Modernising the classic

Aparna Chakravarti
13 October, 2006

The ITC – Sra had organized a seminar titled “Hindustani Raga Music: Future Responsibilities”. Speakers from Kolkata and other parts of India aired their views on the pressing need of today for bringing about some necessary changes in the teaching and propagation of raga music, if the heritage of classical music is to be preserved.

The raga music can be taught fully in the ancient gurukul system, in which the students imbibe the basics of raga music with its concomitant talas, and also its presentation before the listeners. Though there was unanimity among the speakers about the necessity of introducing changes to suit the globalised world, no pragmatic solution was arrived at.

The alternative to the guru-shishya ashram is obviously the music academies, and other allied institutions. These are, without exception, supported either by the government or by the corporate companies. There are certain rules and regulations, which are to be followed in all academies be they literary, scientific or musical. For example the teachers are selected on their doctorate degrees; this gives rise to an interest for acquitting such degrees, when more than half of these are below standard. The ruling hierarchy often consists of civil servants unconnected with music. Dedicated gurus are becoming fewer and fewer in every branch of study. These centres will be of utility if capable gurus would take over to teach in the gurukul system in a modified, modernized manner. An example is the Gandharva Mahavidlaya, Delhi, where doctorate degrees are given not only on written thesis but also on practical music, music being primarily a performing subject.

The subject chosen for discussion at the SRA seminar was topical and significant. Some present generation speakers emphasized the need of performing musicians to acquire certain technical skills, such as basic knowledge of the computer, some knowledge of other disciplines of music (not necessarily fusion), a fairly good knowledge of a few vernacular languages, and a speaking knowledge of English. In the measured time allotted to present day artistes, the artiste must be time-conscious and finish the item within the schedule.

Teaching and learning from websites and internet was emphasized by some of the speakers; fair enough, and no doubt of great advantage. But a cogent point overlooked by the panelists was the fact that most of the students cannot afford or access to a computer. Even in financially secure academies, a very small number of students can enjoy these and other facilities for obvious reasons.

Listeners enjoyed a brief spell of Western music, some beautiful pieces from Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart. Though not related to the point at issue, it nevertheless enlivened the afternoon. Another important point which emerged from the seminar to popularize raga music was introducing, even making raga music compulsory in schools and colleges. Some attempts have been made by the Bhartiya Bidya Bhawan and the SNDT Women’s College in Mumbai where lilting rhymes and jingles are introduced for attracting children.

Speaking on the “Catch them young” slogan, another speaker emphasized the co-operation and support of parents for children who want to choose a career in music, which is generally not financially rewarding. Of Course, this career nowadays is not confined to being an ill-paid music teacher. A musician has many other choices. Unfortunately, most parents seem to be over enthusiastic over the mega competitions held with fabulous prizes and the lure of ephemeral fame for naturally very few, if any, ‘idols’ can be created by this method!