Demand up for courses at Govt Music School

After a three year lull, admissions to the Government Music School, Srirangam, has picked up. The admission process for this year which began on June 1 has already seen 30 new students getting enrolled, while the total student strength at the school has gone beyond 40 for the first time in four years.
Teachers at the school stated that enrolment rate has increased owing to the fact that more and more youngsters studying at the school are getting part-time and full-time job opportunities.
“Owing to several issues and concerns, the admission at the school had decreased significantly. But this year, the response has already been very good and we expect the student strength to touch 50 by the end of this month,” said K Sahaya Rani, headmistress of the school.
She added that promotional videos about the school, which will be screened at cinema halls in the city, and circulating pamphlets at important spots in the city will increase awareness about the school.
One of the reasons for the spurt in admissions has been attributed to the increasing demand for nathaswaram percussionists for performing in temple functions and other kutcheries. Out of 44 students, 22 have enrolled for the nathaswaram course.
“Just after completing the first year at our school, nathaswaram students get part-time job offers. Also, Trichy being an arts and cultural hub, kutcheris and temple functions happen throughout the year and they are now increasingly looking for young instrumentalists,” said M Sivavadivel, nathaswaram teacher.
A total of seven three-year certification courses are offered at the school.


“Students are increasingly aware about the fact that music has a lot of scope now and offer new money-making opportunities. In fact, a few of our passouts are earning very well just by conducting online Skype music lessons,” said mridangam teacher B Swaminathan.
Though initially 45 students were studying at the school during the start of the previous academic year, as many as 12 - who enrolled that year - left the school citing lack of transportation facility. “Girl students, especially, felt that travelling to Moolathoppu is far as they have to walk for a long distance from the bus stop to reach the school. We even submitted many petitions regarding setting up a bus stop near the school, but haven't got one so far. But this year, we don’t expect such issues to happen because most of those who have enrolled have availed hostel facility,” a school faculty said.
A few teachers stated that if the school can be upgraded as a community college and if the certification courses could be turned into diploma courses, the admission would increase even further.
The Government Music School, run by the state department of art and culture, was established in 1997 to promote traditional music and dance forms.