Indian Classical Music Goes Web 2.0
For a man who started his career as a software engineer before turning to singing and composing music, his professional life seems to have come full circle. Shankar Mahadevan has recently brought together his IT know-how and his love for music.
Mr. Mahadevan, best known for his work as a film music composer, teamed up with a college buddy from his engineering days, Sridhar Ranganathan, to start an online music academy which will offer certificate program in Indian classical music and non-certificate courses in Bollywood, devotional and folk singing.
Students can choose to specialize in either Hindustani or Carnatic music. The focus for both is vocal but include classes in the theory and history of the respective musical traditions too. Students can enter at beginner, intermediate or advanced level and also have the option of signing up for individual courses.
Mr. Ranganathan is the founder of Clood On, a provider of learning management software that set up the online venture with Mr. Mahadevan.
Registrations are now open and the first class will start March 3 – which is also Mr. Mahadevan’s birthday. “It has always been my dream to connect music to the masses. My dream has been to leave behind a legacy by making high-quality Indian music education accessible to anyone who wants to learn”, said Mr. Mahadevan, a three-time winner of India’s highly-coveted National Film Awards.