{"id":5768,"date":"2021-10-26T17:32:13","date_gmt":"2021-10-26T12:02:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalmusicinstitute.in\/?p=5768"},"modified":"2021-10-27T18:16:02","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T12:46:02","slug":"in-focus-music-education-with-educators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalmusicinstitute.in\/v1\/in-focus-music-education-with-educators\/","title":{"rendered":"In Focus: Music Education with Educators"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the growing formalisation of, and structured approach to music education at the school level, graduates of music programs can now find rewarding career paths as music educators.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s In Focus piece explores the changing face of music education in India at the K-12 level and the optimistic outlook it creates for music professionals.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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The findings of a 2015 <\/span>research study<\/span><\/a> exploring the face of music education in India was dismal. The study found the lack of comprehensive curriculum for music specifically at K-12 level, limited resources dedicated to music learning, while music was largely not perceived as a viable career path. In a country like India with its rich cultural and musical heritage, and a talent pool stretching into millions, the lack of structured music education leaves aspiring musicians with little visibility, and ill-equipped to pursue their passion seriously.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In recent years, however, there has been a marked shift in the attitudes towards music and arts education, with a greater appreciation and acknowledgement for the crucial role it plays in one\u2019s growth and development. The conversations with young music educators and GMI alum: Charita Arora, Ishaan Gandhi, Christina Dayal, Sneha Haldar and Priyana Chauhan<\/strong>, provides insights about the people facilitating a refreshing change, the implications of this shift on the future of the music industry and music education in India, and the promise it holds as a career path for music students.<\/p>\n

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Turning Tides<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Shifting mindsets \u2013 from apprehension to diligence \u2013\u00a0 towards\u00a0music and arts education is reflected in the recently announced initiatives by the Delhi Government, and some of the top-tier schools across Delhi NCR. In September 2021, the Delhi Government launched a promising new program, \u2018Music Bus\u2019- a mobile classroom to teach audio production, graphic design, and filmmaking. Speaking to the Hindustan Times<\/a> about the initiative, the government said, \u201cthe aim is to deliver happiness to children and enable them to discover their potential, with music as a creative tool for transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Additionally, in recent years, some of the premier schools have started to implement a comprehensive music curriculum, as well as bring on board promising young artists as educators. Whilst the trend of adopting a thorough Music Curriculum began with schools affiliated to the <\/span>International Baccalaureate (IB) program<\/span><\/a>, it has now trickled into top-tier schools across Delhi like <\/span>GD Goenka Global School<\/span><\/a>, Vasant Valley School, <\/span>Shiv Nadar School<\/span><\/a> and Pathways School. In some schools, the breadth of curriculum has widened to include skills and concepts ranging from music theory, harmony, instrumental studies, and music production. In others, the pre-existing curriculum for Hindustani and Carnatic Music has been restructured to include effective assessment models to chart a student\u2019s progress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Musicians are now excitedly donning the hat of formal music educators\/facilitators because schools are regarding music education at par with other academic subjects; and simultaneously reimagining what it means to be a professional musician in India. Reflecting on his desire to teach, <\/span>Ishaan Gandhi<\/span><\/a> said, \u201cmusic education is taken very seriously where I am teaching. Here, students are encouraged to explore different avenues within music, and look at it through the lens of a researcher, a creator and a performer. They are taught to develop an understanding and respect for different musical cultures and the sociocultural context of different styles of music to become more open-minded, develop communication skills and learn life skills through the study of music.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Facilitators of Change<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The young educators we spoke to are artists in their own right, donning multiple hats as performers, creators, educators, and producers; thus breaking preconceived notions about the rigidity and limitations of the teaching profession. <\/span>\u201cNowadays, the scope of engagement is flexible through the contracts offered and we can choose which days we want to come in, giving us time to work on our own creations and personal projects,\u201d said <\/span>Sneha Haldar<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> The greater flexibility enables them to strike a balance between educating, and finding fulfilment through creative output.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Balancing multiple professional endeavours is a lesson in the importance\u00a0 of time-management and organisation. Ackno<\/span>wledging the need for balance through time management in such a professional juggle, Sneha said, \u201cIt does get overwhelming. Sometimes you have to prioritise teaching work, and at other times you have to take a break by prioritising what is important for you. When i was studying music, i was also working and i learned to balance the two. It takes time to get used to it but once you get it, it balances itself out.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n