RADOT

Sintija Karklina: founder and author

Ever since my first grade at school, I have been pondering (losing focus on the lesson and gazing out of the window) why can’t lessons be an adventure where the creative spirit is given room to express itself? So many rules and boundaries to follow, only to break those barriers later, revealing a world that is vastly different.

Free flight of imagination has been the most important thing for me in answering the question – why?! Knowledge is just a tool to fly and do what you really want to do.

I started learning music at the age of 4 assisting my mum with individual music lessons at an early stage (unofficially becoming a teacher from the age of 12). However, I've always wanted to be just a creative facilitator, as I believe everyone is free to express themselves and contribute to the creation of something new!

My journey in music began as a child with a request to my mum to teach me to play the piano. From then on, things spiraled (thanks to my mum's unwavering support):

Riga Secondary School No. 6 (music specialization);

Jāzeps Mediņš 1^st Music School of Riga;

Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Secondary Music School;

Riga Academy of Pedagogy and Educational Management (after one year I changed my mind and went to...);

Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music

I have mastered the system with fundamental basics to be able to work as a teacher in schools, music schools and interest-related education (pedagogical work started in 2011). 

I am grateful to my husband Magnuss Karklins for love, encouragement and help to CREATE, who is now also actively programming our new interactive learning website www.radot.lv and www.radotmusic.com

The idea for my first book originated in 2016, and in 2020 it finally came true! At the same time, I have been creating teaching videos and publishing them on YouTube since 2019.

 I'm still learning and mastering all kinds of skills – it’s a fantastic experience! To create “RADOT Music” I've acquired the software that I want to mention, because maybe it can be useful for you too – MuseScore for music notation, GarageBand for music recording, Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, Adobe After Effects for visual effects, Adobe Illustrator for drawing and more.

I sincerely thank my readers and wish them creativity in their learning journey!

We learn to create...

 

Magnuss Karklins: IT

I have spent a significant amount of time in front of a computer since my school days. After spending 14 years in the small town of Lielvārde, I came to the realization that life in a big city would offer more excitement, leading me to relocate to Riga. After high school, I managed to get a Master's degree in computer science at the University of Latvia.

Music has never been my passion, but since I met my wife Sintija, things have improved a little. 

I strive to program the spectacular things that the “RADOT Music” team comes up with. Often they are so big and grandiose that all I can do is sigh, go to the computer and somehow figure out how to make it happen. 

I believe that new technologies are needed to attract the younger generation to music. That's why I dedicate my time to making music learning more engaging for young people surrounded by technology.

 

Elina Selga: editor 

My musical education started in the piano class at Alūksne Music School. Later on, I pursued my studies in the music theory department of Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Secondary Music School (JMRSMS). While I had initially been drawn to piano playing, my fascination was the world of music history and theory, in the study of which I put my absolute pitch to use. Next, my path led to Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLAM), where I obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree in musicology.

Alongside my studies, I started and continued my pedagogical work at JMRSMS, teaching theoretical music subjects. In addition, I also lectured in the disciplines of solfeggio and music theory at the JVLAM, working with future choral conductors, vocalists and music teachers, as well as students of the Sound engineering program. 

My work experience has also extended into the non-pedagogical field. I have also gained valuable insight into seminar organization and office work processes in a recruitment company, the challenges of managing a department in the JVLAM Study Department, as well as expert work in the Latvian Music Information Centre. The specifics of each workplace have presented wonderful opportunities for me to explore different industries and activities, learn different technologies, as well as meet and work with fascinating people.

A rich contribution to my creative experience has been singing in the Riga Chamber Choir “Ave Sol” and other ensembles, as well as creating arrangements and original compositions for choirs and ensembles.

“RADOT Music” came into my life in 2020 when I was involved in editing a book. The collaboration naturally continued with the workbook and has now culminated in my ongoing involvement in almost all aspects of “RADOT Music”.

As the mother of a 4^th grader, I am delighted to witness her creativity and cognitive spirit in both her daily life and studies. I am particularly pleased to observe her eagerness to actively participate in testing the ideas and materials of “RADOT Music”!