“When telling us about his first time at the school, Sophan smiles and says how happy he was to meet the director and teachers, and to make new friends. He has been studying music at the school for four years now, joining the ranks of the permanent troupe after his first year. “I first felt panic during my first performances, but now it just feels normal. I love Khmer musical instruments and would like to contribute to preserving and transmitting Khmer music in the future.”

Today, the young man works part-time in a car-repair shop but still finds the time to practice music. Before Covid times, he would come to the school every evening after school. “The teachers care a lot about the students. They advise us not to be lazy but to be dedicated to our studies.”

Sophan wishes to become a Khmer language teacher in Serey Sophon. “Even when I become a teacher, I will still practice music at the school of arts” he says confidently. He is grateful to all the teachers and Krousar Thmey for creating the school for children to study and practice music. A message to the future generations of students: “Please continue to preserve and popularize Khmer music!”