[arr] Re: Phani Kalyan about AR Rahman & KMMC
THanks a lot, Phani! Loved reading! --- In arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com, "Rivjot" wrote: > > Thanks Phani for sharing your experience, it was fascinating to read this > post :) > > --- In arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com, Vithur wrote: > > > > There are certain experiences in life that change you as a person and > > help you grow into a better individual. For me, these defining > > experiences happened during those years that I was a student of AR > > Rahman's KM Music Conservatory. > > > > As I look back on that journey that has evolved me into making music > > my life and profession I feel KMMC happened a little late in my life > > but I strongly feel it couldn't have come at a more right moment than > > this. I had a keen interest in music since childhood, listening along > > with my grandfather to his thousands of carnatic collections including > > M.Balamuralikrishna, Thyagaraja, Ramadas, and many Annamayya > > Keerthanas and instrumentals. I recall composing rough tunes for fun, > > even before I started learning music formally. But it wasn't until AR > > Rahman happened, that my passion for music grew beyond words. I became > > a devout fan of Rahman Sir ever since Bombay had released. I remember > > skipping my school continuously to go to the theatre where Bombay was > > being played just to listen to the music and the background scores. > > And with each of his releases after that, his music became a daily > > fuel for me. > > > > I had completed my Engineering degree in Chennai and was working a > > mundane software job. Of course, my body was there, but my ears, mind > > and thoughts were just tunes, melodies, rhythm and one man- AR Rahman. > > So when I heard news that Rahman Sir was going to open his own music > > school here in Chennai, which offers courses in western classical > > music, various areas of music technology, instruments, and vocals, I > > thought to myself, "If I wanted to give my passion for music a chance > > to grow and give a chance to live my dream-job as a composer, THIS was > > it." And what better opportunity to learn at an institution developed > > by a man who I worshipped and looked up to for so many years. So > > without hesitation I applied for an audition. Now I wasn't at all sure > > I would get in and did not even tell my family or anyone else about > > applying to the school. I thought to myself by auditioning I would at > > least catch a glimpse of the school and studio, and if lucky catch a > > glimpse of Rahman Sir. So I was super surprised and was just in utter > > disbelief when I got that call of acceptance and my family was even > > more shocked when I told them that I am going to resign my job and > > join KMMC. So here I was literally on cloud 9, about to begin a > > journey that I had only dreamt of all these years. > > > > In KMMC I took western classical vocals and composition as a major > > with a prior knowledge in carnatic vocals and keyboard. As soon as I > > entered the conservatory compound on the first day, I could just feel > > the aura of positive energy all around. The school had almost like a > > homely and soothing atmosphere with wooden floors and furniture, > > accented with warm curtains, large middle-eastern rugs, a beautiful > > grand piano and a picture of Rahman sir's father in the main reception > > area. More than this it was my fellow classmates from all corners of > > the world, and the amazing faculty that made those years the most > > memorable. > > > > Moreover, being part of KMMC I saw Rahman Sir in a whole different > > light, and my respect and devotion towards him grew to infinite > > lengths. During the first week he came and interacted with us in > > person and asked us our ambitions and goals. I still remember when I > > asked Sir at that time to hum a few lines of New York Nagaram, what he > > said in response will forever stay with me. He said. "Guys don't stick > > only onto New York Nagaram, music is beyond the regular commercial > > cinema. Make your mark, aim at the moon..at least you will reach the > > stars" .I was amazed at the fact that no matter how busy he was, he > > used to attend almost every student recital and concert that we used > > to have at KM. He used to listen to us patiently and give us > > suggestions, advice and clarifications on any doubts we had with so > > much patience. And in case he was unable to make it to an event, he > > used to send us a sorry note. I was just amazed that a man who is such > > a prominent society figure, a pioneer in popularizing indian music to > > globally, western music to the east, a musical magician, behaved so > > simple, so friendly and so down-to-earth. He did not even behave like > > a principal to us; he was more like a friend and even used to call > > some of the students with nicknames. For instance, whenever I used to > > see him, he always used to smile and greet me with a simple `Hey, Hi > > Man' even before I said anything. There are just no
