Meet Mallika Sheshadri, a recent PCM alum who was named Valedictorian at Pasadena High School. Malika has been part of the PCM family for 6 years, studying violin with Aimée Kreston, and taking composition, piano, and chamber music lessons. Last fall, Mallika began studying at Northwestern University, double majoring in physics and violin performance.

This interview was conducted on June 30, 2025.

What are some of your highlights from your time at PCM?

My time at PCM was relatively short, but I cherish every moment. I am fortunate to have studied with Aimée Kreston and learned so much from her. Looking back, both my junior and senior recitals stand out as very special memories. I also really enjoyed my time in the chamber music program. During these last two years, I fell in love with chamber music. I have been in seven different groups through the chamber program and summer intensive, so I have had the chance to learn how to collaborate with other musicians in an intimate setting. The string quartet repertoire is huge, and it’s exciting to get to play such incredible works.

How has PCM prepared you for attending Northwestern as a double major in violin performance and physics?

The guidance I received from Ms. Kreston allowed me to be competitive for admission to undergraduate music programs like Northwestern’s, which I am grateful for. Additionally, I hope my chamber music experience here has also prepared me to explore new depths of the chamber repertoire in college. On the physics side, I think the discipline that practicing music requires of us, and the collaborative nature of music, transfers to being able to study well and work with others.

As you enter this new chapter, what are some of your goals, musically and non-musically?

Professionally, I hope to pursue a career in astronomy and academia. The universe is massive and fascinating to learn about. I have been working as a research assistant in an astronomy group at Caltech for more than a year, and it’s a privilege to contribute to the great research being conducted right now, even though the part I play is quite small. I hope to continue doing research throughout my undergrad and hopefully as a career. Musically, I want to live a life filled with lots of music, and am intent on laying a strong foundation now so I can do just that.

Who is your current favorite composer/artist?

I have a lot of favorite composers, too many to list. I love Bach, and I think, as a violinist, I hold a special reverence for his works. I also love Beethoven and Brahms. I find that I always turn to Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms when I’m sad, stressed, or tired. As I grew older, I have come to deeply appreciate Mozart and Haydn. The Haydn cello concertos have been stuck in my head all the time recently! The French late-romantics who stylistically preceded the impressionists, particularly Fauré, Chausson, and Franck, wrote some incredible works as well. I also adore Schubert. There’s something so magnificent about how he develops ideas and builds tension. I used to think his works were too long and boring, but now I feel that the length is the most heavenly part.

Beyond classical music, I love Jacob Collier, AURORA, and Cavetown. I have a lot of respect for not only their music but also their worldviews, which are unique and refreshing amidst the chaos of the world.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m really going to miss PCM! I look back on my time here fondly and am grateful for the opportunities I was given.