Calcutta School of Music

Calcutta School of Music established in 1915 by Phillpe Sandre is one of the premier institutions of India. It was established in the year 1915 AD by Dr. Phillipé Sandré, a musician of considerable calibre, and a contemporary and friend of the famous composer Saint Saëns. It is probably the only school in the country which has such wide ranging canvas of musical disciplines covering both Indian and Western music, dance, speech training, elocution, and drama. The School is an important element of the city of Kolkata, providing liberal instruction in musical subjects on one hand, and also arranging orchestral, chamber and solo music training and concerts, as well as music appreciation sessions throughout the year. Many visiting luminaries of the musical world have visited the School throughout its existence. this include Maestros Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern and Miroslav Rostropovich. The great Maestro Pandit Ravishankar inaugurated the faculty of Indian Music & Dance during the year 1975.

Music

The Music department is affiliated to the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music London and the Trinity College London. It offers Piano, Violin, Guitar, Synthesizer, Saxophone & Percussion as well as Music Theory. Apart from Instrumental Music it also offers Choir singing lessons both for seniors and juniors. The School has recently started a 6 month course, "Skillful Music Recording" which will be of great use to all computer-oriented musicians. Besides there are classes on Effective Communication and Speech & Drama.

Dance

The dance department is headed by Mrs. Ranjita Karlekar, MA (Dance), UCLA and provides lessons in ballet, jazz and modern dance under the George Balanchine Technique. The lessons are personalized depending upon the specific needs and requirements of the indivudual student. The curriculum is progressive in nature starting from the pre-ballet lessons for children within the age group 3 to 7) ballet for students within the age group 8 to 13 and contemporary dance for the students who are 14 and above. The syllabi is compatible with the US University System of Dance Education.

Location

The School was originally located at Wellesley Street in Central Calcutta. In the year 1972, the school moved into its own premises at Sunny Park. Its 90th anniversary is being celebrated in 2005-06. The School operates as a non-profit organization, and is managed by the Principal under the guidance of the Governing Committee. His Excellency the Governor of the State of West Bengal is a Patron of the School.

External links

* [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1051226/asp/atleisure/story_5642040.asp Ballet classes at CSM]
* [http://www.csm.org.in/ Calcutta School of Music]