[arr] Re: Phani Kalyan about AR Rahman & KMMC
Thanks Phani for sharing your experience, it was fascinating to read this post :) --- In arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com, Vithur wrote: > > There are certain experiences in life that change you as a person and > help you grow into a better individual. For me, these defining > experiences happened during those years that I was a student of AR > Rahman's KM Music Conservatory. > > As I look back on that journey that has evolved me into making music > my life and profession I feel KMMC happened a little late in my life > but I strongly feel it couldn't have come at a more right moment than > this. I had a keen interest in music since childhood, listening along > with my grandfather to his thousands of carnatic collections including > M.Balamuralikrishna, Thyagaraja, Ramadas, and many Annamayya > Keerthanas and instrumentals. I recall composing rough tunes for fun, > even before I started learning music formally. But it wasn't until AR > Rahman happened, that my passion for music grew beyond words. I became > a devout fan of Rahman Sir ever since Bombay had released. I remember > skipping my school continuously to go to the theatre where Bombay was > being played just to listen to the music and the background scores. > And with each of his releases after that, his music became a daily > fuel for me. > > I had completed my Engineering degree in Chennai and was working a > mundane software job. Of course, my body was there, but my ears, mind > and thoughts were just tunes, melodies, rhythm and one man- AR Rahman. > So when I heard news that Rahman Sir was going to open his own music > school here in Chennai, which offers courses in western classical > music, various areas of music technology, instruments, and vocals, I > thought to myself, "If I wanted to give my passion for music a chance > to grow and give a chance to live my dream-job as a composer, THIS was > it." And what better opportunity to learn at an institution developed > by a man who I worshipped and looked up to for so many years. So > without hesitation I applied for an audition. Now I wasn't at all sure > I would get in and did not even tell my family or anyone else about > applying to the school. I thought to myself by auditioning I would at > least catch a glimpse of the school and studio, and if lucky catch a > glimpse of Rahman Sir. So I was super surprised and was just in utter > disbelief when I got that call of acceptance and my family was even > more shocked when I told them that I am going to resign my job and > join KMMC. So here I was literally on cloud 9, about to begin a > journey that I had only dreamt of all these years. > > In KMMC I took western classical vocals and composition as a major > with a prior knowledge in carnatic vocals and keyboard. As soon as I > entered the conservatory compound on the first day, I could just feel > the aura of positive energy all around. The school had almost like a > homely and soothing atmosphere with wooden floors and furniture, > accented with warm curtains, large middle-eastern rugs, a beautiful > grand piano and a picture of Rahman sir's father in the main reception > area. More than this it was my fellow classmates from all corners of > the world, and the amazing faculty that made those years the most > memorable. > > Moreover, being part of KMMC I saw Rahman Sir in a whole different > light, and my respect and devotion towards him grew to infinite > lengths. During the first week he came and interacted with us in > person and asked us our ambitions and goals. I still remember when I > asked Sir at that time to hum a few lines of New York Nagaram, what he > said in response will forever stay with me. He said. "Guys don't stick > only onto New York Nagaram, music is beyond the regular commercial > cinema. Make your mark, aim at the moon..at least you will reach the > stars" .I was amazed at the fact that no matter how busy he was, he > used to attend almost every student recital and concert that we used > to have at KM. He used to listen to us patiently and give us > suggestions, advice and clarifications on any doubts we had with so > much patience. And in case he was unable to make it to an event, he > used to send us a sorry note. I was just amazed that a man who is such > a prominent society figure, a pioneer in popularizing indian music to > globally, western music to the east, a musical magician, behaved so > simple, so friendly and so down-to-earth. He did not even behave like > a principal to us; he was more like a friend and even used to call > some of the students with nicknames. For instance, whenever I used to > see him, he always used to smile and greet me with a simple `Hey, Hi > Man' even before I said anything. There are just no words to describe > his modesty and humbleness. > > Also to add, there is a government school near the conservatory. KMMC > provides free music education to 40 students there, and Rahman Sir > makes sure that they are all taught with equal intere
