History

The Sayat-Nova Music School of Yerevan is an institution with a long-standing tradition of music education in Armenia. Its history dates back to 1934, when a small music studio laid the foundation for a school whose graduates would later make significant contributions to musical life in Armenia and internationally.

On September 1, 1934, a music studio for the children of education workers began operating at the House of Education Workers (Lusashkh House). It was initiated and organized by Varduhi Zakaryan, a prominent figure in music education.

Approximately 50 children enrolled in the studio during its first academic year. By 1936, enrollment had reached 80 students, and by 1939, approximately 200. Over the years, the teaching staff also expanded, creating the conditions necessary for the further development of music education.

In 1940, the music studio was reorganized into Children's Music School No. 2, offering a seven-year program. In 1945, the school was named after Sayat-Nova. Varduhi Zakaryan was appointed director, while Elena Madatyan became head of academic affairs.

In the following years, the school expanded its educational opportunities. In 1948, the Wind Instruments Department was established, offering trumpet, French horn, and clarinet classes. In 1949, a branch of the school was founded, which later became the Armen Tigranyan Music School.

An important milestone in the school's development was the construction of a new building, which began in 1955. On September 1, 1959, the school opened the new academic year in its new premises, equipped with concert halls and specialized classrooms.

The new educational environment provided opportunities to expand both teaching and concert activities.

By the 1960s, the school had already established rich traditions in music education and assembled a distinguished teaching staff.

In 1967, Petros Haykazyan, an accomplished educator and violinist, became director of the school, a position he held until 2003.

During this period, the school achieved significant success, becoming one of the leading institutions in arts education. Its students and teachers participated in concerts, festivals, and competitions.

The school established creative partnerships with music institutions in Tbilisi, Kyiv, and Moscow. These connections facilitated reciprocal visits, concerts, and professional exchange programs.

Over the decades, teaching traditions developed and were passed down through successive generations of teachers and students, strengthening the school's professional reputation.

In 2003, conductor and educator Tigran Hekekyan became director of the school.

During this period, the school continued to develop its educational and concert activities, placing particular emphasis on students' professional training, the development of their creative abilities, and the acquisition of performance experience.

Programs aimed at enhancing professional skills and fostering collaborative music-making became increasingly important. Their results were reflected in the high-quality performances of the school's ensembles, choirs, and orchestras.

Since 2024, the Sayat-Nova Music School of Yerevan has been directed by Garik Nazaryan.

At its current stage of development, the school's priorities include improving the quality of education, modernizing the learning environment, nurturing students' creative potential, and expanding international cooperation.

The school continues to develop its educational and artistic activities, preserving traditions established over decades while creating new opportunities for future generations of musicians.

The school implements numerous educational and cultural programs and initiates new projects of nationwide significance. Among these is the Woodpecker National Solfège Olympiad, first held in 2025.

The school also participates in the publication of educational and methodological materials for music and art schools, commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia. In 2026, the Solfège and Music Literature curricula were published with the involvement of the school's teaching staff. Two additional textbooks, Music Literature, Part 4 and Dictations, are being prepared for publication.

In both 2025 and 2026, the school was named the winner of the 16th and 17th Yerevan Music and Art Schools Competition-Festivals, respectively.

Opportunities for international cooperation are also expanding. In 2026, the school's chamber orchestra participated in the 3rd International Meeting of Music Schools, held in Mytilene, Greece.

Many graduates of the Sayat-Nova Music School in Yerevan have gone on to become renowned musicians, performers, conductors, educators, and cultural figures.

Among the school’s distinguished alumni are Svetlana Navasardyan, Sergei Babayan, Hasmik Papian, Tigran Hekekyan, Eduard Topchjan, Narek Hakhnazaryan, Ruben Matevosyan, Karine Ohanyan, Emin Aristakesyan, and many other artists.

Their professional careers and achievements reflect the enduring legacy of the school’s educational traditions.

Today, the school continues its mission of educating, nurturing, and inspiring new generations through music.