Pursuits and Passions Pursuits and Passion

Children and Music Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher believed that, “music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without,” and truly, it is impossible to imagine a world without music. Be it classical or pop, Indian or Western, music is an essential part of our lives. Music is a very personal experience, and different people enjoy different genres. However, the beneficial effects of music are universal, regardless of genre or person.

Image Courtesy: Harmony Music School,

Soothing the savage breast: the benefits According to US-based Dr. Ajay helped me through a lot of stressful of music Divakaran, who has a passion for, times.” Music has been shown to be beneficial to and training in, Hindustani music, children in more ways than one. While “Children become more confident Sandra Oberoi, a western classical music the lasting impact of the much-hyped when they learn music. Some time educator with a double degree in Music Mozart effect (which says that listening ago, I started teaching a child with a Education and Vocal Performance, sums to music can improve a child’s IQ) is under speaking disability, and now, thanks it up - “There are numerous benefits question, various studies have shown to music, not only has he overcome that come with learning music. It that learning music may enhance math, his disability, but is also eager to engages both parts of the brain, thus spatial-temporal and verbal abilities perform on stage!” making vital connections between along with improving general intelligence. them. A study showed that high school Music is said to be capable of actually re- Adds Smitha Krishnan, a proficient children’s mathematics skills became wiring the brain’s circuits in a particular violinist (western and Carnatic better if they were enrolled in music way, such that songs linked to new pieces styles) and vocalist (Carnatic) who lessons. Music enhances an individual’s of information can cause the latter to be lives in the US, “Learning music has spatial intelligence. It builds self-esteem imprinted in one’s mind! been the most important thing in my and confidence. Music helps to improve life. Music taught me discipline. It creative thinking, particularly when you Science aside, musicians, experts in taught me that dedication is required are involved in areas such as composing. the field, parents of children who learn for anything and everything I do. It It also helps to improve social skills, music and the children themselves are all has taught me that while giving up especially in choir settings. Aural training in agreement that learning music has may be the easy thing to do, it is not sharpens the mind, allowing an individual many beneficial effects. the right thing to do. Music has also to become more alert and sensitive.”

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Evidently, music plays a useful role in our lives and, as parents, Building Proficiency you may be interested in exploring if your child can benefit from As the child advances in musical training, naturally enough, the experience. That brings up another, possibly more relevant, demands on time and effort increase, with the student needing question. How do you find out if your child has an inclination to increase the hours of practice he puts in. Anders Ericsson, a towards music? Swedish psychologist, has articulated the popular “10000 hour rule”, which states that a person needs to invest around 10000 hours to gain mastery in his chosen field. Little wonder then that experts and students of music alike underscore the importance of Yous Hendriks, owner of Dutch Touch practice in building proficiency in music. Edutainment and a passionate musician, offers an interesting perspective. In her view, every child has an innate sense of rhythm and music, which can be tapped if he is exposed to music at a young age. For over a decade, Hendriks has been offering “music education” to groups of very young children—infants­ to six year olds. In her classes instructions are delivered through songs. Children learn to do age-appropriate tasks through music. Hendriks says that through this method, children have a lot of fun; they become expressive and confident while also learning discipline. Music- led group activities also have a positive impact on emotional and social skills.

Striking the right notes: is my child musically inclined? Here are some ways to gauge your child’s inclination towards music at an early age: • Children who are musically inclined, may, even at an early age, lean towards tunes, get up and dance, and show a visible bodily response to music • Let children try out music; watch them and see if they gravitate towards any instrument without any external pressure, maybe While initially, daily practice sessions of 15-20 minutes may suffice, teach them a little and observe their response this will need to increase to an hour and later, two hours, as your • Observe if the child has an ear for music — can he reproduce child advances. Traditionally, early morning has been recommended tunes, or identify ragas? as the best time for the daily riyaaz or sadhakam, in order to ‘open up’ the voice. With children having to leave for school early, this Initiating formal training in music may not be always practical. Some teachers suggest that students Once you establish that your child is musically inclined, you will practise at least for 15 minutes in the morning. naturally be anxious to enrol him in formal music training. But what is the appropriate age at which to start formal training? Experts believe that around six or seven years is a good time, as the child will be able to appreciate music or handle an instrument comfortably, although it is alright to start earlier if you can spot definite signs of interest. Proficency = Practice + Passion

A very important step in getting your child started off is to identify a good teacher who can lay the right foundation and also nurture your child’s love for music. Parents need to be diligent about this and not be tempted to seek out convenient choices, as the pain of unlearning can be quite high if proper guidance is not provided in the initial stages.

