*http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/07/stories/2008010764870200.htm* ** *Rahman announces launch of music conservatory *
** Meera Srinivasan *It promises to offer a holistic programme in music * *A.R.Rahman * CHENNAI: Guess what celebrated music composer A.R. Rahman decided to gift aspiring musicians on his birthday on Sunday? – A music conservatory that promises to offer a holistic programme in music and music technology. It has been the musician's dream to establish such an institute and he has, on a few occasions, spoken of this wish. Rahman, who turned 42 on Sunday, was obviously delighted that this dream was taking shape. "All of us, musicians, have felt the need for such training. Most of us had to take the round-about way. This initiative will help aspirants move ahead faster," he told *The Hindu*. The KM Music Conservatory and Audio Media Education, said to be India's first Apple-authorised training centre, will initially function at a facility next to his studio in Kodambakkam. Later, it would be shifted to a campus in the outskirts of the city. "We are planning to start the programme after May, when the new academic year begins," he said. Courses will include Western Vocal and Instrumental Performance, Indian Classical Vocal, Western and Indian Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Ear Training, Piano, Audio Engineering, an Apple certified course in Logic Pro, and a Digidesign certified course in Pro Tools. "Many of the instrumentalists who play today belong to my father's generation. While younger musicians go for the keyboard or the software used, not many take to playing a violin or a brass," he said. "The vision of KM Music Conservatory is to eliminate this obstacle and provide an exemplary orchestra here in India." The faculty at the conservatory will include professors from India and aboard, and other musicians who will train students in Indian and Western Classical music. The school will soon audition students who play flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, double bass and percussion. Students also have the opportunity to audition for the professional KM Music Symphony Orchestra on completion of the programme. For more details visit http://www.arrahman.com or http://www.audiomedia.in. -- regards, Vithur A.R.RAHMAN - THE ABODE OF DIVINE MUSIC
