Meet Our Students
Shahd Nasser
Music… The Path I Chose
My name is Shahd Nasser, a graduate of the Cathrina Conservatory of Music, where I specialized in piano performance. When I look back at the years I spent studying music, I feel that I am not speaking only about education or training, but about a long journey of passion, discovery, and self-expression.
My journey with the piano began at an early age. At first, it was simply the curiosity of a child drawn to the sound of melodies and the black and white keys. Gradually, that curiosity turned into a deep and genuine love for music. Over time, I realized that the piano was not just an instrument I played, but a space where I could truly be myself and express my thoughts and emotions in ways that words sometimes cannot.
When I joined the Cathrina Conservatory of Music, my journey took on a deeper and clearer direction. The conservatory was not just a place to study; it was an inspiring and supportive musical environment. There, I learned music academically and gained a strong understanding of its foundations and principles. But beyond the notes themselves, I learned much more: discipline, patience, dedication, and the importance of continuous practice. I also learned that music is not only about what we play, but about what we feel while we play.
At the conservatory, I also met many people who share the same passion for music. We formed wonderful friendships and shared dreams, experiences, and challenges. These relationships became an important part of my journey and made my years of study warmer and more meaningful.
During my studies, my goal was always to build a strong musical foundation and to master the piano in a correct and expressive way. I dreamed of presenting music that carries real emotion—music that reaches the listener’s heart and leaves a lasting impression. For me, the most beautiful moment is when I feel that a note I play can truly touch someone who is listening.
Today, after graduating, I feel that this journey has not ended but has instead entered a new chapter. I am happy to remain part of the Cathrina Conservatory, where I currently work as an assistant and instructor for music theory classes. It brings me great joy to share what I have learned with students and to be part of their musical journeys, just as my teachers were part of mine.
I also strive to continue developing myself and to participate in concerts and various artistic projects. I am particularly interested in film scoring, as it combines music and visual storytelling and gives music a unique power to convey emotions and tell a story.
I feel deeply grateful to the Cathrina Conservatory, its administration, and its teachers, who believed in my talent and supported me throughout my years of study. This conservatory was not only an educational station in my life, but a fundamental part of my artistic and personal growth, and it will always remain an important part of my story with music.
Nuhad Nicola
Music… The Path I Chose
My journey with the piano began in the second grade, when I was around seven years old. I had no idea that this black-and-white instrument would take me on such a long journey filled with passion, challenges, and accomplishments. Throughout my childhood, up to the age of fourteen, I studied piano with a private teacher. I was always eager to improve, to refine my skills, and to elevate my playing from a simple hobby to something much deeper and more professional.
It was my dream to join the expanded 10-unit music Bagrut program — a goal that required a major step: enrolling in an accredited music conservatory. And so, I made one of the best decisions of my life — joining the Cathrina Music Conservatory.
From the moment I joined Cathrina, my relationship with music changed dramatically. I became more confident, especially through the annual concerts hosted by the conservatory. I used to fear performing in front of others, but over time, thanks to these events and the support I received, I began to truly enjoy sharing my music with an audience.
The growth I experienced wasn’t only practical. My knowledge of music theory and Western music history also expanded. I learned how to listen to music more deeply, how to read it, and how to understand the historical and cultural contexts in which it was created.
One of the most beautiful experiences I had at the conservatory was playing in ensemble groups. These moments brought us closer together as students and created strong bonds — not only as musicians but as friends.
The conservatory is rich in expert faculty and an enriching academic curriculum. It opened doors I never imagined. During my studies, I discovered a new passion: music composition. This wasn’t just a passing interest — it was a turning point. I found all the support I needed to develop this talent, and I always felt that my compositions were genuinely appreciated and encouraged.
My journey with Cathrina has been more than just an education — it’s been a life-changing experience on both artistic and personal levels. Now, as a twelfth grader, I look back with pride and gratitude, knowing this is only the beginning of a musical path I hope to pursue with love and determination.
Hiba Khoury
Lessons, Friendships, and the Soundtrack of My Life
I began my educational journey at the conservatory in the tenth grade, and the path lasted three years filled with challenges and experiences.
I went through difficult moments—and even more difficult ones at times—but in the end, the outcome was worth all the effort.
During this time, I met wonderful friends who will remain a part of my life even after my studies are over.
As for music, it played a major role throughout these three years. It became a part of me, and it will continue to accompany me in the years ahead and throughout every stage of my life.
Jamal Marina
From Childhood Notes to a Dream Come True
My journey with music began when I was six years old. I started learning to play the piano, and with every note, I discovered a new part of myself. My first teacher believed in my talent from the very beginning and strongly encouraged me to keep growing. She always told me, "Your talent deserves to be nurtured in a real music conservatory."
Her words kept echoing in my ears and pushed me to take the first step.
I joined a nearby music institute, and the journey began with great enthusiasm. But over time, I faced challenges, and my passion began to fade little by little. I no longer felt the same excitement, and I started losing confidence in my musical path. I felt that something was missing... and I regressed significantly.
When I reached high school, the dream came back to awaken me once more. I wanted to specialize in music and take the Bagrut exam in this field I had always loved. But unfortunately, the institute I was in did not believe in my potential and couldn’t support that ambition — especially considering I had fallen behind musically in recent years.
So I decided not to waste any more time. I left the institute and enrolled in the tenth grade at Katerina Conservatory.
I knew I was behind musically compared to the required level, and that was frightening. But God places the right people in our path at just the right time. That’s when I met Dr. Taysir – the person who believed in me and created an intensive, structured plan so I could reach my goal.
Today, I’m in the year before the Bagrut, preparing five required pieces for the specialization exam. I study three times a week and travel each time from Akko to Turasheha, spending two hours on the road round trip. And still, I’ve never felt tired or hesitant.
On the contrary, my passion grows stronger each day, and my dream becomes clearer.
I am Jamal Marineh, and this is my story with music – a story of faith, struggle, setbacks, and rising again. And today, I am living a true dream.
Music is not just a hobby or a study track – it is part of who I am, my identity.
I will continue on this path, both within the conservatory and beyond, with determination, with Dr. Taysir’s support, and with deep belief that every dream has its time... and now, my time has come.
Nour Khoury
My Journey with the Conservatory
I began my musical journey at the conservatory when I was just three years old. I was so young, but I still vividly remember how excited I was for every lesson, and how I eagerly looked forward to each week.
Over the years, the learning journey was truly incredible in every sense. Music became a major part of my life, and with each passing year, I grew, improved, and discovered new things, not just about playing music, but about myself as well.
Some of the most unforgettable memories are from the concerts and performances, especially those moments right before stepping onto the stage—filled with nerves, excitement, and joy all at once. I also cherish the time spent with my friends at the conservatory, and our practice sessions that were sometimes intense, and other times full of laughter.
There were teachers who left a deep mark on my path, through their guidance, patience, and constant encouragement. My relationship with them was more than just student and teacher—they were a true source of support.
Today, I see my future deeply connected to music. Even if it doesn’t become my main profession, music will always be a part of me. It’s my refuge, my source of comfort, and it’s what taught me discipline, emotion, and expression.
I’m proud of my journey and grateful to the conservatory and everyone who was part of it.
