A vocal coach and musician par excellence, Sri Lankan born Tilarni Senn has been singing for years, performing on television and live screens across Australia. Her passion for music was ingrained her from a young age, having been exposed to ‘cabaret duo’ parents Victor and Christine, evolved from the famous Donovan Andre troupe of performers that toured Singapore and Malaysia in the early 60’s.
“Music and singing has been a life-long passion and has always been a part of who I am,” she recalls fondly.

Her most recent project in Australia has been an original single release titled “Rock the World” written by her musician/song writer husband David Senn and produced by Andrew De Silva, winner of the 2012’s Australia’s Got Talent. Tilarni and David Senn have two children, Travis and Hailey.

Life Online met up with her for a chat. Here are some excerpts off the interview.

How did you get into the field of singing?

When I left school, I started taking voice lessons and took up short courses in music and performance.  I started to invest time and money into this passion for music. I joined a couple of bands playing keyboards and singing lead vocals. I networked with other music professionals and started to work my way into the local music industry. It was when I joined Melbourne funk band Mr. Briefcase, that I met David (my husband) and our band Mr Briefcase was one of the five grand finalist bands in the Australian Yamaha Rock competition. This was a memorable event when our band was selected from over 500 original band entries from around the nation to compete for the Australian title to later compete for a world title. Since then we have been a part of Melbourne’s music industry with our band covering the genres of pop, R&B, soul and jazz for various functions ranging from weddings to corporate functions and residencies in the 5-star hotels.

What is the most memorable show you’ve been a part of?

There have been many memorable opportunities and they have all contributed to my growth and journey as a singer. I have been blessed to have opportunities come my way from recording songs for an Australian film company, Boulevard Films, and Gospel DVD albums with music video clips broadcast over a period of 3 years on Foxtel ACC, to performing on Australia’s TV networks as a backing singer for known Australian artistes, as well as being a regular solo performer on the Ten Network Good Morning Australia show for nearly 6 years, hosted by one of  Australia’s iconic celebrities Bert Newton.

How is it being a vocal coach? What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

I pretty much work independently at the moment as a Vocal Coach in two schools, Narre Warren P-12 College and Casey Grammar School, and I have my own private singing school called Next Level Singing (http://www.nextlevelsinging.com.au). I enjoy empowering students to become the best they can be. The most challenging part of the job is to help students to believe in themselves.

How would you describe your students?  

They are all unique and at different levels of growth.  I teach primary and secondary aged students at school, I prepare senior students for Yr 11 and 12 music performance assesments as well.  I have taught students who have competed in the Australia’s Got Talent shows, Brianna Bishop and Kobe White.  I have prepared students to compete in other talent shows like the Voice Kids, as well as local recording artists such as Vita Adams, and adult singers who are embarking on working professionally in the industry.

If you had to pick between doing either of these two activities for the rest of your life – performing or coaching, which would you pick and why?

I enjoy both performing and coaching, as these two activities complete who I am.   

Any plans of doing similar work here in Sri Lanka?

Yes if the opportunity arises.

Your strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths:  I like cooking different kinds of foods. I am spontaneous and I like trying new things.
Weakness:  I can be procrastinator at times and I don’t like that side of me.

Dos and don’ts for aspiring singers?

Work hard at your craft and invest your time and money into it as this will always bring a reward. Always be ready with songs to sing, for you never know when an opportunity will arise.

Future plans?

Keep writing and recording new music, and performing wherever there is an opportunity.

Check out Tilarni’s new song, which is an electro-pop dance track available on the internet stores and digital streaming like iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify and http://www.tilarni.com.

Text by Jennifer Rodrigo