Degree Course in Indian Music

BMus (Hons) Indian Music Performance
(validated by the University of Westminster)

Trinity College of Music (Trinity Laban), in partnership with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan UK (Institute of Indian Art and Culture), is offering a degree course in the performance of Indian music.  Validation for the course has been given by the University of Westminster.  The course started in September 2006 and enrolments are now being considered for the year beginning September 2008.  

The delivery of this four-year course is based at the Bhavan"s West Kensington site, where a strong tradition of Indian music and dance teaching/performance has been established over a number of years. As well as rehearsal studios and a recently refurbished concert hall, the Bhavan Centre has an extensive collection of materials relating to Indian culture and music.

Both Hindustani (North Indian) and Karnatic (South Indian)music are offered.  This means that a student, whilst following their chosen instrumental and stylistic specialism, will be working in an environment where they will be made aware of the underlying common ethos of Indian music.  Students will acquire advanced musical skills in relevant instrumental/vocal techniques, supported by historical and theoretical study. These skills and knowledge will equip them to excel in a range of professional activities in which performance, teaching, composition, business skills and leadership may all play a part.

The curriculum is organised into two core areas of study, Performance Studies and Contextual Studies, each of which contains a number of components. Performance Studies carries approximately twice the weighting (and allocation of time) of Contextual Studies.

At the heart of Performance Studies is the one-to-one lesson with a specialist teacher on the chosen principal study instrument or voice (it is intended initially to offer voice, sitar, violin, and percussion). In the first two years of the course there will be additional work on a complementary instrument or voice; in the third and fourth years the full allocation of time will be devoted to the principal study. These lessons are supported by a musicianship component containing raga, tala and improvisation study, as a preparation for composition, and an ensemble component in which the student will participate in a range of ensembles performing both within the Bhavan, and externally.

In the first two years Contextual Studies provides the historical and theoretical knowledge necessary for a proper understanding of Indian music. In years three and four, students can select from a choice of electives focusing on teaching, research, and current trends in Indian music. These are designed to give them the knowledge and skills that will help them develop their careers in the music profession. In the first year learning skills are acquired through a programme of study skills training incorporating ICT and the latest music technology. In years two, three and four students participate in, devise, and lead projects in which they perform in a wide range of contexts and environments. Through Contextual Studies students will discover the diversity of opportunity that exists, or is still to be created, within the profession, and that will enable them to develop the "portfolio career" that will characterise the musician of the future.

The various components in Performance Studies and Contextual Studies will be assessed mainly through performance examinations, coursework portfolios and seminar presentations. The strongest emphasis will be on practical and performance work, as is appropriate to an honours degree in performance.

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a BMus (Hons) Indian Music Performance awarded by Trinity College of Music (Trinity Laban) with course validation by the University of Westminster.

Students are also able to take the internationally-recognised Trinity College London diplomas, which have been recently developed in Indian classical music.

Admission requirements

The general entry requirements for this course are:

• Three GCSEs or "O" levels (including English language) at Grade C or above (or equivalent);

Plus

• Two "A" levels or equivalent.

There is a system of accreditation for prior experience and learning, and candidates who do not have the above qualifications should seek further advice (see below) before assuming they do not qualify.

The main criterion for admission to the course is suitability for advanced, specialist performance training. Selection is therefore on the basis of an audition on the proposed principal study instrument or voice, and interview. A short written assessment provides further evidence, and enables us to gauge the individual"s training needs. As a guide, the expected standard in performance on principal study is equivalent to Grade 8 in Western music performance, or Grade 8 in the Sangit examinations. Candidates whose first language is not English will be asked to demonstrate that they have sufficient command of the language to cope with the demands of the course, and will normally have attained one of the following, or an equivalent:

• An IELTs score of 6.0 or above in all elements
• TCL examinations in spoken English at Grade 10 or above.

Those interested in finding out more about this exciting and innovative venture should contact the Bhavan at degree@bhavan.net for further information - or ring 020 7381 4608

Enquiry form »

(Expression of Interest in Indian Music Degree)