India is a land of artists, with a rich legacy of music, art, and culture. Every nook and corner of the country is adorned with jewels of talent. One such jewel, and the pride of Indian culture, is its music. Indian Classical Music, or Hindustani Classical Music, can be traced back to the Vedic literature of Hinduism. However, in an era dominated by EDM, RAP, and the rising popularity of English music, Indian Classical Music is losing its appeal among the younger generation. Amidst this shift, a few musical academies in India are dedicated to preserving this tradition, striving to bridge the generational gap by modernizing the presentation of classical music while maintaining its rich heritage.

Let’s have a look at 5 Classical Music Academies in India.

Shankar Mahadevan Academy

Shankar Mahadevan Academy, founded by Shankar Mahadevan, strives to provide high-quality musical training to a global audience via a combination of online and offline classes. The institution offers classes in a variety of musical genres, including Hindustani classical music, Carnatic classical music, film music, and devotional music. Their Hindustani classical music program offers an extensive syllabus tailored to students of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The faculty consists of skilled musicians and professors who bring their knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching to the academy.

Madras Music Academy

The Music Academy, Madras, founded in 1928, is a landmark institution in the history of fine arts, particularly Carnatic music and classical dance. Emerging from a music conference held during the All India Congress Session in Madras in December 1927, the Academy was inaugurated on August 18, 1928, by Sir CP Ramaswami Aiyar. It has since become a vital center for promoting South Indian music and dance, while also embracing Hindustani music and global classical forms. Known for its pioneering role in organizing the annual December Music Festival—one of the world's largest cultural events—the Academy fosters collaboration between artists and scholars, encouraging young talent, debating musical theory, and providing a platform for senior performers.

Calcutta School of Music

The Calcutta School of Music is a premier institution dedicated to music and the performing arts, serving as a "one-stop" destination for education, performance, and appreciation. It offers instruction in a wide range of musical disciplines and conducts examinations in collaboration with two renowned international boards: the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London (TCL). The School financially supports the Calcutta Chamber Orchestra (CCO), a full-time orchestra comprising a professional string ensemble. It also houses a well-equipped music library, providing students with opportunities to listen to and experience high-quality performances, an essential part of their musical education. Throughout the year, the School arranges concerts, master classes, workshops, and appreciation sessions, hosting world-famous musicians such as Yehudi Menuhin, Zubin Mehta, Isaac Stern, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Pt. Ravi Shankar.

Spardha School Of Music

Spardha is a unique digital platform for online music education. Its mission is to develop a robust online music school with a meticulously developed curriculum, qualified instructors, and customized instruction adapted to each student's specific needs. Spardha's approach emphasizes providing a virtual classroom experience that allows learners to acquire knowledge from the comfort of their own homes. The site provides a variety of courses, including Hindustani Classical Music, Carnatic Music, and certificate and dance programs.

Artium Academy

Artium Academy is a music education platform offering both online and offline music lessons. The academy specializes in a wide range of genres, including Carnatic music, Hindustani music, and Ghazals. Artium Academy is recognized for its high-quality music education, blending modern teaching methods with advanced technology to enhance the learning experience. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as ragas (melodic frameworks), talas (rhythmic cycles), vocal techniques, and the theoretical aspects of Hindustani classical music. The academy's impressive roster of tutors, including Subha Mudgal, Ananth Vaidyanathan, Aruna Sairam, and others, brings a wealth of experience, greatly enriching students' musical learning.

These academies not only serve as educational institutions but also as shining lights in preserving the country's musical history. Learning Hindustani classical music is not an easy journey, but the skills acquired will also help artists master other genres.