Gone are the days when learning music professionally was a farfetched dream. If you have the passion, talent, content and are seeking to make a career in the music industry then look no further. Here’s a list of the best formal music institutes across the country.
Swarnabhoomi Academy Music
Established on the outskirts of Chennai, it is South Asia’s largest and best college of contemporary music be it Jazz, Rock or World music. The college offers a diploma course in music performance and a technical diploma program for aspiring music engineers in Audio Engineering and Music Technology. With top-notch musicians from different genres as faculty members, the academy aims at a collaborative exchange of ideas and thoughts by blending the Gurukul based classical music and contemporary western music education practice.
Website: http://sam.org.in/
KM Music Conservatory
Based in Chennai, the KM Music Conservatory is an incredible institute to learn the art of creating music that houses commercial recording studios and the Sunshine Orchestra for the underprivileged. Founded by the music maestro A.R. Rahman, the school offers a wide range of courses from western classic, opera singing to traditional western music. With an exceptionally experienced faculty, Rahman mentors and teaches the students.
Website: http://kmmc.in/
Calcutta School of Music
Founded back in 1915, it is one of the best institutions in India. Inaugurated by Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Indian Music section is known to train vocalists in ragas, Geet and Ghazal to Thumri and Kheyal. With a brilliant faculty, the students can specialise Western and Indian instruments. Offering a great range of contemporary programmes in classical music to western classical, the school is known to arrange orchestras, chamber as well as solo music training and concerts.
Website: http://www.calmusic.org/
The True School of Music
Set in the city of the entertainment industry, the school has grown rapidly over three years. Known to provide the finest Music Production and Sound Engineering programs, the institute aims to train the next generation of musicians, artists, instrument producers, producers, composers and DJs. With industry inspired faculty, the school promises to turn you from a passionate aspiring musician to a successful musician.
Website: http://trueschool.in/
Madras Music Academy
Famously known for involvement in the promotion and safeguarding of the classical fine arts of Indian music, the academy was founded in 1928. Even today, the academy plays a vital role in encouraging and teaching Carnatic Music as an Indian art form. With one of the oldest academic establishments, the school is the finest institutes in India if you want to learn Carnatic style of Indian Classical music. Look no further.
Webiste: https://www.musicacademymadras.in/
Delhi School of Music
From all forms of the art, you believe Western Classical Music is where you belong then this school is the obvious the place for you. Probably, the only non-profit institute in India that carters to over 1400 students annually, and provides instruction on musical instruments from piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, recorder, keyboard, flute, saxophone, clarinet to drums. The successful alumni include Surojeet Chatterji, who went on to receive a degree from the Moscow Conservatoire and Gavin Martin, who has performed with the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta.
Webiste: http://www.delhischoolofmusic.net/
Shankar Mahadevan Academy
Living in the age of internet and technological advancements, ace singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan is tutoring aspiring artists online. With various programs available, this is the only school that gives the students the liberty to opt for teacher-led courses, self-study or academy centre courses. Inclusive of virtual classrooms, master classes with audio inputs from the students in real time, the purpose of assessment and development has taken learning to a whole new level.
Webiste: https://www.shankarmahadevanacademy.com/
Text by Kashmira Pattani