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Some practitioners of music feel that exams are unnecessary because they are not a real measure of how well a student knows his music and his instrument; rather, they are a measure of how well he knows the syllabus for the exam. However, there are others who feel that exams help inculcate in the learner a wholesome approach to music. Most of the time, the syllabus is well thought through, and it boosts your technique and knowledge substantially as you progress from grade to grade.

“Exams play a role in motivating the child. When you are young, sometimes it’s hard to push yourself, but once you commit to exams, you get that desire to do well,” says Barbara Thomas, a pianist and music teacher from Bangalore with over four and a half decades of experience.

Oberoi however questions the merit of exams, especially for younger children. “Younger children are especially vulnerable to the exam pressure. Might I ask, is it right to judge the capacity or proficiency of a child based on that one test that she has taken? Examinations more often than not take away the fun aspect of music, and this is especially true with children younger than eight years.”

Exposure to music, other than just lessons and practising, is equally important to gain proficiency. Listening to music, attending concerts, reading about music, interacting with peers who are passionate about music and participating in competitions and festivals are some ways to expand your child’s horizons.

Today the internet has made available many resources that can be really useful. Music lessons are available online, and online classes (offered through Skype) are becoming increasingly popular. Older children, especially, can make good use of such resources. In addition, many CDs that aim to make classical music child-friendly are also available – ‘Mozart for Children’ (Eclipse Music Group) and ‘Tyagaraja for Children’ (Virgin India) are two such excellent adaptations.

The method in the madness: are music exams really necessary? Music exams are highly recommended by some, but dismissed by others. So, what are these exams exactly? And what value do they add?

Music exams are just like other exams one can take. They have a syllabus whose content has to be learnt by the student appearing for the exam. You have the option of answering both theory and practical exams, or only practical exams, depending on the genre of music you are studying and the Board you have opted for. Here are the different ‘Boards’ that offer music exams and certifications: • The Trinity College of Music, London (Western Classical) • The Associated Board of Royal School of Music, London (Western Classical) • London College of Music Examinations, London (Western Classical) • Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, India – Hindustani • State Boards offer Carnatic music examinations - Karnataka for example has a three tiered—junior, senior and vidwan— examination syllabus

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Singing for your supper: making a career out of music Young children (4-10 years) Proficiency in music not only allows you to spend your leisure time • Ensure regular practice (20 minutes a day for beginners) profitably and pleasurably, express yourself and demonstrate your preferably at the same time every day expertise through performances, but also opens up career options • If you have some prior knowledge of music, sit with your child (check out the Cross Roads feature in our November 2011 issue where and practise with him we speak of Music Production and Engineering as a career option). • Get your child to listen to music. Try to pick out contrasting pieces of music and see how he reacts • Pick out a few pieces of music to play during the week and tell your child the name of the song and its composer every time you play it. At the end of the week have a game to see if he can remember the name of the piece and the composer when you play it • Buy music CDs – look out for “child-friendly” music

Older children (tweens and teens) • Take your child for musical concerts in his chosen genre • Ensure both regular (at least an hour daily) and good quality practice • Give honest and constructive feedback • Identify music competitions (if you believe your child will be motivated by these) • Help balance music with academics and other interests

Parents should also provide emotional, physical and moral support for the child through his musical journey. “Parents should encourage, and maybe exert a little bit of subtle pressure,” says Thomas. Sometimes, parents either push their child too much, or praise the A career in music can include: child endlessly, both of which are major no-nos. “Don’t demand too • Teaching music much from your child – every parent thinks their child is very gifted, • Being an accompanist but if it turns out, after some exposure, that the child has only of a • Music production certain level of capability, learn to accept that and enjoy her playing • Playback singing rather than pushing her too much,” continues Thomas. • Becoming a performing artist • Music composition So there you have it – in a nutshell! If you suspect that your child may be musically inclined and has it in him to transform that Interestingly, many of the above options can be pursued alongside inclination into proficiency, and maybe even genius, it’s time you a ‘mainstream’ career as well. started looking around you. The resources listed below should help you in your search. A caveat here: “A career in music is only for people who are sure that this is what they want to do. You have to decide what kind of music you want to specialise in, and gain proficiency in that field, “My mom drives me to class. She sits with me while I talk to the right people, become known. In my experience, pursuing practise. She’s my biggest critic and biggest supporter.” classical music as a career is very challenging, and ideally it should – Priyanka Prakash, 20, be pursued alongside another profession,” cautions Tara Kini, a a proficient Carnatic style vocalist, who started performing at full-fledged public concerts at the age of 16 consultant in education and music, and a practising Hindustani musician and musicologist with 26 years’ experience.

