Learner Spotlight: Ukki Sachedina

Early last semester, I went to Helsinki and Turku in Finland to study with the world-renowned conducting pedagogue Jorma Panula. Maestro Panula has been conducting and teaching conducting for almost 50 years, and now, in his 92nd year, he continues to teach master classes. I first studied with him in April of last year and was super excited at the opportunity to learn from him again. In Finland, I also got the opportunity to visit the Sibelius Academy at the University of Arts Helsinki and audit the conducting classes and orchestra rehearsals here.

Later, in November, I traveled to the city of Rousse in Bulgaria. I had the opportunity to work with the Rousse Philharmonic Orchestra and conduct a concert featuring Brahms’ 4th Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Working with a professional orchestra was an incredible experience.

Studying through iLEAD Exploration has been seminal in making these musical opportunities possible and practical for me. All the courses I am currently taking for this academic year are online, which allows me to be able to work on them anywhere in the world. In addition, many of my classes allow flexibility in assignments and tests. The LP system with monthly due dates has helped me stay on track in the long term but also allowed me flexibility within each learning period. The iLEAD team of teachers and counselors has been vital in their support and understanding. I wanted to particularly express my gratitude and appreciation for my EF, Ms. Nicole Dutter, for her understanding of my unique situation with musical commitments. Without her help and support, I know none of these incredible opportunities would be possible as a high school student!