MUMBAI: Music director AR Rahman is planning to set up a state-of-the-art music conservatory called KM Music Conservatory in Chennai to create a ‘world-class orchestra’ that could score music for Indian composers and to train students in vocal as well as instrumental music.
Announcing the KM Music Conservatory and KM Music Symphony Orchestra Synthesizers, Rahman said, “Electronic sounds played a significant role in the evolution of music in the 80s and 90s. As this fresh sound captivated listeners, they began to lose appreciation and interest in live classical compositions. Should this continue, future generations will be deprived of the joy that is live classical music.”
The KM Music Conservatory is an attempt to recreate a world-class orchestra for the enjoyment of India’s people. Currently, Indian composers have to go abroad to find orchestras to record. KM Music Conservatory aims to eliminate this obstacle and provide orchestra in India.
“I feel, as a modern classical musician, having the knowledge of both music performance and music technology is invaluable. Only having the skill to perform an instrument may not necessarily be lucrative, however having that skill as well as excellent music production capabilities will ensure many more career opportunities and financial security. That way they learn to use the best of both worlds,” added Rahman.
The KM Music Conservatory and Audio Media Education, India ‘s first Apple authorized training centre located in Chennai, will be offering a program in music and music technology. The conservatory faculty will include Indian and international professors and musicians who will educate students in Indian and western classical music.
The school will currently be auditioning and accepting singers and students who play flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and percussion. Courses will include western vocal and instrumental performance, Indian classical vocal, western and Indian music theory, music appreciation, ear training, piano, audio engineering, an Apple certified course in Logic Pro, and a Digidesign certified course in Pro Tools.
Scholarships will be offered to deserving students from the A R Rahman Foundation. Students can also audition for the professional KM Music Symphony Orchestra upon completion of the program.