The parent’s role: what you can do to support your child’s interest in music “My grandmother explained why it is important for It is not enough to simply send your child for music lessons. me to learn Carnatic music—she helps me practise If you want him to attain a degree of proficiency in music and also makes me identify ragas regularly.” beyond merely learning to perform for the family, you have – Pulari Baskar an important role to play in honing his talent. Here are some things you can do:

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Additional Resources Music Schools in India

Name of School Genre Location Name behind the school

Shankar Mahadevan Carnatic, Hindustani vocal, light & Online Shankar Mahadevan Academy devotional music

Sruti Music and Cultural Carnatic, Hindustani vocal, light & Online Chitra Nagaraj Academy devotional music

Institute of Music Western contemporary, classical, Chennai John Satya Technology Carnatic

Isai Mazhalai Music Carnatic Chennai Abhaswaram Ramjhi Schools

Srishti’s Carnatica Carnatic Chennai Sowmya, Sashikiran

Western & Hindustani vocal & KM Music Conservatory Chennai A R Rahman instruments

Musee Musical School Western Classical Chennai Musee Musicals

Brhaddhvani Carnatic Chennai Karaikudi S Subramanian

Subramaniam Academy of Carnatic (vocal, violin), Western Bangalore L Subramaniam Performing Arts Classical Piano

Rhythm Riders Music Hindustani Music (vocal, tabala Ahmedabad Pandit Divyang Vakil Institute keyboard)

Western Classical, Indian Calcutta School of Music Dr. Phillipé Sandré semi-classical

Gandharva Mahavidylaya Hindustani Delhi

Vyas Sangeet Vidya Mandir Hindustani (tabla, vocal) Pt. Ramchandra Vyas

Delhi School of Music Western Classical Delhi Delhi Music Society

Bangalore School of Music Western Classical Bangalore Aruna Sunderlal

Lorraine Music Academy Western Gurgaon Lorraine Fiona Aloysius

Harmony Music School Western Bangalore Sandra Oberoi

School of Music, CDMS Western Classical Trivandrum

Indian and Western - Classical & World Music Center Bangalore Team of musicians Contemporary

Chakrapani’s World School Indian classical Thakur Chakrapani Singh of Music

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Prestigious Music Festivals

Name of Festival When and Where Organisers Genre Remarks

Multiple genres of Indian and Baajaa Gaaja , every February Shubha Mudgal In its fifth year fusion

Shree Baba Harballabh Shree Baba Harivallabh Has been held for over a Jalandhar, every December Hindustani Classical Sangeet Sammelan Sangeet Mahasabha 130 years

Chennai, every Among the largest festivals in Madras Music Season Various Sabhas in Chennai Carnatic December - January the world

Thyagaraja January, Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur Pankajam Tribute to composer Carnatic Aradhanotsavam Tamil Nadu A.K. Naidu Trust. Thyagaraja

Seeks to promote Indian Across India, in the 2nd half of Indian classical music SPICMACAY Fest Series SPICMACAY cultural heritage in children and each academic year (and dance) youth through programmes in educational institutes

Disciples of Sawai Kumar In memory of Sawai Gandharv Sangeet Hindustani music and Pune, December Gandharv, with the support of Sawai Gandharv, Hindustani Mahotsav Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal dance music exponent

Tansen Music Festival Gwalior, Nov-Dec every year Hindustani Music In honour of Tansen

Multiple genres - classical Inaugurated in 1980 by Saptak Music Festival Ahmedabad, January every year and semi classical styles Pt Ravishankar

ITC Sangeet Research ITC Sangeet Sammelan Delhi, Indian classical Started in 1971 Academy

Dover Lane Music Festival Kolkata, every Dec-January Indian classical music Started in 1952

In honour of reknowned Chembai Music Festival Trivandrum, September every year Carnatic Carnatic musician Chembai Vaiduyanatha Bhagawathar

Coimbatore, Feb-March every Yaksha Isha Foundation Indian classical Started in 2010 year

6 to 12 January every year, H.H. Sir Rama Varma Commemorates Swati Swathi Sangeethotsavam Indian classical Trivandrum Maharaja of Travancore Trust Tirunal, legendary composer

Resources

http://www.carnaticindia.com/learn_music.html Carnatic

http://musiciansway.com/blog Western classical

http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/ Interesting resources for children

http://www.littlekidsrock.org/flash/kidsite/lessons.html

Thyagaraja For Children CD with karaoke available

Mozart for Kids CD series designed to introduce classical music for children

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Expert Talk Sandra Oberoi’s perspectives on music and children

