From Mozart, Beethoven to Chopin and Liszt, the western classical music scene reverberates with different notes in the steel city. Children from various sections are increasingly taking interest for western classical music, a genre once considered niche and chosen only by the affluent.
Though at a nascent stage and has a long way to go, Jamshedpur School of Music is making every effort to spread the reach of rich glory of western music to GenNext.
UK-based famous pianist Carol Taylor, visited the city as an examiner of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music ( ABRSM), London, to conduct tests for students of the Jamshedpur School of Music, said: “We need to teach our child classical music whether it is western or India. We need to make them aware its importance. Though awareness and exposure to Western classical music in the city is limited compared to other metros but I was surprised to see the brimming talent here.” She added that advent of internet has played an important role to spread awareness about likes of Mozart and Beethoven.
The music classes conducted by the Jamshedpur School of Music here are now running for the seventh successive year. Classes are held at Boulevard Hotel in Bistupur.
“We have 40 students at present including students for both, piano and violin. This year, 27 of them took the piano practical exams and one took the Violin exam conducted by the Associated Board of the Royals Schools of Music (ABRSM), London,” said Ronald D’costa, the brain behind the school.
He said that the school is associated with The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music’ (ABRSM), London, which is the leading authority on musical assessment was founded in 1889 as the outcome of a proposition by Sir Alexander MacKenzie, principal of the Royal Academy of Music, to Sir George Grove, director of the Royal College of Music, that their two pre-eminent musical training institutions unite to create an examining body designed to provide impartial and authoritative examining. It was ABRSM’s desire to promote high standards of musical education and assessment.
D’costa shares that it is heartening to watch new enthusiasts of western classical music. “We have had concerts and we are happy to see a different crowd each time. Of course, there are patrons and some regular faces too,” he states.
Rosline, a budding pianist said that schools like these provide ample opportunities for a budding musician to learn. “No matter how often one hears a teacher explaining a few things, when you watch a live performance, the effect is different and you look up to the experts for inspiration,” she stated.
“I am of the opinion that a piano is a huge investment. If you can afford it, get an upright acoustic, otherwise buy a digital piano and see how they progress.
I had a keyboard initially, a Yamaha upright, then a Yamaha upright-grand and now a Boston grand,” said the pianist.
Christine, a coordinator of Jamshedpur School of Music feels there is an audience for Western classical music but it is limited. Parents are more aware/informed and interested in terms of what their kids are learning. There is an increasing demand for western classical music in the city.