Bangalore School of Music
The old colonial villa on Netaji Road is the home of Western Classical music in Bangalore. It is the first of its kind in Bangalore. It is committed to teach, promote and appreciate western classical music and allied arts. Mrs. Aruna Sunderlal, an eminent western classical singer, is the Founder Director of the music school.

Mrs. Sunderlal made her professional debut in 1970 with the renowned Mumbai Philharmonic Orchestra. She founded the school in 1987. "We started the school to fulfil the need of Bangalore for western classical music. We had 180 students in the first batch. 100 of them were guitar players!", says Mrs. Sunderlal with a smile.

Over the past 13 years, the music school has established itself as a centre of musical activity. "Classes are conducted in all instruments of the orchestra like piano, violin, viola, cello, classical guitar, recorder, clarinet, oboe, saxophone and trumpet."

The school has 18 part-time teachers - 4 to 5 teachers for every discipline of music. Preetam Koilpillai, a leading pianist in Bangalore, is a faculty member. "Our system of teaching is one-to-one, that is, a teacher teaches only one student at a time. This way, the student learns better… V.Narayanaswamy, composer & conductor, another young talented musician, is the Head of Academics. We are fortunate to have good teachers with us.

" The students are trained for the Associated Boards of Royal School of Music, London and the Trinity College of Music examinations. "Our music programme conforms to international standards. We teach at grades like 1,2,3 to 8. There are no short-term courses as we offer training up to diploma level. At the end of the course, an internal examination is held in both theory and practical.

" "The students and teachers are the main cause for developing the school. Over the years, students have become performing artistes and joined opera companies and faculties of renowned institutions. Some students have got scholarships to study at music universities abroad. Even foreigners come here to learn. Our teachers are performing artistes of repute."

The school organises workshops, seminars and student concerts quite regularly. "We organised the first East West International Festival in 1990. The East West Music and Dance Encounter is held once in every 2 years in Bangalore. People from all parts of the world come here to participate."

The school has set up a Board of Local Piano Examinations, a Choral Ensemble, a Chamber Orchestra and a Children's Choir. It is the founder member of Western Music Association in India.

Fee structure
Rs 400/- per month
Timings:
Weekdays: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Sunday: Rehearsals and senior choir
Last Sunday of each month: Students' concerts

Address: #32, Netaji Road, Fraser Town,
Bangalore - 560 005
Phone: 536 0064, 548 4064, 548 3409
E-mail: musician@bgl.vsnl.net.in

J.Vinay

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