How do you find out if a child is musically or she is capable of drawing audiences, then inclined? consistent practice is the key. Some children begin singing at a very early age, or begin dancing and tapping Young children have very short attention rhythms out on different surfaces early on. spans, so it’s important for both educators That’s a great cue. Still others enjoy simply and parents to be sensitive to that when it listening to music. There are those however comes to encouraging a child to practise. that have had no exposure and don’t seem Anywhere between twenty minutes to half to show any interest whatsoever. If parents an hour daily for beginners is fairly good. don’t expose a child to a particular art form, As a student advances, an hour or two they will never know whether the child is everyday would be extremely beneficial interested or not. and yield amazing results. However, this is only possible with older students who have In the Asian countries, particularly Japan, reached a certain level and are capable Korea and China, it’s parents who decide of sitting through extended periods of what the child does, and consequently serious study. focus most of their time and energy in ParentEdge spoke at length making sure that the goal is fulfilled. Even The other important aspect of practice if children are resentful in the beginning, that I usually talk to parents about is the to Ms Sandra Oberoi, a they begin to enjoy what they are doing quality of time spent, not the quantity or after a certain age, or after reaching a the number of minutes spent practicing. gifted singer who holds certain level of competence. Is the child really playing what he or she is supposed to? Or is he distracted and a double degree in Vocal When it comes to music, many children are just waiting for the minutes to tick by so at first intrigued by an instrument. After he can officially report to his parent that Performance and Music the initial excitement dies down, they are he’s clocked the half an hour stipulated faced with the harsh reality that it takes to him? Education. Oberoi, who is hard work, discipline and a lot of practice to be able to play well. Children go through What role can parent’s play in their presently doing her Masters many phases. A wise and conscientious child’s musical journey? in Music Education and Voice teacher should be able to discern whether In the field of music education, research- a child is capable of being pushed and based studies have indicated that at Northwestern University, nudged a little when he or she is rebelling, parents play a large role in influencing or whether it’s best to begin lessons when and motivating children in musical USA, is passionate about the child is a little older. development. The general level of interest and achievement can be raised if parents children and music, and runs What sort of practice and work is cultivate musical sensitivity by encouraging required at different levels? children’s musical activities, and by Harmony, a music school in Getting a young child to practise is participating frequently with the child in something that’s been gnawing at music natural and pleasant musical expressions. Bangalore. Here are educators’ minds from time immemorial. Other variables include family interest and It all depends on what your goal is. If a participation in music, and parental help excerpts from the interview: person would like to reach a stage where he with music skills.

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Straight from the horse’s mouth In conversation with budding musician Smitha Krishnan and her mother Chitra Krishnan

ParentEdge spoke to US-based Smitha Krishnan, an undergrad student and a budding musician who has been learning Carnatic music for about 12 years, and her mother Chitra Krishnan, to learn more about what it takes to pursue music with passion, and to understand how a parent can play an active role in nurturing her child’s interest. Here are some excerpts:

Chitra Krishnan

What made you decide to put your child motivated her to practise very hard. Once in music lessons? she started giving public performances, the Our family loves classical Indian music. This audience applause and appreciation was motivated us to make Smitha initially take another motivating factor. Carnatic vocal music lessons and later also start Indian classical violin lessons. She How has your child benefitted from also studied western classic violin in school learning music? from 3rd grade through high school. I think music has made her very creative and also more focused in all that she does. How have you helped inculcate and It has made her hard working and dedicated nurture a love for music in your child? in academics and all other aspects of life. We made it a point to go for all the local She strives hard to achieve perfection in concerts. We also listen to a lot of classical everything and that comes from her music. Carnatic music at home. Listening to music has enhanced her musical skills and made What kind of commitment do you as a her appreciate music better. parent need to make to encourage your child’s talent? What challenges do you face with respect We have had to give up other activities to your child learning music? sometimes to make time for her own Living in the US, it was a difficult to find a concerts or other concerts that she wants good teacher who lived close by. So we did to attend. We have also had to make the have to drive more than an hour for her time and effort to send her to India for the class. I had to make sure that she practised music season every year. everyday. In the beginning, when she was around seven years old, it was like a chore Where do you seek a balance between for her. But later after a couple of years she music and academics? How far would became more focused as she started liking you be willing to go for the sake of your music. child’s music? I think we would be willing to go as far as What do you think has contributed to we can. I don’t think her academics have her proficiency? suffered in anyway. She is currently in I think it was a combination of the passion grad school at John Hopkins in Baltimore, and interest she developed and good Maryland. So I think it is possible to balance teachers. She loved her teachers and felt music and academics if you have the love, the need to get their appreciation and this passion and dedication for both.

