MUSIC
ndian instrumental and vocal music have a long and storied history, with roots stretching back thousands of years. These musical traditions have been shaped by the country's diverse cultures, religions, and regions, resulting in a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. Indian classical music is perhaps the most well-known form, with its intricate 'Ragas and Talas' forming the backbone of the genre. Indian classical music is broadly classified into Carnatic and Hindustani styles, apart from the indigenous folk, devotional and the more contemporary styles. This music is performed using a variety of instruments, including the Sitar, Tabla, Sarod, Flute, Violin, Mridanga and Veena. Indian vocal music, meanwhile, includes a wide range of styles, from the devotional Bhajans and Qawwalis to the more contemporary film songs and pop music. Whether instrumental or vocal, Indian music is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and a deep emotional resonance that speaks to the country's rich cultural heritage.
I
INSTRUMENTAL
VIOLIN
The violin classes at our institute are conducted by Vid. B S Mahadev Rao. He’s trained under the tutelage of Sri Sangeetha Ratna R R Keshavamurthy and brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the students and their training. The students learn how to play Carnatic Music on the violin and are coached to take up exams such as the Karnataka Secondary Board Examinations. Our students also perform in the various recitals held at our institute.
VEENA
Our Veena students are earning proficiency in performance and Karnataka state exams at junior and senior levels, under the mentorship of Smt. Bimba Raghavendra- an acclaimed classical musician and a Veena exponent in the Carnatic music genre. She has trained under Dr Suma Sudhindra, an acclaimed Veena artist in the country, for the past 40 years. Bimba is a Veena teacher/coach/mentor for many musical institutes across Bangalore with the many notable institutes and also delivers classes to her international students. Bimba has also performed at many prestigious events in India and abroad. When she is not teaching, she is either performing or managing backstage for many musical performances.
Some of her notable performances in India includes the prestigious Thyagaraja Aradhana in Thiruvaiyaru, Hampi Utsava in Hampi, Mahamastaka Kumba Abhisheka in Shravanabelagola, Mahaganapathy Yakshagana Mandali in Idagunji North Kanara, Purandara Aradhane in Mulbagilu, International Society of ISKCON and Bangalore Habba in Bangalore, Sankranti Samaramba in Mandya and Savira Kumba Basti in Mudabidre, Chitrakala Parishat, National College and many more.
Bimba is also renowned for her Multi-Veena performances. She has participated and lead many performances involving multiple Veenas’ like the 900, 1000 & 2000 Veena performance at Ravi Shankar Guruji Ashram, 80 & 75 Veena performances at Rama Seva Mandali, 50 Veena performance at Bangalore International Festival, 15 Veena performance at Malleshwaram Seva Sadhana and many more.
GUITAR
S H Dinesh Kumar, a dedicated guitar teacher, embarked on his musical journey at Sadhana Music School, eventually transitioning into the role of an instructor. With a foundation laid in his studies up to Grade 7 at the London School of Music, he has honed his craft over 25 years of diligent practice. For nearly two decades, he has been imparting his expertise at Vijayaranga, for four years each at Ragataranga and SSL, and for 15 years at Aniketana. Additionally, he has served as a music educator at Bangalore International Academy for a decade. Notably, at Vijayaranaga, he oversees the administration of LCM and Trinity exams, further enriching the musical education landscape.
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At Vijayaranaga, Dinesh Kumar orchestrates the administration of LCM and Trinity exams with finesse, fostering an environment of excellence and nurturing the aspirations of his students. His unwavering commitment to musical education, coupled with his innate ability to inspire and empower, makes him a true luminary in the world of music. With each strum of his guitar and each lesson imparted, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who have the privilege of learning under his tutelage.
FLUTE
The Flute classes at the Structural School of Fine Arts are headed by Dushyanth M Gokhale. He has been practicing Hindustani flute under the guidance of Giridhar Dodderi and presently under Pt. Pravin Godkhindi. The students learn the art of Hindustani Classical style of flute and are trained to undertake the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya exams & Karnataka state music examinations.
The keyboard classes at the Structural School of Fine Arts have active participation from students as young as 6 years old. This is possible due to the teaching methods of N V Rajesh and Ms. Anita Rajesh. Together, they’ve been teaching students to play the keyboard and piano since 1998 and have been associated with SSFA since 2001. The students are taught various forms from western, indian, devotional & filmy tunes
KEYBOARD
TABLA
In this course, students are taught the theory & practice of playing Tabla to accompany the Hindustani style of music. This course is headed by Vid. Harshad Shahapure a disciple of Pandit Rajendra Nakod. He has been a Tabla player for 20 years now himself. A Visharad graduate from Akhila Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, he trains students for all junior and senior levels of these exams.
