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• Importance of Music Literacy in Western
Classical Music in India
• Advantage of teaching European Classical
Music Traditions
• State of Western Classical Music and Teaching
in India
• Case for Government Recognition and Funding
• Effect of Government Recognition and Patronage
• Needs of the Bangalore School of Music
•
Importance of Music Literacy in Western
Classical Music in India.
From a small but insignificant beginning in the year of Independence,
the Music industry has grown from a monopolistic one to that today
where there are thousands of young talents who want to make their
music heard. More and more young people are trying their hand at
composition to make an impact in this burgeoning field. A firm foundation
in the principles of harmony and an exposure to Western Classical
Music will enhance talent of these aspirants in arranging scores
and background music as well as their own songs.
• Advantage
of teaching European Classical Music Traditions.
The aspiring musician can be trained to be proficient in tools which
will greatly help him refine his talent as well as spend much less
on the presentation of his music. The principles which guide composition
and arrangements can be taught to the advantage of music as a whole
in India and match-wise with the world.
• State
of Western Classical Music and Teaching in India.
India has always had a glorious and brillant classical tradition
of its own which blossomed and flourished even during the time it
was ruled by foreign powers. The 'need' as such to
turn to the classical traditions of either the East or West
were not required or considered necessary. But well into the 20th
century, people began being exposed to more and more to more westernized
influences even within the exposition of Indian classical as well
as popular music from the time canned music in the forms of Gramaphone
records available. These days, the Synthesizer, Computer and the
(now) ever popular Keyboard are subsituting the whole orchestra.
But it should be remembered that the operators of these new entrants
ALSO require a firm grounding in the principles of notation
and western harmony and composition.
• Case for
Government Recognition and Funding.
The study of Western Classical Music will enhance India's
position on the Global Cultural front. It will provide a better
scope for Indian Musicians to interact with musicians from
other parts of the world. The study of western classical music will
give a strategic edge to our own culture. Government support for
teaching institutions will result in a trained and specialized workforce.
This workforce can be harnessed to contribute positively to the
Government owned Broadcast media, namely the AIR and Doordarshan.,
both in content programming as well as in enhancing the existing
audience base.
Other than this.
To encourage natural talent and affinity of our young people to
this Art form. Indian Music has two distinct disciplines - Carnatic
and Hindustani. A knowledge of both would definitely
enhance understanding and appreciation of each other and benefit
performances which music has much to offer, having evolved over
thousands of years (unlike rock and pop or Indi-pop).
Western classical music is a powerful tool
of self and community enrichment and come out with a policy on music
as part of the general education policy. Interest in learning is
increasing day by day and a deep void in proper training facilities
is being felt acutely as can be seen from all reports.
Needs cannot be met.
Music lessons considerably improve children's intellectual abilities.
Tests and research by American scientists reveals that education
in music increases the average intelligence sometimes up to 34%.
Good music has beneficial effects on the mind and the body.
We have in the past taken several young students suffering from
depression or recovering from drug abuse. Long term
treatment through music was not possible in most cases due to lack
of training in this area of specialization. To create awareness
of the beneficial effects of music we have presented several papers
on the subject at seminars. Musicians interested or involved in
this field must be supported by Government and sent for further
training for overseas institutions.
• Effect
of Government recognition and patronage.
In other asian countries for western classical music, Japan
and the people's republic of China recognized the importance
of giving patronage and recognition to western classical music in
the early 1950's. This was followed by countries like Korea,
Singapore, Thailand and even Vietnam. The result of this
has been that apart from being able to boast about world class orchestras
(especially in Japan where there are now over 20 large class
symphony orchestras), like the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Beijing
Philharmonic (and the Singapore Symphony which is gaining
in prominence in the last two decades), the wealth of talent that
these countries have produced from within the country has been tremendous.
Added to this, there are composers who have been highly regarded
in the annals of western classical music. In contrast to this, we
have nothing equivalent other than Zubin Mehta, Daniel Nazareth
or a handful of musicians who have been able to do well in the field
of western classical music. This is the effect of not having patronized
or recognized this medium in our country. It should be remembered
that Indian software engineers and other technical and scientific
manpower has dazzled the world. It could never have been done without
the Government patronage and recognition. Why for a moment think
that our musicians cannot dazzle the west and the world the same
way as our technocrats. The vast employment potential of western
classical music trained musicians should not be underestimated.
• Needs
of the Bangalore School of Music.
