By Tushar Bose
India has always been in the forefront when it comes to music. It is since time immemorial that India has produced great legends in the field of music. Be it Indian classical music or be the modern-day music everyone likes to groove to these days, India is a land which has promising and creative musicians. People from all over the world throng towards India to learn music. And not only learn, there is a good deal of people who along with learning from the musical maestros of the country, establish their careers in the same lines too. Today, we give to you the most promising and the most diverse Indian schools and institutes where you can enroll if you want to pursue music as your career or if you want to learn some form of music from the best in the industry.
KMMC: The Conservatory – Chennai
KMMC: The Conservatory – Chennai
The KM Music Conservatory was established by A.R. Rahman in the year 2008. Located in Arumbakkam, Chennai, the institute offers a wide variety of courses which cover Hindustani and Western classical music and music technology. The institute is headed by none other than A.R. Rahman himself.
KMMC offers two courses in music in collaboration with Middlesex University, UK. The foundation and diploma courses combine a study of piano, western vocals, percussion, flute and violin. The foundation course is a one-year long program designed to equip the students with fundamental music skills for the degree course.
The diploma course is a two-year long program which extensively covers music traditions, western music history and analysis, performance and musicianship, and applied audio technology. During the second year of the course, students get to specialize either in performance or composition. On successful completion of the initial three years (which covers the foundation and the first two years of the undergraduate programs), student get to complete their third year from Middlesex University, UK.
KMMC also offers a wide variety of part-time courses, designed as one-year programs for all music enthusiasts above the age of 5.
The faculty at KMMC includes instructors not only form India but also from Europe and US specializing in music performance, music theory and analysis, music history, musicology and music technology.
Website: http://kmmc.in
madras-music-academy
Madras Music Academy – Chennai
The Madras music academy is one of the oldest music institutions in India. Having established in the year 1928, Madras music is one of the pioneers in Carnatic music in India. I played a vital role in the revival of Indian classical music and Bharatnatyam in the 1930s when it had faced severe crisis and was on the verge of extinction.
The academy offers both full-time and part-time courses in various forms of music and a special vocal course for a period of four years.
Apart from these courses, the academy also hosts Special Endowment Programs, Workshops, Annual competitions and collaborative events. The academy boasts of a library with rare manuscripts, tape recordings and books relating to music.
Website: http://musicacademymadras.in
Delhi-school-of-music
Delhi School of Music – Delhi
The Delhi School of Music is one of its kind in the country. It is the only institute in the country which teaches Western Classical music. Established in the year 1966, the Delhi School of Music has tie-ups with some of the most esteemed music institutes of the world like The Royal School of Music and the Trinity School of Music.
It is one of the best institutes in the country to learn instruments like piano, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone, keyboard and drums. The school organizes various workshops by visiting faculties and prominent musicians, which gives the students and the staff an opportunity to hone their skills in music.
The school also collaborates with institutions like Indian Council for Cultural Relations, The India International Centre, and cultural divisions and organizations of various foreign missions.
Website: http://www.delhischoolofmusic.net
Swarna Bhoomi-academy-of-music
Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music – Tamil Nadu
Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music is the only school of music in South East Asia, which provides a comprehensive professional course in contemporary music. Although it came into existence relatively recently in the year 2010, the academy has been able to secure a stronghold in the music education area.
The academy boasts of some of the best faculty members which comprise of acclaimed musicians not only from India but also some of the best Jazz, Latin and Rock musicians from USA. And of course, the faculty also consists members of legendary bands such as Dream Theatre, Journey and Yes.
The institute offers various courses starting from bachelor’s degree in music, Diploma in music performance to a diploma in music production. Apart from the ones mentioned above, the academy also conducts summer programs, 5-day camps and special workshops which is a wonderful opportunity for music enthusiasts to be a part of.
Website: http://sam.org.in
Calcutta-school-of-music
Calcutta School of Music – Kolkata
Kolkata has always been known for its association with music and culture. The Calcutta School of Music is one of the oldest and pioneering music institutes in the country. Established in the year 1915, the school is over 100 years old, and offers courses top-notch courses in contemporary classical music, western classical music, speech training, dance, drama and elocution.
The institute offers a wide range of courses in both Indian and Western music disciplines. Examinations are conducted in collaboration with Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Trinity College London (TCL), London College of Music (LCM).
The school also conducts concerts on a yearly basis where acclaimed musicians from all over the world participate. It also offers various courses and scholarships in collaboration with international music institutes.
Website: http://www.calmusic.org
So, there you have it folks. If music is what inspires you, if music is what you want to make a career of, if it is music that appeals to you the most, we have given you the 5 best places in India where you belong.
Pack your bags, plan your trip, for a bright future awaits you..!!