[arr] Re: Phani Kalyan about AR Rahman & KMMC
Your Rahemahan Rahman is excellent Phani. --- In arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com, Gayathri Chandrakasan wrote: > > Amazingly written Phani, enjoyed every moment of reading it. Your feelings > about KMMC and ARR are expressed genuinely and beautifully in this > writeup.Through your write-up, I noticed how dedicated and passionate you are > to your music, may this dedication and passion of yours enable you to reach > the "moon" as predicted by ARR! May God bless you always! > > P.S: I've just got the oppurtunity to listen to your Pappu. Great job, will > definitely about this in my next mail. > > P.P.S: Thanks Vithur for sharing this with us! > > --- On Wed, 8/11/10, Vithur wrote: > > From: Vithur > Subject: [arr] Phani Kalyan about AR Rahman & KMMC > To: "arrahmanfans" > Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 10:48 PM > > There are certain experiences in life that change you as a person and > help you grow into a better individual. For me, these defining > experiences happened during those years that I was a student of AR > Rahmanâs KM Music Conservatory. > > As I look back on that journey that has evolved me into making music > my life and profession I feel KMMC happened a little late in my life > but I strongly feel it couldn't have come at a more right moment than > this. I had a keen interest in music since childhood, listening along > with my grandfather to his thousands of carnatic collections including > M.Balamuralikrishna, Thyagaraja, Ramadas, and many Annamayya > Keerthanas and instrumentals. I recall composing rough tunes for fun, > even before I started learning music formally. But it wasnât until AR > Rahman happened, that my passion for music grew beyond words. I became > a devout fan of Rahman Sir ever since Bombay had released. I remember > skipping my school continuously to go to the theatre where Bombay was > being played just to listen to the music and the background scores. > And with each of his releases after that, his music became a daily > fuel for me. > > I had completed my Engineering degree in Chennai and was working a > mundane software job. Of course, my body was there, but my ears, mind > and thoughts were just tunes, melodies, rhythm and one man- AR Rahman. > So when I heard news that Rahman Sir was going to open his own music > school here in Chennai, which offers courses in western classical > music, various areas of music technology, instruments, and vocals, I > thought to myself, âIf I wanted to give my passion for music a chance > to grow and give a chance to live my dream-job as a composer, THIS was > it.â And what better opportunity to learn at an institution developed > by a man who I worshipped and looked up to for so many years. So > without hesitation I applied for an audition. Now I wasnât at all sure > I would get in and did not even tell my family or anyone else about > applying to the school. I thought to myself by auditioning I would at > least catch a glimpse of the school and studio, and if lucky catch a > glimpse of Rahman Sir. So I was super surprised and was just in utter > disbelief when I got that call of acceptance and my family was even > more shocked when I told them that I am going to resign my job and > join KMMC. So here I was literally on cloud 9, about to begin a > journey that I had only dreamt of all these years. > > In KMMC I took western classical vocals and composition as a major > with a prior knowledge in carnatic vocals and keyboard. As soon as I > entered the conservatory compound on the first day, I could just feel > the aura of positive energy all around. The school had almost like a > homely and soothing atmosphere with wooden floors and furniture, > accented with warm curtains, large middle-eastern rugs, a beautiful > grand piano and a picture of Rahman sir's father in the main reception > area. More than this it was my fellow classmates from all corners of > the world, and the amazing faculty that made those years the most > memorable. > > Moreover, being part of KMMC I saw Rahman Sir in a whole different > light, and my respect and devotion towards him grew to infinite > lengths. During the first week he came and interacted with us in > person and asked us our ambitions and goals. I still remember when I > asked Sir at that time to hum a few lines of New York Nagaram, what he > said in response will forever stay with me. He said. "Guys don't stick > only onto New York Nagaram, music is beyond the regular commercial > cinema. Make your mark, aim at the moon..at least you will reach the > stars" .I was amazed at the fact that no matter how busy he was, he > used to attend almost every student recital and concert that we used > to have at KM. He used to listen to us patiently and give us > suggestions, advice and clarifications on any doubts we had with so > much patience. And in case he was unable to make it to an event, he > used to send us a sorry note. I was just amazed that a man who is such > a prominent s
