OUR VISION
THE BIG BANG
Music has the power to transcend language, age, gender, geography, culture and socioeconomic standing. Music allows a deeper understanding of culture and history and can help us to connect the past with the present. It is a part of our identity. In India, classical music – Hindustani in the north, and Carnatic in the south – is rich in heritage, but as globalization spreads, that identity is likely to be blurred, particularly in the younger generation.
Innovative and inspiring at every level, Brhaddhvani is a research and training centre founded by Dr. Karaikudi S. Subramanian in 1989, with the support of Dr. S. Seetha, to fill the lacunae in music education in India. With a unique outlook, KSS combines the strengths of the traditional Gurukula and the institutional systems of learning. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a vina player, his formal education in science, literature, and musicology, as well as his academic interactions across various universities worldwide, KSS has developed a holistic educational approach with the aim of serving any aspiring learner.
MUSIC FOR EVERYONE
Brhaddhvani's initiatives are aimed at expanding access to traditional classical music. Central to our mission is the belief that classical music as a genre can be effectively communicated to individuals at all levels through appropriate educational methods. This approach aims to cultivate a heightened appreciation, valuation, and preservation of indigenous music, transcending geographical, cultural, and social limitations.
Adopting a grassroots approach, Brhaddhvani has developed programs for children as young as two years old. These initiatives prioritize the development of a broad understanding of music among the general populace rather than emphasizing the creation of maestros which typically represents the pinnacle of music education.
A heightened appreciation of music nurtures a profound connection to one's culture and identity, thus elevating cognitive abilities to discern and create beauty across diverse realms of life. Karaikudi S. Subramanian contends that music enriches lives, elevates aesthetic sensitivities, and functions as a powerful conduit for meaningful communication.
ALTERNATIVE TO GURUKULAM
In many Indian universities, the available resources often lack the necessary space and infrastructure to foster the immersion required for the nurturing and absorption of traditional practices, akin to the Gurukulam. While there are occasional exceptions, where certain private institutions emulate a Gurukula atmosphere, the integration of the best elements from both traditional and institutional approaches remains rare. Brhaddhvani endeavors to bridge this gap by creating a conducive learning environment centered around musical dialogue between teacher and student. We recognise the individual challenges and demands of each student, thereby embracing an individualised approach instead of rigid standardised methods. Following the spirit of the Gurukulam tradition, the fully trained and knowledgeable faculty members consistently engage with insights from maestros, thereby preserving the collective values inherent in music rather than simply adopting their ideas.
I am deeply impressed by the new and scientific approach to the great tradition.
Pandit Ravi Shankar