Beautiful farewell with Piano Master Ratna Sari Tjiptorahardjo

Writer: Dhona Maria Ananda

Dear my friend, the two hardest things to say in life is hello for the first time and goodbye for the last. Thats what Moira Rogers quote says. But, in my opinion the second word is the hardest one. Especially for someone that we love, never say goodbye are the perfect word to handle it. Eventhough we will never run from destiny, we can hope at least keep the pray in our hand, that farewell come unless its beautiful. This article was dedicated to an amazing mother and teacher, Mrs. Ratna Sari Tjiptorahardjo. May she rest in peace with all the beautiful music that bring her smile.

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A Piece Journey of Ratna Sari Tjiptorahardjo

Ratna Sari Tjiptorahardjo born in Bandung amongs a musical family. The first piano lessons were received at seven years old from meneer Doom, then from Mrs. Yenly Kasim and Mrs. Maria Ibrahim. Futher, music lessons were received from Mr. Oerip Santoso, Mr. Su Saw Ching, and Mrs. Sue Dilnot (Melbourne, Australia). Ratna achieving Music Diplomas, namely, from ABRSM, London, for LRSM Teaching and from AMEB. Otherwhile from ABRSM Australia, Ratna achieving A Mus A and L Mus A Perfomance. 

First formal music education was gained from a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, London, in 1996, under Prof. Peter Element for Piano Perfomance and Mrs. Judith Burton for Piano Pedagogy. Her formal music education was continued in Melba Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne, in 1998, for Bachelor of Music and Master of Music was gained while studying at University of Melbourne. All this time, Ratna received piano training from Dr. Julie Haskell and Caroline Almonte.

While teaching at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung during 1995-2000, Ratna had worked together with visiting professors from Germany, the late pianist Hansjoerg Koch from Music Hochschule, Freiburg, and Prof. Dr. Dieter Mack from Music Hochschule Luebeck with whom Ratna is still keeping close working relation.

In Melbourne, Ratna gives piano private lessons to beggining and advance learners. She is also involved in conducting choir at Melbourne's Indonesian Catholic community and in 2002 has conducted Mozart's the Great Mass in C Minor for the 25th anniversary of Indonesian Catholic Community.

In Bandung, Ratna gives seminars, concerts and continually upgrading music and teaching skills of her colleagues at Studio Musik Melodia, at Jalan Cipunagara No.15. Many of students from Sekolah Musik Melodia have achieved high grade Certificates/Diplomas of ABRSM, and have continued their studies overseas, after which they have been leading good musical professions in Indonesia or overseas. 

Ratna is working for her Trinity College London's Fellowship Diploma in 2014 and commencing her course in Doctorate in Monash University, Melbourne.

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Beautiful Farewell with Ratna Sari Tjiptorahardjo

Ratna Sari Tjiptorahardjo was passed away at saturday, 24th September 2022, Melbourne, Australia. Ratna leave one husband (Arianto Ronosulistyo), one daughter (Natasya Ronosulistyo), and one son (Raymond Ronosulistyo) with love and peace, after become survivor of breast cancer since 2008.

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The last but not least, Thank you for always be a good mother and teacher for many people, included my self. Hope i can see you again, talk many things about life and music.

Regards, Dhona Maria Ananda.

"Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation" -Rumi-

Plandemic Growth Youtube Channel: Donna Maria Ananda