As an international student seeking a unique path in music, Nirvana Bista found Excelsia to be the perfect fit for his aspirations. With a focus on jazz and improvisation, the college’s portfolio-based approach aligned seamlessly with his artistic goals, delivering exactly what he envisioned and more. Arriving at Excelsia as a student, Nirvana was warmly embraced by the community. The transition to a new country and educational environment can be daunting, but the loving and supportive staff and students made him feel at home. ‘From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms,’ Nirvana recalls. ‘Each of my academic needs was addressed with care, and I truly felt like I was part of a home away from home. Now, as a staff member and an alumnus with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Excelsia, I feel incredibly blessed to contribute to this nurturing environment.’
The sense of community at Excelsia became even more profound during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was grappling with uncertainty, Excelsia College stepped up to support its international students. Nirvana remembers the college’s response vividly. ‘During the chaotic period of the pandemic, Excelsia’s staff organised a food bank for international students who were struggling. I was one of those students who received this invaluable help. Staff members like Bobby and Rollan went above and beyond, delivering groceries to our doors and ensuring we had what we needed. It was a true blessing in a difficult time.’
Excelsia College’s commitment to providing a world-class learning environment allowed Nirvana to flourish as an artist. The opportunity to study with renowned educators like David Pudney, Steve Crain, and Pritesh Walia played a crucial role in his development. ‘The college helped me grow as an artist and find my voice,’ he explains. ‘The guidance from legends in the field kept me motivated and allowed me to expand my musical skills. Thanks to Excelsia, I have become a portfolio musician, ready to take on various artistic endeavours.’ Nirvana’s experiences and connections from Excelsia continue to influence and inspire his work. Nirvana’s gratitude extends to his mentors at Excelsia, who have had a lasting impact on his journey. ‘My lessons with David Pudney were always revelatory, and I still learn so much from him,’ he shares. ‘Steve Crain, my first teacher during my bachelor’s, helped me understand my instrument in the clearest way possible. And Daniel Wilkes, who shared my love for jazz and improvisation, became a great friend and an invaluable mentor. The education and friendships I gained at Excelsia are truly world-class.’
Today, Nirvana is a professional guitar player, educator, and composer. He teaches at Excelsia and conducts private online lessons across Nepal, Singapore, Indonesia, and the USA. His diverse career includes performing at worship concerts, jazz and blues shows, and studio work for brands like Coke Nepal and various movie productions. Nirvana Bista’s journey with Excelsia exemplifies how a supportive community and exceptional education can shape a musician’s career and personal growth. His story is a shining example of the profound impact that a nurturing environment can have on a student’s artistic journey and future success.
If you’re passionate about music and eager to achieve your artistic dreams, explore Excelsia’s music courses here to see how you can make them a reality.
