History

The Sayat-Nova Music School of Yerevan is one of Armenia’s educational institutions with a long-standing tradition of music education. The school’s history began in 1934 with a small music studio that, over the years, grew into an educational institution serving hundreds of students and bringing together distinguished teachers and musicians.

On September 1, 1934, a music studio for the children of education workers began operating at the House of Education Workers. Its initiator and organizer was Varduhi Zakaryan, an energetic advocate of music education. About 50 children were admitted to the studio during its first academic year.

By 1936, the number of students had reached 80, and the teaching staff was joined by new specialists. By 1939, around 200 children were studying at the studio.

In 1940, the music studio was transformed into Children’s Music School No. 2 with a seven-year program. Varduhi Zakaryan was appointed director of the school, while Elena Madatyan became head of academic affairs.

In 1941, the school graduated its first nine students.

The year 1945 became one of the most important milestones in the school’s history. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Sayat-Nova’s death, the school was renamed in honor of the great ashugh.

In 1948, the school opened a wind instruments department with trumpet, French horn, and clarinet classes.

In 1949, a branch of the school was opened, which later became the Armen Tigranyan Music School.

Construction of the school’s new building began in 1955. On September 1, 1959, the school began the new academic year in its new building.

From the 1960s onward, thanks to the work of the school’s director, distinguished teacher and violinist Petros Haykazyan, the school became one of the republic’s leading centers of music education. Students and teachers actively participated in concerts, competitions, and national reviews.

The school established creative partnerships with music schools in Tbilisi, Kyiv, and Moscow, organizing reciprocal visits, concerts, and exchanges of professional experience.

Many of the school’s graduates later became distinguished musicians, teachers, and orchestral performers.

Among the school’s distinguished graduates are Emin Aristakesyan, Ruben Sargsyan, Vardan Achemyan, Yuri Davtyan, Eduard Topchyan, Tigran Hekekyan, Margarita Rukhkyan, Tsovinar Movsisyan, Lilit Yepremyan, Svetlana Navasardyan, Sergei Babayan, Karine Ohanyan, Hasmik Papyan, Raisa Mkrtchyan, Elvina Makaryan, Ruben Matevosyan, Narek Hakhnazaryan, and many other musicians and cultural figures.