Radar Armenia's interlocutor is Samson Panyan, a singer, lecturer at the Charles Aznavour State College of Culture and Art, and director of the Yervand Kochar Art School in Hrazdan.
- After a long break, you recently presented the work "Confession of Love" by Grigor Banants to the audience. What is the reason for your passivity in singing? Is there nothing to say, or do you have other priorities?
- In terms of recording songs, the last year has been passive due to a job change. I have been the art school director named after "Yervand Kochar" in Hrazdan for 1 year and 8 months. The school had many problems. From the first day of the appointment, I set myself the task of improving and solving the enormous problems of Arvet School. There was no time to think about recording a song. Thank God everything has been settled; it's on track, and singing and running a school no longer interfere with each other as to what to say. There is always something to say. I have been engaged in academic activities for 15 years and continuously impart knowledge. Taking advantage of this opportunity, they would like to note that the idea of recording the song "Confession of Love" was planned a long time ago. In the end, we recorded the song thanks to the team standing by my side, for which I thank everyone. By the way, I have a newly recorded song, and we will present the video to the audience soon. Instrumental works of several songs are also in progress.
- After the "People's Singer - 2" project, you are not active in musical projects. Do you have no invitations or no suitable projects for you?
"People's Singer - 2" went a long way. The project gave a new "breath," after which a lot of work was done: new songs, collaborations with various singers, and concerts abroad. After the project, I also had a successful solo concert within the framework of the "Arena Life" program. I participated in an international competition and returned to my homeland victorious. Also, for 12 years, I held the position of educational director of a music school. So, there was no turning back after the "People's Singer - 2" project.
- Don't you miss the stage, the active interaction with the audience? How do you fill that gap?
For an artist, any stage is his second home. I miss the stage during breaks, especially considering the events that happened in our country in recent years: pandemic and war. However, during the pandemic, when a state of emergency was declared in the country, I had a live solo concert without an audience. The stage is life, where the artist lives and lives.
- Working with children is not the easiest. Where does the love for pedagogy come from?
- I have to admit, when I was admitted to Yerevan "Khachatur Abovyan" Armenian State Pedagogical University, I had no idea I would ever teach because being a performer is one thing; being a pedagogue is entirely different. When I received the offer to teach at a music school, I feared it wouldn't work... I tried, and it worked. You must dedicate yourself, love the work, and approach each child differently, depending on the character, characteristics, talent, etc. I happily say that I found the right formula to work as a teacher and a lecturer in a music school. I am happy I have brilliant students who continue their education in various universities and conservatories. I hope many more will hear about them.
- As the director of a music school, what do you do to make the school more attractive and desirable for children?
- As the art school director, I do everything to get the children involved in cultural life. In this short period, I did everything to develop the school. We have more than ten newly created departments. I entered the school with about 170 students, but we have 400 students today. These are not just numbers but the fruits of continuous work. Everything is done, starting from the building conditions and ending with the most minor problems, so the school develops and becomes attractive for children. Although I am the school's director, I did everything to get the school up and running, from the work of a worker to the director's duty, for the sake of the children and the school's sake. I am proud that the job done was not fruitless because today, we have a well-organized, presentable educational center that has succeeded in competitions. The work aimed at the development of the school will be continuous. I have a great desire and will to work. A person supporting my wish is the mayor of Hrazdan, Mr. Mikayelyan, and the entire municipality.
- As you know, today, music school teachers have the opportunity to participate in voluntary certification and improve their salary. Do you have teachers in your school who are already certified or want to be certified? In general, what is your opinion about that process?
- We have an authorized teacher at the school, and teachers are preparing to participate. I gladly accept training with state support, invite specialists, and organize training courses. Of course, I have a favorable opinion about introducing the certification system if it is not limited to just completing a test. Pedagogy is not about passing a test because you can pass a test very well but have no pedagogical skills. Theoretical and practical knowledge should be combined.
- Concluding the conversation, what can the audience expect from singer Samson Panyan shortly?
As I said at the beginning of the conversation, the audience will soon hear new songs I perform. They will be in a more rhythmic genre. The new video clips will not have to wait long; there will also be concerts. There are no plans for a solo concert yet. When I present the new songs to the public, we will understand the next steps.
Hayk Magoyan
