“Sound of Soul and I have grown side by side. It has changed me, and the way I see the world.”— Inaya Merchant, Former Student & Co-Founder of SOS
About
Sound Of Soul
Sound of Soul is more than a music school — it’s a string academy in Mumbai co-founded by Mika Nishimura and Inaya Merchant, dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. Bringing together children from diverse backgrounds, it fosters a space where classical excellence meets emotional and personal growth.
Our approach is grounded in the pedagogies of Mimi Zweig, Shinichi Suzuki, and Paul Rolland. From Zweig, we draw the power of calm repetition and positive reinforcement. From Suzuki, the belief that “every child can” — that talent is nurtured through love, consistency, and community. And from Rolland, the understanding that natural movement and physical ease unlock true musical expression.
But our vision goes beyond violin technique. Deeply inspired by the AIM (Academy for Impact through Music) philosophy, we believe that music education can be a powerful force for personal and social transformation. At Sound of Soul, every child is seen, supported, and empowered — growing not only as a musician, but as a confident and compassionate human being.
A letter from Mika:
From a Safe Space to a Movement: The Story Behind Sound of Soul
When I was a child, violin class was more than just a lesson. It was a safe space where I could laugh, explore music freely, and share feelings I couldn’t yet express. It felt like home.
Years later, as I pursued violin professionally, I began to lose touch with that feeling. I was chasing technical perfection, but I couldn’t hear my own voice in the music. I had the skill, but not the soul. That quiet realization became the seed of Sound of Soul — a journey to reconnect with the heart of music and reimagine what music education could truly mean.
At Sound of Soul, my hope is that every child can experience that same sense of belonging and possibility.
Through programs such as ELEVATE, we keep that idea at the centre. To help children grow in confidence, empathy, and friendship; building values that cross barriers and last a lifetime.
My goal is to help nurture kind, empowered young people who will carry the true sound of soul with them wherever they go.
“Sound of Soul taught my child lessons no classroom ever could.
— Ilham, Sound of Soul Parent
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