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Fine Arts, also known as BAFA, is one of the oldest and most well-known places where one can learn classical music. Hasanur Rahman Bacchu, a guitar guru and president of BAFA, said: “Classical music can be broadly categorised into two segments, vocal, and instrumental music. We conduct classical instrumental lessons on Hawaiian guitar, flute, and violin. We also offer four-year courses on Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti and Folk Music. Students who want to learn any of those genres have to do compulsory classic vocal courses.” He added: “There is no age limitation to get admission here; we even had grandparents and their grandchildren in the same class. A few years back, we thought the popularity of classical music was declining, but now things have changed for the better. Many young people are learning classical music and many of them are doing remarkably well.” .JPG)
At Chhayanaut, classical instrumental courses on sitar, tabla, violin, and flute are offered. “We also conduct courses on classic vocal music,” said Syed Sanaullah Sunny, an executive of Chhayanaut. “Today, the development of classical music is very much visible and it is praiseworthy. The number of students who want to learn classical music is increasing in a steady but optimistic rate. Various musical festivals where classical music is encouraged are organised and that’s really a positive sign. To be honest, one cannot truly learn pure music or classical music in a classroom and the improvement of a student cannot be quantified year by year. That is why our courses are guru or teacher oriented. When a student’s skillset improves he/she goes on to another teacher to learn further. The internet is playing a big role in making classical music more popular. For example, many youths are fans of artistes like Zakir Hussain, the famous tabla player; they watch classical music videos on the internet and get inspired to learn themselves. Again, we have students who are interested in popular music but come to us to learn classical music to improve their skill,” Sunny added.
offers a two-year course on classical vocal music. Yeakub Ali Khan, a maestro of classical vocal music, is teaching there. He told Y&I, “We started this course on classical vocal music two months ago, and in this short span of time we have received an overwhelming response. Classical vocal music is the base of any good music; it helps you to improve whatever song you want to sing. We offer a course only on classical vocal music, students who want to learn Nazrul Geeti have to complete a basic classical vocal music course. We have 32 students and I am very glad to inform you that all of them are attending classes regularly. I believe the media is helping us to gain more popularity and I hope they continue to do so.”Learning Classical Music
Sheikh Iraj
Nowadays, there is renewed interest among youths to learn classical music. Music allows them to understand culture and heritage, and lets them dedicate their time to something productive and meaningful. Most importantly, many parents have come to realise these benefits and are encouraging the children to take up different music courses. Legendary singers like Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin learned classical music from an early age and have stated that the genre is essential to becoming a good singer. There is a misleading notion among some that learning classical music can be boring, but on the contrary, its very much appealing. To quench the thirst of classical music enthusiasts, a number of music festivals are held throughout the country that help to nurture the popularity of the genre. There are many institutes that offer classical music courses. This week, YI looked into some of the prominent institutes for classical music and spoke with some young musicians.
Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts
Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, also known as BAFA, is one of the oldest and most well-known places where one can learn classical music. Hasanur Rahman Bacchu, a guitar guru and president of BAFA, said: Classical music can be broadly categorised into two segments, vocal, and instrumental music. We conduct classical instrumental lessons on Hawaiian guitar, flute, and violin. We also offer four-year courses on Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti and Folk Music. Students who want to learn any of those genres have to do compulsory classic vocal courses. He added: There is no age limitation to get admission here; we even had grandparents and their grandchildren in the same class. A few years back, we thought the popularity of classical music was declining, but now things have changed for the better. Many young people are learning classical music and many of them are doing remarkably well.
Chhayanaut
At Chhayanaut, classical instrumental courses on sitar, tabla, violin, and flute are offered. We also conduct courses on classic vocal music, said Syed Sanaullah Sunny, an executive of Chhayanaut. Today, the development of classical music is very much visible and it is praiseworthy. The number of students who want to learn classical music is increasing in a steady but optimistic rate. Various musical festivals where classical music is encouraged are organised and thats really a positive sign. To be honest, one cannot truly learn pure music or classical music in a classroom and the improvement of a student cannot be quantified year by year. That is why our courses are guru or teacher oriented. When a students skillset improves he/she goes on to another teacher to learn further. The internet is playing a big role in making classical music more popular. For example, many youths are fans of artistes like Zakir Hussain, the famous tabla player; they watch classical music videos on the internet and get inspired to learn themselves. Again, we have students who are interested in popular music but come to us to learn classical music to improve their skill, Sunny added.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
Since last year, Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka is running different one-year courses on classical vocal and classical instrumental music. Md Anisur Rahman, music instructor at Shilpakala Academy, said: We have started a classical instrument course on sitar and esraj. And we have a one-year course on classical vocal music. We do not charge any money for our courses, but we do take admission tests. Right now, we have over 100 students in these courses. We have received very good response from students and we are hopeful that we will be able to offer such courses every year.
