I am a caring and dedicated educator with over seven years of experience teaching music and early childhood learners in New Zealand, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. I am passionate about play-based learning and fostering creativity, confidence, and inclusion. I am currently completing a Master of Early Childhood Education (Level 9) at New Zealand Tertiary College, bringing strong communication skills, patience, and creativity to support holistic child development. I enjoy collaborating with whānau and teaching teams to create holistic, inclusive learning experiences.

Sandali Nihara Fernando

I am a caring and dedicated educator with over seven years of experience teaching music and early childhood learners in New Zealand, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. I am passionate about play-based learning and fostering creativity, confidence, and inclusion. I am currently completing a Master of Early Childhood Education (Level 9) at New Zealand Tertiary College, bringing strong communication skills, patience, and creativity to support holistic child development. I enjoy collaborating with whānau and teaching teams to create holistic, inclusive learning experiences.

Available to hire

I am a caring and dedicated educator with over seven years of experience teaching music and early childhood learners in New Zealand, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. I am passionate about play-based learning and fostering creativity, confidence, and inclusion. I am currently completing a Master of Early Childhood Education (Level 9) at New Zealand Tertiary College, bringing strong communication skills, patience, and creativity to support holistic child development. I enjoy collaborating with whānau and teaching teams to create holistic, inclusive learning experiences.

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Language

English
Fluent
Sinhala, Sinhalese
Fluent

Work Experience

Assistant Teacher at Kids’ World Ellerslie Ltd.
January 1, 2026 - Present
Plan and deliver engaging music mat times for infants and toddlers; support daily routines including feeding and meal supervision; maintain a clean, safe, and organised learning environment; assist with sleep routines; build positive relationships with tamariki, whānau, and teaching staff; follow centre policies aligned with Te Whāriki.
Music Teacher at Podar Pearl School, Doha
March 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Delivered comprehensive music lessons for Years 1–8 under the CBSE curriculum; integrated music and movement into early learning environments to enhance emotional and social skills; led school choirs and assemblies; assessed and supported students’ progress through differentiated instruction.
Western Music Teacher at Moonlight Music Academy
January 1, 2017 - Present
Prepared students for G.C.E., TCL, ABRSM, and IWMS examinations; delivered one-to-one and group lessons in piano, clarinet, and recorder; conducted classes for young learners using playful, student-centered methods; organized student recitals and performances.
Western Music Teacher / Grade Coordinator at Musaeus College, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
July 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024
Taught Grades 6–9 Western Music (theory, performance, aural); served as Grade Coordinator, ensuring curriculum quality and student engagement; conducted Junior Western Band practices and guided students for competitions; developed inclusive and supportive learning environments for diverse learners.
Assistant Teacher (Reliever) at Kids’ World Ellerslie Ltd.
January 1, 2026 - Present
Plan and deliver engaging music mat times for infants and toddlers to support early learning and development. Support daily routines including feeding, meal supervision, and maintaining hygienic food preparation areas. Maintain a clean, safe, and organised learning environment. Assist with sleep routines, including preparing and monitoring rest areas. Build positive relationships with tamariki, whānau, and teaching staff. Follow centre policies and procedures in alignment with Te Whāriki.
Music Teacher at Podar Pearl School
March 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Delivered comprehensive music lessons for Years 1–8 under the CBSE curriculum. Integrated music and movement into early learning environments to enhance emotional and social skills. Led school choirs and assemblies, promoting creativity and teamwork. Assessed and supported students’ progress through differentiated instruction.
Western Music Teacher at Musaeus College, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
July 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024
Taught Grades 6–9 Western Music (theory, performance, aural). Served as Grade Coordinator, ensuring curriculum quality and student engagement. Conducted Junior Western Band practices and guided students for competitions. Developed inclusive and supportive learning environments for diverse learners.

Education

Master of Early Childhood Education (Level 9) at New Zealand Tertiary College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2027
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) – Music at University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Associate Diploma in Music Theory (AMusTCL) at Trinity College London
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Master of Early Childhood Education (Level 9) at New Zealand Tertiary College, Auckland
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2027
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) – Music at University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Associate Diploma in Music Theory (AMusTCL) at Trinity College London
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
IELTS Academic – Overall Band 7 at British Council
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026

Qualifications

IELTS Academic – Overall Band 7
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Pre and Primary Teacher Training (Level 4)
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Differentiated Instruction Training
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Certificate in Applied Information Technology (CAIT)
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Innovative Teaching Techniques
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Pre and Primary Teacher Training (Level 4)
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Differentiated Instruction Training
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Certificate in Applied Information Technology (CAIT)
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Innovative Teaching Techniques
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
IELTS Academic – Overall Band 7
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other