Founder: David Bawi Lian Thang Lyan (1956-2021)

The First Melody studio was founded by Mr. David Bawi Lian Thang Lyan in 2009 in Myanmar. He was a life long classical guitarist and taught guitar class, choir and violin (strings) to students across Myanmar through the Restoration Bible Institute. As his studio expended, he founded The First Melody String Orchestra in Falam, Chin State, Myanmar. He was a well known and one of the first recognized accomplished musicians to come from the chin ethnic group/lai miphun. They recognized him as one of the few “Lai Arsi” or one of the few spectacular chin artists of his generation.

 Director of The First Melody Violin Studio: Carol Bawi Hlen Lyan

Carol is a life long violinist (both classical and gospel) from Myanmar and her inspiration for music was passed down to her from her father David. After coming to Texas she played in Green B. Trimble Tech High School Orchestra (2013-14 concert master) under the direction of Doreida Aleksi Anastasiadi who she continues studying violin under. She also played in the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra under the direction of Dr. German Gutierrez and volunteered with the EG Academy teaching violin. She played in the Christ Chapel Bible Church orchestra, traditional service. She graduated from Texas Christian University in 2019 with Bachelor of Music Education emphasizing the violin, studying under Dr. Elisabeth Adkins. Ever since, she has taught violin privately and served the community as an Orchestra teacher. Over the last few years, she has taken numerous students to UIL and has won Sweepstakes awards and her students have earned countless solo and ensemble accolades.