She may have been handed the drumsticks as
a wee five-year-old by dad San Antonio D’Mello (Founder, Taught to Teach
School), but by age nine, Anastazia D’Mello knew this was her life’s calling.
“It all began with a musical competition in Mapusa and a subsequent one where I
won first place for my drum solos. From then on, my actual journey with drums
began,” reveals Anastazia, who has since learnt the piano, guitar and saxophone
as well.
With a Grade 8 certificate from Rock School
of Music, Anastazia is now qualifying for her ATCL through Trinity College,
London. To her present tutor Lester Godinho, she credits her skills and
expertise. “My first experience with drums was all about noise. Lester taught
me different styles and how to control sound,” she avers.
Keen to impart her knowledge with other
learners, especially girls, Anastazia has been a teacher for a commendable 14
years. “I enjoy teaching and the ultimate high was when my student Nirijan
Parab stood first in Goa in the Grade 7 Rock School Examination (2013),”
enthuses this artiste who develops her own compositions, playing by ear and on
the spot. “Jazz, rock, funk and Latin are among my favourites,” she reveals.
Jamming up with her Xavier’s College band
for various events, this mass media student held the crowd spell-bound with her
recent performance at the International Jazz Day in Goa with Colin Cruz and
Jason. A pre-recording of her drum solo ‘Island Magic’ went viral on YouTube in
December.
Drumming up a storm, Anastazia is paving
the way for many young girl-drummers!
