A CUP OF MUSIC , A GALLON OF LIFE
MUSIC AND CHILDREN
Written by : Nithya Rajendran , a dual Indian Classical vocalist in Hindustani and Carnatic music with over 3 decades training . She is founder and curator of Music Vruksh , an initiative to spread awareness and appreciation of Inidan Classical music for its aesthetic , spiritual , wellness and transformative potential .
Indian Classical music , in both the Hindustani and Carnatic forms , has always been associated with austerity and complexity . The image that comes to mind is usually that of a middle-aged artist with decades of experience and research sitting on a stage with equally experienced accompanists , exploring the complex layers of a Raaga . Even the audiences who appreciate classical music are learned , or at least initiated , adults . When we see children in these audiences , we see mini-adults , children who are musically gifted or those who have , through the aegis of their guru and parents , accepted the austere life of sadhana and riyaaz . When we see these children precisely finding the ' sum ' in a Hindustani concert , or mouthing famous Kriti lyrics in a Carnatic concert , the typical sight is that of the child being accompanied by a very enthusiastic parent who wishes one day to see their child on stage .
While this is a wonderful phenomenon and so unique to our classical music culture , it does behoove us to look into the relevance of classical music for the lay child . The child who does not belong to a musical family or who does not have any special aptitude for classical music , a child who may not be naturally inclined to learn this form . Should such a child be excluded from reaping the huge benefits of learning classical music ? Certainly not .
Classical music training has very deep benefits to offer every human being on this planet . Especially children . Learning classical music can make children more emotionally aware , calm and more musically inclined in general . It strengthens concentration , improves breathing and fosters an appreciation of beauty and art .
So how do we then make classical music accessible to any child ? By making it fun . By making it relatable . Classical music needs to become demystified enough for the average parent to look at it as accessible , and for every child to think of it as fun . It has to be packaged in a way that makes it an easy choice for any child . One of the ways to do this is to use stories to teach . Make Swaras into characters and musical melodies into a story . Bring music visually alive through pictures so that the child is drawn into music with ease . Weave musical quizzes and games to keep children engaged . Jokes and laughter need not be so removed from music education either . Music instructors need to be taught the skill of relating to children without judgement or prejudice . Classical music has to become a natural and easy choice for playtime . While this approach may be antithetical to earlier practices of the strict gurukul approach , it might be an importantl way forward to carry forward our musical heritage .
We are at a cultural precipice now . The number of people from the younger generations interested in learning , preserving and taking forward Indian classical music is dwindling . Even audiences are now scarce . As a music community we need to wake up and see the need to create interest in our art among children , and engender in them an appreciation for our rich musical heritage . The way is through entering their magical world of laughter fun and frolic . This is the only way music will remain alive and breathing in the younger generation .
The Score
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