In Loving Memory of Professor Strahinja Sajin (1938–2025)

Professor Strahinja Sajin, founder of The Shine School of Music, a beloved teacher, musician, and storyteller, passed away peacefully at home on 13 December 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old.

If it were not for Strahinja, The Shine School of Music would not exist today. His vision, perseverance, and lifelong devotion to music laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to inspire generations of students across continents.

Born in Bosnia and a survivor of World War II, Strahinja began his musical journey at the age of eight in Banja Luka, where he studied clarinet and piano. In a world still recovering from conflict, music became both his refuge and his purpose. At the age of twenty five, driven by a desire to deepen his understanding, he sought out classical guitar studies under Stanko Prek in Zagreb. Stanko Prek was the first classical guitarist in Yugoslavia and a student of Heinrich Albert. Through this lineage, Strahinja inherited a rich tradition rooted in the German classical guitar school, which he carried forward into his teaching philosophy.

Strahinja taught in numerous public schools across Bosnia, Belgrade, and Germany, sharing his knowledge with discipline, generosity, and care. He published pedagogical works, most notably the book The Shine School of Guitar, capturing his musical philosophy, technical principles, and approach to teaching in written form.

In 1988, he opened music schools in Stuttgart, and in 1993, he moved with his family to South Africa, where he founded the first Shine School of Music. These beginnings grew into an international, family run institution. In 2008, Strahinja’s son Milos co founded the Shine School in Barcelona. It was here that Strahinja began sharing his vast knowledge through online lessons and musical workshops. In 2021 he moved permanently to Spain.

A remarkably versatile musician, Strahinja mastered piano, clarinet, guitar, saxophone, drums and the accordion, and at the age of seventy five, he added the violin to his repertoire. His flexibility, curiosity, and humility as a learner remained constant throughout his life.

He was deeply loved by his students, not only for his musical expertise but for his gift as a storyteller. Strahinja wove his personal history into vivid, humorous, and moving tales that captivated listeners and brought them back again and again, for the music and for the stories.

True to his word, Strahinja continued teaching online until the very end, vowing never to stop sharing music. His influence lives on most profoundly through his children, who continue in his footsteps, building upon the musical legacy he so carefully and lovingly created.

We are deeply grateful for the love, memories, and messages shared in honour of Professor Strahinja Sajin. His life was devoted to music, education, and family, and it has been profoundly moving to see how many lives he touched.

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Music Classes for Kids in Barcelona: Everything Parents Need to Know

Why Should Your Child Take Music Lessons?

Picture this: your little one picks up a violin for the first time, and instead of a sweet serenade, you’re met with a sound that closely resembles a cat in distress. Don’t panic! Every musical journey starts somewhere, and trust us, it’s worth it. Music lessons aren’t just about playing an instrument; they’re about building confidence, enhancing brain development, and giving kids a creative outlet that will stay with them for life.

Studies show that kids who study music have better memory, improved mathematical skills, and even enhanced social abilities. Plus, music can be a stress reliever—something we all need, even at a young age!

Some schools in Barcelona have great music programs, while others specialise in other things, like sport or art. You can find after school music classes in many of the neighborhoods in the city, and some even offer classes on the weekend, in your home, or even online. Both Group lessons and Individual classes are great. At Shine Music School, you can even create your own group beginner classes. This is a fantastic option for siblings, or for friends looking for discounted music classes!

But lets find out about what to expect from taking music lessons…

Finding the Right Instrument

Choosing an instrument is a bit like choosing a pet—it needs to match your child’s personality and lifestyle! Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Piano: Great for beginners! Teaches melody and harmony right away.
• Guitar/Ukulele: Fun and portable, perfect for sing-alongs.
• Violin: Takes patience, but rewards with elegance.
• Drums: Got an energetic kid? This one’s for them!
• Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone: Ideal for kids who love a challenge and enjoy playing in a band.

The key is to let your child explore and choose—they’re more likely to stick with it if they love the sound and feel of their instrument.

Private Lessons vs. Group Classes

Both options have their perks. Private lessons offer one-on-one attention, helping kids progress quickly. Group classes, on the other hand, can be more social and fun, teaching collaboration and teamwork. If your child is just starting, group classes might be a great way to ease into learning without pressure.

What to Expect in the First Few Months

Here’s the deal: it won’t sound amazing right away. (Sorry!) But that’s all part of the journey. In the first few months, your child will:

• Learn basic techniques
• Practice simple songs
• Get comfortable with their instrument

Encourage them to stick with it. Learning an instrument is like learning a new language—it takes time, but the rewards are huge!

Practice Tips for Parents

Getting your child to practice without turning into a drill sergeant is an art in itself. Here’s how to help:

• Make it fun! Turn practice time into a game.
• Keep sessions short and sweet (10–15 minutes for beginners).
• Praise effort, not perfection—celebrate the small wins!
• Set a routine—same time every day works best.
• Join in! If you play an instrument, have a mini jam session together.

When to Expect Progress

Don’t expect Mozart-level compositions in a month. Most kids show noticeable improvement after about 6 months of consistent lessons. After a year, they might be ready for recitals or small performances.

Beyond the notes and rhythms, music teaches patience, perseverance, and self-expression. Whether your child becomes a concert pianist or just enjoys playing for fun, music will enrich their life in ways you can’t even imagine.

Final Tips from the professionals!

• Rent an instrument, rather than buying one. Initially, your child may not be sure which instrument is the one for them, renting allows them to play on better quality instruments for a fraction of the price. And quality goes a long way in facilitating easier playing, and therefore helping them progress faster. It also means that you can change instruments at any point! The piano wasn’t for them? No problem, try the violin!
• Communicate with your school or teacher. Finding the perfect teacher for your child isn’t always so easy. Sometimes they click immediately, and sometimes not. There’s nothing stopping you from trying lessons with different teachers, as each have their preferred styles of teaching. It helps to give your school as much info about your child as possible, thus allowing them to suggest the best teacher suited for their needs! If there is no noticeable improvement or the child is not enjoying lessons after 6 months, chat with their teacher or school and see if perhaps changing teachers or instruments might be in order. Remember everyone is unique, some people learn music for fun, while others are very serious, and require very structured, intensive classes.

So go ahead—sign them up, embrace the squeaky first notes, and enjoy the beautiful (sometimes noisy) journey ahead. One day, you’ll look back and be amazed at how far they’ve come!

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