Kopila Valley students carry stories. And sometimes you can hear their stories reflected in their music, the soulful voice or instrument they share on occasion in music class. When you cross the suspension bridge on campus, you’ll come across a curious glass building, Kopila’s Music Room. It is filled almost every afternoon with beautiful voices. Music teacher Sunil Basel guides our students with expertise and passion. 

Born and raised in Birendranagar-4, Surkhet, Sunil grew up in a close-knit family that encouraged him to dream big. After completing his SLC (School Leaving Certificate), he pursued engineering, enrolling at KNIT College in Butwal, another town in Nepal. He continues his bachelor’s studies today. While engineering became his academic path, music remained the calling he could never ignore.

That passion led him to pursue music professionally, opening doors to opportunities he had once only imagined. One of the biggest milestones in his journey came when he became a Top 12 contestant on Nepal Idol Season 5. The experience challenged him, strengthened his confidence, and reaffirmed that music was where he truly belonged.

We asked Sunil, “Why music?”

“Music has always been more than just sound to me. It has always been a part of me…whether I’m writing, taking a walk, or just sitting with my thoughts. It’s a way of expressing emotions, creativity, and ideas. I’m a shy person, so I find it much easier to write my feelings in my diary, turn them into a tune, and eventually release them in a melody.  I believe music has the unique ability to connect people regardless of language or culture, bringing joy, comfort, and inspiration to both performers and listeners alike. I almost always have music playing. I just love the feeling of getting so lost in it.” 

Sunil believes that learning music should be enjoyable, engaging, and welcoming for every student. 

His class begins with warm-up activities before introducing the day’s lesson through singing, rhythm exercises, instruments, and interactive group activities. 

They start with the foundation of Indian classical music, the Seven Swaras:

Sa- the first breath

Re-curiosity

Ga-Warmth

Ma-peace

Pa- Horizon

Dha- Longing

Ni- Expectation

Together, Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni are more than seven notes. They are seven emotions, seven colors of the soul, seven chapters of every human story. Every session encourages students to participate, collaborate, and gradually build confidence while learning at their own pace.

His classroom is a space where students are free to explore their creativity, express themselves, and discover the joy of  learning and creating  music.

He says, “Music education improves and develops language skills in children. Music stimulates the brain, and with its varied sounds and lyrics, students are exposed to a large amount of vocabulary in a short amount of time. Music also provides exposure to other languages, which creates a foundation for the student’s ability to understand and communicate in a different language.” 

This year, Sunil is keeping musical traditions alive. He’s been guiding students in learning traditional Nepali songs and folk music. This way, he seeks to develop a deeper appreciation for Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, especially in Karnali. 

For Sunil, however, the most unforgettable moments happen when the curtains open for a school assembly or a community event. His greatest reward is watching his students perform on the stage in front of hundreds of people with confidence and joy. 

With immense pride he shares, “Their success is my greatest achievement.” 

When he is not teaching, Sunil is an active performer and the founder of The Zapers Band, which he established in 2019. Since then, the band has performed at cultural programs, celebrations, and community events across Nepal, allowing him to continue growing as both a musician and performer.

“Music allows us to express emotions that words sometimes cannot,” he shares. 

Because of teachers like Sunil, students at Kopila Valley School get to perform on the stage, develop singing skills, and understand the language of music. This is a beautiful way for them to tell their stories and share their creativity in melody.