Our Harmonium & Hindustani classes are conducted by the city's renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Sri. LR Vijayaranga. He has tremendous experience in the field from the past 25 years, yet continues his artistic journey in the discipleship of Pt Shailesh Shenoy . He has been the Disciple of Great Ustaad Khader khan, higher studies in classical music with ustad Fayaz Ahmed Khan Saragi, Pt. Vyasamurthy Katti & Pt Ramashraya jha. He has performed for Mysore Dasara , Belur, Hampi ,Goa, Singapore, Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Rama Sevashrama Ramanavami celebrations, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Govt of India, KASHI to name a few. His interviews about music have been featured in UDAYA TV , Doordarshan and other National channels.
HARMONIUM
VOCAL
CARNATIC
Our Carnatic Vocal faculty consists of Smt. Akshatha S Bhat and Smt. Hema Raghu.
Smt. Akshatha S Bhat is a Carnatic music teacher who has been instructing Junior grade students at Vijayaranga for the past four years. Her journey in music commenced at the age of 10 and besides her musical pursuits, she exhibits a deep passion for a variety of extracurricular activities, including Music, Drama, Mono acting, Debates, Elocution, and Anchoring. From a young age, Akshatha actively participated and achieved numerous awards in music and cultural events at both district and state levels.
Teaching holds a special place in her heart, and she derives immense satisfaction from imparting knowledge and nurturing young minds. Akshatha's teaching repertoire includes students as young as 5 years old, and she takes great care to ensure their engagement and enthusiasm during lessons.
Smt. Hema Raghu has achieved significant milestones in her musical journey, holding a Senior Music Examination qualification and actively pursuing Vidwath in Karnataka Shastreeya Sangeetha under the guidance of her revered Guru, Sri J.S. Srikantha Bhat, who serves as the Principal at Sri Anugraha Sangeetha Maha Vidyalaya in Bengaluru. Her musical prowess has graced various renowned stages, including performances at Chamundi Hills in Mysore during the festive extravaganza of "Dasara," celebrated as the Naada Habba. She has also lent her vocal talents to Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt across multiple branches in different cities. Notable musical programs she's been a part of include those at Sri Rama Mandira in Rajaji Nagar and the televised "Doora Darshana Chandana Vahini." Additionally, she showcased her skills in competitive exams and competitions, where she reached the semi-finals (Ashta Lakshmi Round) in the Bhajan Samrat Competition at Sri Shankara Channel, Bengaluru. She holds the esteemed position of a Level B Artist as a Vocal Music Artist at ALL INDIA RADIO, Bengaluru Branch. Her passion for music has earned her several prizes and certificates, particularly in segments like Dasarapada, Bhaava Geethe, and Film Hits, recognized by Kannada Sahitya Parishat and Sneha Ganga Organisation. Beyond performing, she is dedicated to passing on her knowledge and expertise, currently teaching Karnataka Shastriya Sangeetha to junior and senior level students at the Structural School of Fine Arts in Bengaluru. Her musical journey continues to thrive and evolve, fueled by passion, dedication, and a deep love for this art form.
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Our students regularly perform at events at the Institute and in other prestigious platforms and are also distinction holders in the Karnataka state Government exams.
Light vocal classes are a great way for students to learn about the rich poetry and literature of our land. Various music compositions ranging from Bhavageethe, folk music, compositions of the bhakti movement and poetry marking the cultural and literary milestones of the state and country are introduced to the students. Many of our students have gone on to become teachers in their own right. The students here are trained diligently, perform regularly across Bangalore and Karnataka in prestigious platforms and festivals and have taken part in various competitions.
LIGHT MUSIC
HINDUSTHANI
Our Hindustani & Harmonium classes are conducted by the city's renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Sri. LR Vijayaranga. He has tremendous experience in the field from the past 25 years, yet continues his artistic journey in the discipleship of Pt Shailesh Shenoy . He has been the Disciple of Great Ustaad Khader khan, higher studies in classical music with Ustad Fayaz Ahmed Khan Saragi, Pt. Vyasamurthy Katti & Pt Ramashraya jha. He has performed for Mysore Dasara , Belur, Hampi, Goa, Singapore, Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Rama sevashrama Ramanavami celebrations, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Govt of India, KASHI to name a few. His interviews about music have been featured in UDAYA TV , Doordarshan and other National channels.