With the advent of new technology and forms of media, our relationship with music has transformed in multiple ways. It is now mediated through various contexts, devices, and interdisciplinary forms. Tools like autotune shape opinions of the authenticity and skill of a performer, while the use of samples in hip-hop and rap music production is largely considered as ‘being true to the genre’.

Social media platforms provide a new way of engaging with music in its most addictive and attention-grabbing version while music soundtracks to films and TV shows no longer remain as a background asset but an equal component to the experience. The ubiquity and significance of music in our (digital) lives raises questions of how to interpret the art form in contemporary times.

Avid Learning, Heard Publishing, and Royal Opera House, Mumbai, are proud to present Beyond the Beat: A Music Appreciation Workshop. Through fascinating examples, practical exercises, and expert guidance, participants will dissect the elements of music that create the desired outcomes as creatives and influence our perceptions as listeners. Open to people from a diversity of backgrounds, the engaging workshop will cover the latest innovations, patterns, and insights from the industry, including the impact of artificial intelligence, the role of music supervision, and the trajectory of musical output worldwide. The workshop will be led by Co-Founder, Heard Publishing Rahul Kanan, with a live session by guest speaker, Film Composer Joel Crasto.

Since 2020, Avid Learning has consistently curated appreciation workshops with a mission to decode art forms in an accessible manner. From Jazz 101: The Art of Listening to Backstage: A Theatre Appreciation Workshop, our workshops have delved into the foundational frameworks and cutting-edge discourse that are vital to deepening our understanding of artistic expressions. Rahul Kanan is the co-founder of Heard, a prominent music supervision agency based in Mumbai, India. He previously served as a music executive at Netflix, where for two years, he played a pivotal role in advising on music budgets, talent considerations, music schedules, and creatively reviewing scores and songs of many Netflix India originals. A passionate advocate for industry excellence, Rahul has contributed to various initiatives, including workshops on music supervision and music editing, aimed at promoting best practices and bridging gaps within the industry in India. His journey as an executive began after nearly seven years as a composer for commercial projects and as a producer for independent artists.

A composer and producer known for his cutting-edge music & unique approach to sound, Joel Crasto has composed and produced the background score for acclaimed Hindi films like Jabariya Jodi, Ek Tha Tiger, Dhoom3, Syeraa Narasimha Reddy, Sultan & many more. He has composed and scored several commercials for McDonalds, Netflix: Comedy Premium League, Oreo, Aditya Birla Mutual Funds, Realme & Godrej Properties to name a few. His musical journey started in 2008 with the Hindi Feature Film New York and has ever since produced scores for over 60 Feature Films, Web Series and Innumerable commercials associated with production houses like Yash Raj Films, Nadiadwala Grandson, Dharma Productions, Excel Entertainment, Lionsgate, Eros International and many more. Along with technical and musical expertise, Joel has vast experience in adapting to multiple personalities. Through some of the most accomplished professionals, he has honed skills needed to work effectively in fast-paced and challenging scenarios

Highlights:

Explore how musical elements interact with our emotional and neurological responses.

Discover how different rhythms and structures shape narratives and influence consumer behavior across various media.

Understand how soundtracks and scores enhance narratives in film, OTT, and advertising, with case studies.

Trace how music reflects global trends, from folk traditions to contemporary innovations

Participate in hands-on exercises to analyze and appreciate sound more deeply.

“Whenever there's a new music, there's a new way of listening. And whenever there's a new way of listening, there are new musics that follow from that.” - Musician Brian Eno

Details:

When: Saturday, 17th May 2025

Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where: Essar House, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai

Fee: Rs. 2500 (inclusive of GST)

Register: www.avidlearning.in