[arr] Re: Phani Kalyan about AR Rahman & KMMC
One of the most interesting email in a long time. It truly gives another perspective about KMMC students and teachers. I have elaborated on some details that that gives tremendous insights into the life at KMMC and another aspect of ARR Sir. (1) The jamming sessions with fellow students show the team spirit and collaborative effort needed in all these projects. Most of our schools and colleges are spoiled because of excessive competition and excessive jealousy among fellow-mates (I am also a contributor and victim to this national phenomenon). If we avoid these then the whole experience can be much more enjoyable and exhilarating like what you have described. (2) The time and effort taken by ARR Sir to give suggestions and feedback to the students. It just shows how much importance that ARR Sir gives to his student's work and also how much dedicated he is towards this endeavour. I remember in one interview someone asked ARR sir what is your biggest satisfaction in his life ? He did not say Oscars, his doctorate degrees, his Grammys or any other such things. He said, "Starting KMMC and inspiring future generation to learn and create good music is his biggest satisfaction". (3) Any institution or college is enriched by truly dedicated teachers. They are one of the pillars that guide the students to achieve their destination. It is fortunate that you had the support of Ms. Baliga in KMMC. Also having ARR sir as one of the teacher/principal is similar to learning art from Michelangelo. Essentially, the three pillars of this truly noble institution are KMMC students, ARR Sir and KKMC teachers. Who is the fourth pillar ? I don't know. Maybe God knows. Maybe it is him :) Jai Ho, Jayram (Thank you so much fani and Vithur for this email. Truly inspiring and lovely description of the place and the atmosphere. All the best Fani and keep rocking with great uplifting music). --- In arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com, Vithur wrote: > > There are certain experiences in life that change you as a person and > help you grow into a better individual. For me, these defining > experiences happened during those years that I was a student of AR > Rahman's KM Music Conservatory. > > As I look back on that journey that has evolved me into making music > my life and profession I feel KMMC happened a little late in my life > but I strongly feel it couldn't have come at a more right moment than > this. I had a keen interest in music since childhood, listening along > with my grandfather to his thousands of carnatic collections including > M.Balamuralikrishna, Thyagaraja, Ramadas, and many Annamayya > Keerthanas and instrumentals. I recall composing rough tunes for fun, > even before I started learning music formally. But it wasn't until AR > Rahman happened, that my passion for music grew beyond words. I became > a devout fan of Rahman Sir ever since Bombay had released. I remember > skipping my school continuously to go to the theatre where Bombay was > being played just to listen to the music and the background scores. > And with each of his releases after that, his music became a daily > fuel for me. > > I had completed my Engineering degree in Chennai and was working a > mundane software job. Of course, my body was there, but my ears, mind > and thoughts were just tunes, melodies, rhythm and one man- AR Rahman. > So when I heard news that Rahman Sir was going to open his own music > school here in Chennai, which offers courses in western classical > music, various areas of music technology, instruments, and vocals, I > thought to myself, "If I wanted to give my passion for music a chance > to grow and give a chance to live my dream-job as a composer, THIS was > it." And what better opportunity to learn at an institution developed > by a man who I worshipped and looked up to for so many years. So > without hesitation I applied for an audition. Now I wasn't at all sure > I would get in and did not even tell my family or anyone else about > applying to the school. I thought to myself by auditioning I would at > least catch a glimpse of the school and studio, and if lucky catch a > glimpse of Rahman Sir. So I was super surprised and was just in utter > disbelief when I got that call of acceptance and my family was even > more shocked when I told them that I am going to resign my job and > join KMMC. So here I was literally on cloud 9, about to begin a > journey that I had only dreamt of all these years. > > In KMMC I took western classical vocals and composition as a major > with a prior knowledge in carnatic vocals and keyboard. As soon as I > entered the conservatory compound on the first day, I could just feel > the aura of positive energy all around. The school had almost like a > homely and soothing atmosphere with wooden floors and furniture, > accented with warm curtains, large middle-eastern rugs, a beautiful > grand piano and a picture of Rahman sir's father in the main reception > area. More than