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Smitha Krishnan What keeps your interest and love for will give 90% of the time to music! But on music alive? a practical level, I cannot do that. My other For how long Music is a never-ending learning process. interests include tennis and reading, both have you been No matter how much I practise or learn, of which took the back seat when I became learning music? there’s always more, which makes learning very serious about music. I have been extremely interesting. Listening to concerts studying western gives me so much motivation because there’s Do your parents help you out? If yes, how? classical violin so much music that I have not yet touched. My parents have been extremely crucial for about 15 The most amazing thing about music is that in my musical journey. They used to drive years now, which it’s never the same twice. Every time I listen me to classes no matter what time of the is about as long to a piece of music, it’s different and I walk day or how far the drive. They always as I’ve been studying Carnatic vocal music. I away with something new. Music never gets attend my concerts and give me honest started playing Carnatic violin about eight old; good music is timeless and to be a part and constructive feedback. My dad often years ago. Although I have also been trained of that is an experience that is unmatched. suggests new compositions for me to learn in western classical, my main focus, as of four to expand my repertoire. They encourage years ago, became Carnatic music. Do you think learning music has helped me to perform better and better and work you? How so? harder with each day. Every year, they What intrigued you about music that made Learning music has been the most provide financial and moral support for you get into it? important thing in my life so far. It has my India trips during the December music I started western classical music at the age taught me more than I’ve learned in school, festivals. They are a constant source of of seven because I used to hear my brother college, and now in my graduate studies. encouragement and whenever I don’t feel playing the violin. In second grade, we were Music taught me discipline; because it like practising, they force me to do it given the option of choosing an instrument. requires so much discipline to learn, I have knowing that I will otherwise regret it later. I picked the violin because my brother played become disciplined in all aspects of my life. My parents have also helped me balance it. I also started learning Carnatic vocal. Music has also taught me that dedication music and studies. In high school, I used At that point, I didn’t understand music. It is required for anything and everything I to wake up at 5 am to practice violin before sounded nice, but I didn’t like practising. do in life. Music is something that I am school because my parents knew it wouldn’t When I was nine, we moved to California from so passionate about, which is why I have happen once I came back in the evening. New Jersey so I had to switch teachers. I was been successful so far. Music also requires a No matter how upset I would get, my mom put into a group class with four others who significant amount of perseverance because would wake up at 5 am every day to make were older and more experienced than me. it is never easy and the more you know, the sure I got up and practised. These are Classes were extremely challenging, but it more difficult it gets. Music helps me focus things that not all parents will do and I am was then that I began to understand Carnatic when I study. In addition, it keeps my mind so lucky to have parents who would make music. It was so unique and had so much constantly at work so even when I’m on such sacrifices to help me pursue something depth. Within a year of classes with my new break from studies, my mind is never bored. that I loved so much. guru, I began to practise with more interest. I began to enjoy singing and learning. In 2000, What are the challenges that you face as a What do you plan to do with music later? I began learning from my current guru, Ms. learner of music, if any? As of now, I am not entirely sure how far my Padma Srinivasan. I started appreciating and There are two challenges that I’ve faced as music career will take me. Given a choice, I imbibing the deeper intricacies of Carnatic a learner. First, I am a student of Carnatic would drop everything and pursue music full music. I became really passionate about music living on the other side of the world time, but since this isn’t a financially feasible music. In 2003, I started learning Carnatic from Chennai. My violin guru is in India, option, I will continue to pursue music as a style violin. Within three months of my first which means that I don’t get to have classes passion along with my academics. If someday I violin class, I performed for the first time on frequently; much of my learning is done become a top artist, I don’t mind giving up my stage. It was this first concert experience that independently. In addition, I don’t always have job and career at that point to take up music made me understand what Carnatic music the exposure that students living in Chennai full time. Whether or not this happens, I will was really about. This was when everything have. I only get to come to India once a year ensure that music is always a large part of my clicked for me. Music became a language for to learn, which makes my learning process life and I know I will do whatever it takes to me; it became something that crossed all significantly more difficult. make sure this happens. If I don’t make it as boundaries between people. Carnatic music, a performer, I will probably teach music, and especially, provides so much space for self- Finding the balance between academics and perform on the side as I am doing now. expression because it uses so many different music has also been difficult because, given styles of improvisation. a choice between academics and music, I - Priyanka Kumar

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