Music Courses in India

Music is an Artistic Form incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner. Music courses in India not only provide education of contemporary music but also of any popular genre. Music education in India is being backed by a major surge in the music industry. Music performance (focused on the orchestra and the concert hall) and music education (training music teachers) are two of its broad fields. Students learn to play instruments, but also study music theory, musicology, history of music and composition. Music is also known to be used for broadening skills of non-musicians through teaching skills such as concentration and listening. The largest supporting structure of music industry in India is Bollywood. Music production includes film music and non-film music. The film music is the most dominant and popular; on an average, a film in India features 5-6 songs. Music career in India is also proliferating with the advent and popularity of Music based Reality shows and or Talent shows. These shows are very popular and have a far reach. Amateur or trained singers now get a platform to present, hone and employ their skills. Many of the young generation musicians and singer have become professionals owing to these shows. It is sheer talent based domain where there is large scope for a variety of voices and music. Oscar and Grammy award winner A.R. Rehman is the music idol of the Indian generation. Such an accomplishment inspires other budding singers to do the same. No economic background, caste, creed or colour has relevance in this industry, all that matters is – ‘How good you are in your skill?’. The audience loves all types of music which sounds good to ears. The companies are willing to offer chance to any deserving wannabe. There is whole gamut of options for a musician, especially singers. They can easily appear in their music video. Those good at acting can also appear in a movie or two. Some also become judges for talent shows. Singers also get a chance to record in other languages. The emergence of new forms of media and the convergence of these have introduced new revenue streams viz. multiplexes, mobile, IPTV, internet and DTH. These have made the music industry even more profitable and within the reach of the common people.

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Singing
• Jockeying
• Lyrics
• Editing
• Sounds

Music Course Content

The study of these fields includes all or few of these –

• Reading and writing of Notation of songs
• Indian Instruments
• Study of Ragas
• History of Indian Music in Ancient, Medieval and Modern Period

Objectives

• To provide full justice to inherent talent with practice and exposure.
• To understand the soul of music and touch the hearts of the audience.
• To aim for utmost perfection and inspire others.

Music Courses in India: Basic Requirements

As with other performing arts, formal education of music is not a necessity. Education is most preferred in technical areas. Certain techniques like sound simulation, recording, copying, editing, mixing and usage of various gadgets require proper know-how. For most basic courses candidates should have completed +2 or equivalent examination in any stream. For certain advanced levels where science is needed to be studied, one may require specific qualification such as science etc.

Few prominent Music Schools in India

• Visva Bharati University
• Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
• Sree Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram
• Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalay, Khairagarh
• Bengal Music College, Kolkata 

Personality Attributes

One should be Innovative to stay ahead of the competition. Constant improvisation and a knack for the taste of the audience is a must. Hard working and intellect to know and meet the demands of clients is essential for a rewarding career. Singers need to keep healthy and take adequate rest. Proper care of the throat and regular practice makes them competent. One should also be a team worker because you will be working in such set-ups every now and then.

Job Perspectives

Indian media and entertainment industry is a large market globally and offers various marketing opportunities. Music is a competitive field and you will find talent in every nook and corner. But only the most exceptional and uniquely talented individuals leave a long lasting mark. But, even the not so exceptional one’s don’t suffer as opportunities galore for a variety of throats. Once you become a favoured choice for any actor/actress’s voice in song sequences, you are in for long.  Music is a universal language, not to mention that music itself is a form of communication and presentation. Those who are well endowed with these skills can never run out of opportunities for earning. Certain famous singers like sonu nigam, himesh reshamiya etc. have even forayed into acting, even if they haven’t succeeded as much, they have fulfilled their personal dreams. Then there are world tours for stage performances, music videos, commercials etc. Some musician open their own recording studios and or  music school. Dancing jobs also include folk, ethnic and other well-known dance styles. Classical singers get a chance to showcase their talent before the world and in turn put their country on the world map. Some can find employment in nightclubs, restaurants, cruise ships etc. Some even sing as part time in marriages and other events. More Ambitious ones’ become promoters and start their own productions. Music therapy is another emerging avenues which is useful for those suffering from depression, high stress, physical pain etc.

Remuneration

Remuneration of music professionals vary from the technical to teaching based areas. Sound editors earn anywhere from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per-month depending on subject, one’s talent, fame and experience. Professional music composers generally quote anywhere between Rs 10,000 and 20,000 per-song, while charging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 for arranging a song. Highly acclaimed one’s may charge more. Professional rock bands charge up to Rs 10,000 per-performance. While experienced RJs can earn around Rs 30,000 per-month, fresh graduates, aspiring to become RJs, can command anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 per-month. Music teachers earn anywhere from 1-2 lakh per-annum, private music teachers charge around Rs 30,00 per-month per-student (for four sessions a week).

Some Employment Areas

• Music Companies
• Industry Associations
• Organized Music Retailers
• Telecom Operators
• Opera
• Movie Production Houses
• Acting Institutes
• Television Shows
• Talent Shows
• Advertisement Industry
• Workshops
• Event Organisers
• Music Videos Production Houses
• Cultural Centres
• Ensembles or Content Aggregators

Music Job Types

• Musician
• Singer
• Lyricist
• Composer
• Performing Artistes
• Music Director
• Song Writer
• Voice Over Artist
• Artistic Director
• Music Teacher
• Music Researcher
• Music Critic
• Show Hosts
• Radio Jockey
• Disc Jockey
• Commentator
• Event Planner
• Motivational Speaker
• Performing Arts Publicist
• Television and Radio Reporter
• Distributors or Dealers