The Role of Music Education in Emerging Markets such as India
By Srishti Das, Founder of Hivewire
India’s rich and diverse musical heritage has long been a cornerstone of its cultural identity. From classical traditions like Hindustani and Carnatic music to the globally dominant Bollywood sound, music plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s creative landscape. However, India’s evolving music industry is increasingly embracing modern genres, such as indie rock, electronic music, and Hip-hop, and this shift has brought music education to the forefront. Formal education, such as that offered by the Global Music Institute (GMI), has become a key player in bridging the gap between traditional Indian music and contemporary global trends. This essay examines the role of music education in India’s growing music industry by exploring three key areas: music education’s influence on skills and innovation, the challenges and opportunities within India’s music education infrastructure, and the role of music schools and education in exporting Indian talent to the world.
Music Education: Fostering Skills and Innovation
Music education in India serves as an essential foundation for developing technical skills and fostering innovation. Traditionally, India’s music education was heavily focused on classical forms, passed down through the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship. This approach emphasised the preservation of cultural heritage. However, in today’s globalised music market, Indian musicians are expected to possess a diverse set of skills that go beyond classical training. Institutions like GMI provide a more contemporary music education, enabling students to explore a range of genres such as jazz, rock, blues, and electronic music while maintaining a connection to their cultural roots.
A holistic approach to music education encompasses performance, composition, production, and business, ensuring that students acquire not only technical proficiency but also the entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive industry. Students are encouraged to innovate by blending elements of traditional Indian music with global styles, fostering the creation of new, hybrid genres. Creating curriculums that allow students to experiment with combining indigenous influences such as Indian ragas and rhythms with electronic beats or Jazz improvisation, resulting in a unique sound that appeals to both local and international audiences. This creative freedom helps drive innovation in Indian music and prepares students to thrive in the ever-evolving global music landscape.
GMI’s curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, incorporating performance, composition, production, and the business side of music to cater to the holistic development of emerging artists. This holistic approach ensures that students not only acquire technical proficiency but also develop the entrepreneurial skills necessary for success in today’s competitive industry. GMI encourages students to innovate by blending traditional Indian music elements with global styles, fostering the creation of hybrid genres.
For instance, GMI’s coursework allows students to experiment with Indian ragas, rhythms, and scales alongside electronic beats or jazz improvisation, resulting in unique sounds that appeal to local and international audiences. This freedom to experiment and innovate is integral to driving the evolution of Indian music and equipping students to thrive in an increasingly globalised musical landscape.
The Challenges and Opportunities in India’s Music Education Infrastructure
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of music education, India faces several challenges in providing widespread access to quality music training. Metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are home to modern music schools such as Global Music Institute (GMI) in Delhi NCR, True School of Music (TSM) in Mumbai, KM Music Conservatory by AR Rahman in Chennai and more. However, many aspiring musicians in rural regions still need access to formal education. Institutions in urban regions are also expensive and inaccessible to rural households. Traditional community-based learning remains strong in these areas, particularly in classical and folk traditions. However, the formal infrastructure required for contemporary music education must still be developed.
One of the major obstacles is the cultural perception of music as a less viable career option. This leads to limited funding and institutional support for music education, especially in government schools. However, institutions are increasingly working towards overcoming these challenges by offering scholarships and outreach programs, making music education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, increasingly we see more faculties, including international musicians and educators, providing students with exposure to global perspectives on music.
While challenges remain, there are also significant opportunities for growth, particularly through the rise of digital music education platforms. The increasing availability of online courses and tutorials offers a more accessible option for aspiring musicians across India, regardless of geographic location. Platforms like YouTube and Coursera, combined with formal programs, are democratising music education and expanding its reach. This growing digital infrastructure allows musicians to learn and experiment independently, contributing to the rise of India’s independent music scene.
Export of Indian Talent to Global Markets
Indian music schools can enhance opportunities for their artists by forming strategic partnerships with diaspora groups worldwide. Indian diaspora communities in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have strong cultural ties to India and often host cultural events celebrating their heritage. By collaborating with these groups, music schools can organise performances and showcases for their students in major cities with significant Indian populations. Diaspora groups often seek to bring Indian culture to their local communities, and partnering with music schools to present live concerts or digital performances can create a direct path for emerging artists to connect with international audiences. These partnerships allow artists to perform at cultural festivals, community events, and even venues that cater to a broader global audience, significantly expanding their reach beyond India.
Showcase festivals and cultural events are another excellent avenue for music schools to introduce their artists to the international stage. Events like South by Southwest (SXSW), WOMAD (World of Music, Arts, and Dance), and niche Indian music festivals like the Indian Summer Festival in Canada offer a global platform for emerging talent. By establishing relationships with these festivals, Indian music schools can curate exclusive performances for their students or alumni, providing them with the chance to gain exposure and interact with global music industry professionals. These showcase festivals are attended by record label executives, agents, and booking managers, making them ideal platforms for artists to network, secure deals, and kickstart international careers.
International partnerships are a vital part of the Global Music Institute (GMI)’s mission to provide students with world-class education and global career opportunities. GMI has established partnerships with prominent institutions like Berklee College of Music (USA), BIMM Music Institute (UK), and JMC Academy (Australia), allowing its students to explore advanced studies abroad. This enables students who complete their 2-Year Artist Diploma to transfer credits toward degree programs abroad.
Through these pathways, GMI students can pursue specialised courses in areas such as music performance, production, and audio engineering, leading to a bachelor’s degree. By studying alongside peers from around the world, GMI students cultivate a deeper understanding of music’s global language, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected industry where cross-cultural collaboration is increasingly valued.
This international exposure not only hones their musical versatility but also strengthens their competitiveness within the global music industry.
Additionally, partnerships with cultural events and local festivals in regions with significant Indian or South Asian populations can provide even more opportunities. Large-scale events such as Diwali festivals, Holi celebrations, and Indian Independence Day functions hosted by diaspora communities often feature live music as a central attraction. Music schools can collaborate with event organisers to provide performers for these occasions, offering their students a platform to reach Indian and international audiences. Such performances help artists build fan bases across different geographies and increase the likelihood of being invited to perform at more global cultural festivals.
Partnering with music companies—both within India and internationally—is another critical step. Global music companies, streaming platforms, and production houses always seek fresh, unique talent. Music schools can work closely with these companies to help their students and alumni secure recording deals, distribution contracts, or streaming opportunities on global platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. By nurturing relationships with music companies, Indian music schools can give their students a direct path to the global music industry, helping them reach listeners worldwide. This can be done through joint promotional efforts, sponsored content, or global talent scouting programs, where top music executives collaborate with schools to identify the next wave of international stars.
In conclusion, Indian music schools can play a transformative role in the global success of their students by forming meaningful partnerships with diaspora groups, cultural and showcase festivals, and international music companies. These collaborations open up vital platforms for artists to perform, gain exposure, and connect with the global music industry. With the right partnerships, Indian artists can transition from local talent to global stars, resonating with audiences far beyond India’s borders.
This success reflects India’s growing presence in the global music conversation, and music education institutions like GMI are at the heart of this transformation. By providing students with the skills and knowledge to navigate local and international markets, GMI is helping Indian musicians break free from traditional industry pathways, such as Bollywood, and establish careers that resonate with global audiences. The institute’s role in fostering international competitiveness not only elevates individual artists but also enhances India’s position in the global music industry.