on music teaching?

Lately I have been seeing the ads “How to learn to play piano in x days”. So I wonder, why did I go to school and learn to play the piano for 15 years, when could I do it in x days? Apart from this, I think the internet is offering us many good and significant things, especially now with the current situation, where the the internet makes it easier for us to continue giving classes online.

Do you think music can be good for people’s health?

“Music is the most direct art, it enters through the ear and goes to the heart.” Magdalena Martinez
Music is one of the main engines of feelings and reactions, due to the brain activity that it creates in people. Music reduces stress, and gives a feeling of tranquility that allows you to acquire the necessary comfort to be able to carry out various activities. It is proven that music has a direct influence on emotions and people’s moods. Plus it boosts learning, increases concentration,
and much more.

Can you explain Music Therapy a little?

If we are talking about music therapy, it is very important to distinguish it from music lessons, where you study an instrument. Music in this case, is used as a tool for therapy depending on the health diagnosis of the client or in specific areas for rehabilitation. The therapeutic objectives and methods are then organised according to the needs of the person receiving music therapy. Any activity with music becomes much more bearable and enjoyable.

Does music help improve the health and mood of people? Why?

Yes, music helps improve health and mood, this is scientifically proven. First, music releases dopamine, which stimulates the subcortical brain circuit in charge of generating responses on an emotional level. One more benefit is that music reduces stress, because it produces a series of chemicals in the brain that help achieve total relaxation and relieve tension, thus promoting calmer breathing and a feeling of well-being. When one is listening to some song that moves you, instantly you begin to sing, dance, laugh, and likewise, your mood (and motivation) are lifted in a very simple and natural way.

Katarina provides piano lessons for children, as well as music therapy sessions at the Shine Music School in Barcelona and online.

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Long Term Instrument Rental

Music is an important part of the human experience. Be it through song and dance, listening to music in a cafe or at home, going to a concert with your friends, or jamming with your band. People connect through music. Sound and rhythm are learned from early childhood, in fact babies start to hear and feel sound in the womb. Music helps us to develop and learn language as toddlers. It is part of our daily life, through movies, radio, and other places. You can sit on a terraza and buskers may pass you, playing on their instruments or singing. Music is such an integral part of being human.

As a parent you probably want to encourage a love of music, or as an individual maybe it is a hobby you would like to take up. Music can be an interesting career, with many aspects. From music production to teaching and performing. As a music school we understand the benefits of studying music and creating an environment where we can enjoy learning.

But studying music can also be daunting for a beginner, and without expert advice, it can be expensive and at worst, not a positive experience! With so many health benefits, from improving your cognitive abilities to actually being a physical workout and a stress reliever, studying music or learning an instrument should not be scary.

One vital aspect is your instrument! At Shine we offer fantastic rental instruments from our instrument rental department.

Imagine that your child wishes to start playing a musical instrument, or it’s been your dream to take a guitar class, but you just don’t know where to start. Perhaps you are spending a semester in Spain and don’t want to stop playing music, but shipping or flying with your instrument is not an option. Whatever situation you find yourself in, playing an instrument can be an expensive and often confusing endeavour as any professional musician will tell you.

This makes so much sense!

Test & Try

Hiring a musical instrument instead of buying one is an option that just adds up for multitude reasons. Not only can you try and test out a variety of instruments, but you also don’t have to make a huge investment in an instrument without some musical knowledge and know-how.

Grow with your Instrument

This is especially relevant when looking into instruments for children. More often than not, the instrument has to grow with your child. This can mean buying numerous instruments as your child requires a bigger size. A disaster if your kids decide they don’t want to play anymore, and also extra work if you have to keep buying and selling instruments.

Quality Instruments

Unfortunately as you will quickly discover, cheap instruments are difficult to play, tricky to tune, often sound bad, and in the end a cheap instrument regularly results in the player getting frustrated and not wanting to play. What a lost opportunity for musical discovery!

All your questions answered!

Long-term instrument rental is an affordable and flexible way to play an instrument. Hiring a digital piano or cello to play at home makes practice easy and practical. If you happen to move, you don’t have to lug a heavy or expensive instrument with you! You find that your musical experience will improve when you don’t have to worry about your instrument. If you are interested in finding out more, get in touch with us or head directly over to our website, where you can hire your instrument online through a few easy steps!

We have a wide array of instruments from quality brands, from beginner instruments to advanced instruments.

Want to know about how it works? 

CONTACT US
Click to WhatsApp: +34 930 11 2282
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