Nazrul Institute
Nazrul Institute offers a two-year course on classical vocal music. Yeakub Ali Khan, a maestro of classical vocal music, is teaching there. He told YI, We started this course on classical vocal music two months ago, and in this short span of time we have received an overwhelming response. Classical vocal music is the base of any good music; it helps you to improve whatever song you want to sing. We offer a course only on classical vocal music, students who want to learn Nazrul Geeti have to complete a basic classical vocal music course. We have 32 students and I am very glad to inform you that all of them are attending classes regularly. I believe the media is helping us to gain more popularity and I hope they continue to do so.
These days, a number of TV channels and newspapers are covering different classical music news and festivals, but they should also report on how there are many fake establishments, Khan said. Reports on learning classical music will help the genres fans to know and contact reliable sources, he added.
Shadhona
Shadhona, a centre for advancement of South Asian culture, offers a basic classical vocal course. We are receiving a very positive response from students and their parents. Many of our students take part in different classical music events and we want to host big festivals on classical music. We do not have any age limit, but we do divide our classes according to age groups, said Labonno Sultana, coordinator at Shadhona.
Alliance Franaise de Dhaka
Alliance Franaise de Dhaka (AFD) offers western classical music courses, like classical piano and Hawaiian guitar. Iftekhar Anwar, guitar coordinator at AFD, said: We offer a three-month guitar course to our students. In every session, on an average we get 80 students. We started this course in 2009 with only three students, so I guess we are doing well when it comes to the number of students applying to learn western classical music. I believe the most encouraging thing is that parents are keeping track of the lessons; they come to us and ask how their children are doing. Many universities abroad offer scholarships to students who know western classical music.
Shirajus Salekin, piano instructor at AFD, said, I have been giving piano lessons here since 2013. We allow students who are 10 to 35 years old. Many of parents are very serious now about their children learning how to play the piano. I always encourage our students to learn more from the internet, but they always say they dont find that interesting. Right now, we have about 50 students. I have to admit that we dont have a big audience when it comes to piano, but I believe that slowly the instrument is gaining in popularity.
Abidur Rahman, Student
I used to learn guitar at home, then one of my friends told me about guitar classes at Alliance Franaise de Dhaka. I went there and fell in love with the environment and the Hawaiian guitar course they were offering. I have completed a course there and want to start another soon. When I first started to learn the Hawaiian guitar, some of my friends told me its going to be boring, but its nothing like that. Rather, I find it thrilling and mentally soothing when I play the guitar. My future plan is to continue Hawaiian guitar lessons and release some of my own music on the internet.
Farabee Islam, Singer
I have done many courses on classical vocal music. Recently, I got a scholarship from Bengal Parampara Sangeetalaya and I am learning classical music there. I believe that to become a good musician, you need to know about classical music. I have worked in 70 to 80 mixed albums and in one solo album, and knowing classical music helped me a lot. I would ask young singers to give more importance and dedication towards classical music. By learning classical music you come to understand what music really is.
Humayun Kabir, Singer
I participated in last years Bengal Classical Music Festival. I try to learn about music from the internet, but its more effective if you learn from an institute where classical music is taught. I am a regular performer on BTV and I do believe you need to have interest towards classical music to improve whatever music you want to do.
Mehedi Hasan, Singer
I believe its necessary for any good singer to have knowledge about classical music. I learned classical music from Shilpakala Academy, Rajshahi, when I first started learning music. A singer must practice singing regularly, otherwise, he/ she wont improve, and classical music helps a singer by making the vocal organs more powerful, with greater control over them. I sing popular songs, but I do need to practice classical vocal music to keep my vocal chords in top shape. I would urge young singers, especially those who are just starting to sing, to do some courses on classical music _ it will certainly help you to make good music, I promise.
Noirit Mustapha contributed to this article.
Photos: Courtesy, Internet
