Sangeet Academy: Nurturing Classical and Sugam Sangeet for All Generations

Introduction

India’s musical tradition is a timeless treasure, an inheritance woven through centuries of devotion, culture, and creativity. Among the many art forms that express the soul of Bharat, Indian classical music and Sugam Sangeet (light music) stand out as two deeply expressive, emotionally rich genres that capture the grandeur and subtlety of Indian aesthetics.

In a world increasingly influenced by fleeting digital trends and commercial music, the mission of a Sangeet Academy dedicated to classical and sugam sangeet becomes not just relevant, but essential. This academy is a sanctuary where tradition is honored, creativity is nurtured, and music is taught with devotion, rigor, and love.

This write-up provides an in-depth overview of a Sangeet Academy devoted to these twin streams of music—its philosophy, curriculum, activities, faculty, cultural impact, and its role in preserving and evolving the art of Indian music.

What is Sangeet?

Sangeet (संगीत) is the Sanskrit word for music, encompassing geet (song), vadya (instrumental music), and nritya (dance). It is not merely entertainment; it is sadhana (discipline), bhakti (devotion), and shiksha (learning). Indian Sangeet reflects spiritual longing, emotional depth, and cultural storytelling.

1. Classical Music (Shastriya Sangeet)

Rooted in ancient scriptures like the Natya Shastra, classical music is a complex, sacred form based on ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles). It requires rigorous training, deep listening, and surrender to the guru-shishya tradition. It is divided into two main streams:

• Hindustani Classical (North India)

• Carnatic Classical (South India)
  
  

At the Sangeet Academy, Hindustani Classical Music is taught in both vocal and instrumental forms.

2. Sugam Sangeet (Light Music)

Sugam Sangeet, as the name suggests, is “pleasant and easy to absorb”. It blends classical structure with contemporary accessibility. Forms include:

• Bhajan (devotional)

• Ghazal (poetic)

• Folk songs

• Patriotic and inspirational music

• Film and semi-classical songs
  
  

Sugam Sangeet preserves melodic grace while allowing creative expression. It bridges generations, inviting both young and old to participate in musical expression.

Vision and Mission of the Academy

Vision

To be a center of excellence that preserves, promotes, and innovates Indian classical and light music, nurturing artists who are not only skilled performers but also sensitive, cultured human beings.

Mission

• To provide authentic training in classical and sugam sangeet

• To mentor aspiring musicians of all ages

• To host cultural programs and competitions

• To conduct music therapy and healing sessions

• To record and publish original musical works

• To preserve rare compositions and styles

• To encourage fusion and experimentation without losing roots
  
  

Curriculum and Courses

1. Classical Music Courses

Hindustani Vocal

• Beginner Level: Basic swaras, alankars, sargam

• Intermediate Level: Ragas like Yaman, Bhupali, Desh, Bhairav, Bhimpalasi

• Advanced Level: Vilambit Khayal, Dhrupad, Tarana, rare ragas

• Theory: Raga structure, tala system, music history, gharana traditions
  
  

Instruments Offered

• Tabla (percussion)

• Harmonium (accompaniment and solo)

• Sitar

• Flute (Bansuri)

• Tanpura (drone and ear training)
  
  

2. Sugam Sangeet Courses

Vocal Light Music

• Bhajans in multiple languages (Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi)

• Semi-classical compositions

• Ghazals and light folk

• Bollywood classics with classical base

• Stage presentation and mic techniques
  
  

Group Singing & Choir Training

• Harmony practice

• Patriotic songs for public events

• Devotional group compositions
  
  

3. Music Appreciation and Listening

• Guided listening sessions of maestros like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishori Amonkar, Mehdi Hassan, etc.

• Decoding compositions and improvisation

• Exposure to live concerts and recordings
  
  

Unique Features of the Academy

1. Gurukul + Modern Blend

The academy combines the guru-shishya parampara with structured modern pedagogy:

• One-on-one mentorship

• Group classes

• Audio-visual aids

• Notation systems

• Online and offline modes
  
  

2. Cultural Integration

Classes are connected to festivals like:

• Basant Panchami (Saraswati Vandana)

• Guru Purnima (Guru Bhakti)

• Navratri (Devi Bhajans)

• Independence Day (Patriotic performances)
  
  

3. Music for All Ages

From children (age 5+) to seniors, courses are designed to suit:

• Beginners discovering music

• Serious learners aiming for mastery

• Hobbyists seeking joy and expression

• Therapists using music for healing
  
  

4. Exams and Certifications

Affiliation with reputed boards like:

• Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal

• Prayag Sangeet Samiti

• Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapeeth
  
  

Students can appear for Prarambhik to Visharad level exams.

Faculty and Mentors

The strength of the Sangeet Academy lies in its dedicated faculty:

• Highly trained artists from renowned gharanas

• Certified examiners and stage performers

• Mentors with decades of teaching experience

• Visiting artists and gurus for masterclasses
  
  

Qualities they embody:

• Patience and empathy

• Love for teaching

• Deep respect for tradition

• Encouragement of individual style
  
  

Cultural Activities and Events

1. Annual Sangeet Mahotsav

A grand celebration of music featuring:

• Student performances

• Guru Vandana

• Guest lectures and performances by maestros

• Fusion experiments and jugalbandis
  
  

2. Monthly Baithaks

Intimate concert-style gatherings where:

• Students perform live

• Improvisation is encouraged

• Feedback and appreciation flow freely
  
  

3. Competitions and Yuva Talent Hunt

• Intra-academy and inter-academy contests

• Honoring young prodigies

• Preparing for larger cultural platforms
  
  

4. Music and Wellness Workshops

• Nada Yoga sessions

• Music for stress relief

• Sound healing and meditation through raga
  
  

The Role of Music in Personality Development

The academy emphasizes that music is not just skill—it is a path of transformation. The discipline of riyaz (daily practice) cultivates:

• Patience and perseverance

• Emotional expression and regulation

• Confidence and stage presence

• Memory and focus

• Cultural identity and rootedness
  
  

Children exposed to music from a young age show enhanced cognitive and emotional abilities. Adults rediscover joy and mental peace. Seniors find companionship and creativity.

Certificate Course Schedule

1. Classical Vocal, 

2. Tabla, 

3. Harmonium, 

4. Keyboard & 

5. Kathak

Bruhad Gujarat Sangeet Samiti recognized Certificate Courses. 

Saturday Evening 5 to 8 IST & Sunday Morning 9 to 12 IST

Sugam Sangeet Varg Schedule

1. Bhajan, 

2. Gazal, 

3. Garba, 

4. Filmi Songs  based on Ragas, 

5. Patriotic Songs, 

6. Festival Songs, 

7. Folk Songs, 

8. Chhand, 

9. Duha, 

10. Chopai etc of folk,  

11. Light & Semi Classical Form of Indian Music.

Tuesday & Friday Evening 7.30 to 9.00 IST

Just now Offline at Yogniketan & Online (On Zoom Platform) both Classes are Scheduled.