[arr] Re: Phani Kalyan about AR Rahman & KMMC
Thank you so much for forwarding this email.. It was so interesting to read the email from the perspective of the students of KMMC. Truly inspiring and lovely description of the place and the atmosphere. I especially liked the following things in your email:- (1) The jamming sessions with fellow students show the team spirit and collaborative effort needed in all these projects. Most of our schools and colleges are spoiled because of excessive competition and excessive jealousy among fellow-mates (I am also a contributor and victim to this national phenomenon). If we avoid these then the whole experience can be much more enjoyable and exhilarating experience. (2) The time and effort taken by ARR Sir to give suggestions and feedback to the students. It just shows how much importance that ARR Sir gives to his student's work and also how much dedicated he is towards this endeavour. I remember in one interview someone asked ARR sir what is your biggest satisfaction in his life ? He did not say Oscars, his doctorate degrees, his Grammys or any other things. He said, starting KMMC and inspiring future generation to learn and create good music is his biggest satisfaction. (3) Any institution or college is enriched by truly dedicated teachers. They are one of the pillars that guide the students to achieve their destination. It is fortunate that you had the support of them. Essentially, the three pillars of this truly noble institution are KMMC students, ARR Sir and KKMC teachers. What is the fourth pillar ? God knows. Maybe it is him. :) Jai Ho, Jayram --- In arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com, Vithur wrote: > > There are certain experiences in life that change you as a person and > help you grow into a better individual. For me, these defining > experiences happened during those years that I was a student of AR > Rahman's KM Music Conservatory. > > As I look back on that journey that has evolved me into making music > my life and profession I feel KMMC happened a little late in my life > but I strongly feel it couldn't have come at a more right moment than > this. I had a keen interest in music since childhood, listening along > with my grandfather to his thousands of carnatic collections including > M.Balamuralikrishna, Thyagaraja, Ramadas, and many Annamayya > Keerthanas and instrumentals. I recall composing rough tunes for fun, > even before I started learning music formally. But it wasn't until AR > Rahman happened, that my passion for music grew beyond words. I became > a devout fan of Rahman Sir ever since Bombay had released. I remember > skipping my school continuously to go to the theatre where Bombay was > being played just to listen to the music and the background scores. > And with each of his releases after that, his music became a daily > fuel for me. > > I had completed my Engineering degree in Chennai and was working a > mundane software job. Of course, my body was there, but my ears, mind > and thoughts were just tunes, melodies, rhythm and one man- AR Rahman. > So when I heard news that Rahman Sir was going to open his own music > school here in Chennai, which offers courses in western classical > music, various areas of music technology, instruments, and vocals, I > thought to myself, "If I wanted to give my passion for music a chance > to grow and give a chance to live my dream-job as a composer, THIS was > it." And what better opportunity to learn at an institution developed > by a man who I worshipped and looked up to for so many years. So > without hesitation I applied for an audition. Now I wasn't at all sure > I would get in and did not even tell my family or anyone else about > applying to the school. I thought to myself by auditioning I would at > least catch a glimpse of the school and studio, and if lucky catch a > glimpse of Rahman Sir. So I was super surprised and was just in utter > disbelief when I got that call of acceptance and my family was even > more shocked when I told them that I am going to resign my job and > join KMMC. So here I was literally on cloud 9, about to begin a > journey that I had only dreamt of all these years. > > In KMMC I took western classical vocals and composition as a major > with a prior knowledge in carnatic vocals and keyboard. As soon as I > entered the conservatory compound on the first day, I could just feel > the aura of positive energy all around. The school had almost like a > homely and soothing atmosphere with wooden floors and furniture, > accented with warm curtains, large middle-eastern rugs, a beautiful > grand piano and a picture of Rahman sir's father in the main reception > area. More than this it was my fellow classmates from all corners of > the world, and the amazing faculty that made those years the most > memorable. > > Moreover, being part of KMMC I saw Rahman Sir in a whole different > light, and my respect and devotion towards him grew to infinite > lengths. During the first week he came and intera
