Striking an instant chord

Music classes are gaining ground either as holiday pastime or as stress buster

This year’s summer vacation proves to be exciting for Maya, a Class V student, as she is able to give wings to her dream of getting trained in keyboard.

“Earlier, we were in the U. S. and it was quite difficult for me to focus on anything else apart from studies. Now that I am in Visakhapatnam to spend a month-long vacation with my grandma, I can make effective use of time by learning keyboard,” she says.

If holidays for some mean pursuing their dreams, music for others opens a whole new world of opportunities.

For Sai Sumanth, who completed his Class X, learning keyboard turned out to be a wonderful experience.

He says, “It is better to concentrate on different facets of life at a young age. If a particular domain fails to work, one can pin hopes on something else. This way, there is a wider scope for survival.” The concept of independent thinking becomes dearer to some through keyboard practice.

“We need to use vocal chords while playing the instrument. It certainly calls for a higher level of concentration, allowing one to improve the composition every time. Soon, it helps in creating our own compositions,” explains Guha, a student of The Presidential School.

Those who are accustomed to playing a musical instrument on a regular basis say that it helps them de-stress to a great extent.

“Guitar is my favourite instrument as it completely relaxes me. Moreover, a stress-free mind can absorb things better, making you feel all the more refreshed,” says Chandana, a first year student of engineering of GITAM University. Music has an uncanny ability to connect with people, cutting across barrier of age and gender. It is this element that is drawing huge number of participants to music classes.

“Five years ago, when we started our institute, there were hardly a dozen students for keyboard, guitar, and Carnatic vocal classes.

Today, the total strength has crossed 130 and we conduct classes in batches. During summer, the demand doubles up as many show keen interest in nurturing music,” observes S.K. Mohiddin of Kala Vahini Institute of Art and Music.