The urgent needs of the youngest School of Music are many. These
are :
Immediate Need :
One time grant for :
a) A Concert Grand Piano
- Presently two Grand Pianos, of which the 80 year old medium Grand
Bluthner of the Music school is one, serves the musical needs
of the city. The Bangalore School of Music receives requests for
loan of its piano from city Choirs, artistes and organizations for
their programmes and is always happy to oblige.
The grand piano is also used by ICCR, Alliance Francaise, British
Council and others for public concerts. In addition, there are the
monthly student concerts, examinations, teaching senior students
and our own 16-18 public concerts held annually.
Recently it was shifted on to the steps of the Vidhana Soudha
for the Kengal Hanumanthiah celebrations. Shifting, handling
and these many uses have put a great strain on the old lady, valiantly
struggling to produce concert tones.
A new Concert Grand Piano is
also a part of prime importance to attract higher caliber artistes
to Bangalore and for the many programmes and events. Though our
first choice would be a Steinway or a Borsendorfer,
in terms of costs, a Yamaha grand would be adequate.
The estimate costs is approxiamately Rs. 8.00 Lakhs
without duty.
b) Grant for proper repairs of the existing Bluthner
Grand and four upright pianos of the Bangalore school of music.
Cost will be approximately Rs. 2.00 Lakhs with material.
We are in touch with a Steinway technician in Europe.
c) Orchestral Instruments.
Woodwinds and Brass.
Our chamber orchestra needs quality instruments not available in
India. Immediate need is for two Oboes, two French horns,
a Bassoon, a Flute and a Cello.
Approximate estimated cost is Rs. 4.5 Lakhs.
d) Music education material.
Setting up a library for reference books etc.
Music Scores, CDs and Videos on various teaching techniques, various
types of music such as Orchestral, Opera, Piano, Ballet, Concerts
by great artistes etc.
Music books and scores.
Almost all of the above are not available in India. Approximately
Rs. 2.00 Lakhs.
e) Equipment for teaching and music appreciation
programmes.
i) TV - Large screen - approximately Rs. 26,000.
ii) Music System for the music school
to cater to an audience of about 150, approximately Rs. 50,000.
iii) Portable music system for lecture demonstrations in
other institutions etc - approximately Rs. 15,000.
f) Equipment for secretariat
What is urgently required is a new computer with at least
the latest processing power, and the normal musical softwares
that is required by any music school apart from the Office suites
and a laser printer and scanner which in all would cost about Rs.
1.25 lakhs. Presently we are using an old machine donated
by Wipro which is too slow for the type of applications we require
and which has very small capacity hard disc, memory, etc..
g) Honorarium and Incentives for Teachers of the music school as
explained earlier.
The budget for this would be-
i) Head of academics (full time) Rs.
1.20 Lakhs.
ii) Heads or coordinators for the sections of piano, violins, and
guitar (Rs. 5000 x 3 x 12 months) Rs. 1.80 lakhs.
iii) Choir conductor Rs. 5,000.00 x 12 months
Rs. 0.60 lakhs.
iv) Incentive to part time teachers (Rs. 3,000 x 12 months) Rs.
5.04 lakhs -Total Rs. 8.64 lakhs.
v) Annual Long term grants Grant for maintenance
of Piano, wind and stringed instruments - Rs. 1.00 lakhs.
vi) Grant for library section -additions Rs. 0.50 lakhs.
vii) Grant for programmes of the comparative
study center/circle and Annual publication Rs. 1 Lakhs.
viii) Residency of one overseas teacher each year to train students
and teachers.
We ask only for grant for suitable accomodation
of such a person.
Honorarium and other expenses will be raised By us.
Rs. 1.20 lakhs -Support and further development of
chamber orchestra.
Funds for Weekly rehearsals to build repertoire.
(Stipend bieng Rs. 250.00 per Musician per rehearsal x 4 weeks for
14 members x 12 months) - Rs. 2.16 lakhs.
Honorarium to conductor (Rs. 5,000 x 12 months) Rs. 0.60 lakhs.
Cost of weeky rehearsals, hall, refreshments and 4 productions.
Annually for a core group of 16-18 artistes. Rs. 1.50 lakhs
Scholarships to students to study with a teacher
of their choice is offered by the HRD ministry. We request grant
for one talented senior student to study overseas, for one to two
years, one teacher and performing artiste for training and exposure
overseas each year for a period of 3 to 6 months. (Costs not known)
The International festival - The East West Encounters
may be given a special grant biennially for the participation expenses
of the Indian artistes. The budget of the encounter in the year
2000 was about Rs. 35.00 lakhs.
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