De Operettas Music Institute Kohima celebrated its sixth annual recital on September 14 at RCEMPA, Jotsoma.
The recital, themed ‘The Art of Music Creation’, featured a collection of original pieces crafted by the teachers and students of the institute.
Special guest for the event, Vesato Theluo, Managing Director of Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts, noted that Nagas can truly excel and compete with the rest of the world in the field of music. “The only difference between raw talent and great achievement is training and refinement. Many may have raw musical talent, but through training, discipline, and countless hours of practice, that talent will shine and reach its true potential,” he said.
He pointed out that there are no shortcuts in music. “If one wants to be a good musician, there is only one path: practice, practice, and practice again. A beautiful performance may look effortless on stage, but behind it lies countless hours of dedication, sweat, and discipline.”
He added that the principle of discipline is not limited to music alone but applies to every profession in life. He encouraged students to fall in love with the process, as it is in the daily practice, the small steps, and the persistent effort that greatness is built.
Challenging the gathering not to waste their gift of music, he said, “In my 20 years of teaching music, I have noticed a lack of discipline to practice among the Nagas. Be dedicated and serious if you want to pursue music as a career.”
Director of the institute, Surhuveyi Tetseo, informed that they had composed 14 pieces and three arrangements for presentation at the recital. Welcoming everyone, he added that the teachers and students had worked very hard for months in preparation.
