She was not just a music teacher but second mother and mentor to students and staff

A legendary teacher of music and the arts Joy Ferdinando was called to her Maker on June 27, after a brief illness. She had a record 68 years of teaching music starting from small beginnings.

Joy came from a Moratuwa family that had music in their blood. Her two sisters were also music teachers but it was Joy who strode forward to start her own institute – the International Institute of Music, Speech and Drama over 20 years ago.

There was no turning back and soon she had experienced teachers and examiners from across the country including the North and East backing her with students sitting for local and foreign exams.

Joy was the Sri Lanka representative of IILCM- the London College of Music Examinations – University of West London and was later made a Fellow of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama, UK.

She was responsible for starting the ever popular Festivals for Music, Speech and Drama which gave an opportunity for local students of all ages to display their talents. Her contacts and relationships with London enabled her to get down foreign adjudicators to judge the festivals and every year saw the standards grow by leaps and bounds. This made her very happy.

The summer camps followed. Joy was a hardworking lady who never took ‘no’ for an answer and her support team always worked hard to achieve the best results. Though she seemed tough on the exterior she had a heart of gold and was always on hand to help her sudents and staff when requested. On numerous occasions she permitted students to sit for exams and take part in festivals even though they had not paid their fees. She often said ‘I cannot deprive these children of showcasing their talents’.

Every year Joy took her institute staff on an overseas holiday to show her appreciation to them for a job well done. She was like a second mother and mentor to them. Joy loved overseas travel and had a small group of friends who went on many a trip with her. She often visited the UK to keep abreast of the work of the London School of Music.

The multitude of tributes paid to her is evidence of the magnitude of her loss. Teachers, parents and children came in their numbers to pay their last respects to her at her daughter’s home where her remains lay surrounded by flowers and music.

The mission she started with her institute will I am sure, be carried on by her staff and management for the benefit of future generations.

My family and I have known Aunty Joy for more than 28 years and we were privileged to have known such a charming lady.

Aunty Joy, you are now in a better place. may your soul rest in peace.