SPU-image

M-A-PERFORMING-ARTS in Music at Sardar Patel University

Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, is a premier autonomous state university established in 1955 in Gujarat. Recognized for its academic strength and research focus, SPU offers over 250 diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The expansive 86-acre campus fosters a vibrant learning environment.

READ MORE
location

Anand, Gujarat

Compare colleges

About the Specialization

What is Music at Sardar Patel University Anand?

This Music specialization program at Sardar Patel University focuses on cultivating advanced knowledge and practical skills in Indian classical music. It delves into musicology, history, aesthetics, and performance, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s vibrant music industry. The program emphasizes both theoretical depth and rigorous practical training, aligning with the growing demand for skilled musicians, educators, and researchers.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for Bachelor of Arts graduates with a background in music seeking to specialize in Hindustani or Carnatic classical traditions. It also caters to aspiring performers, music educators, researchers, and cultural practitioners looking to deepen their understanding and hone their craft. Individuals passionate about preserving and promoting India''''s rich musical heritage will find this program highly enriching.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths as professional musicians, music teachers in schools and universities, cultural event managers, music therapists, or music researchers. Entry-level salaries in India for music educators can range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, while established performers or researchers can earn significantly more. The program prepares students for advanced studies and leadership roles in India''''s arts and culture sector.

OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Musicology and Theory Basics- (Semester 1-2)

Thoroughly understand the core concepts of musicology, history, and advanced theory as taught in the first two semesters. Attend all lectures, take detailed notes, and actively participate in discussions to build a strong theoretical foundation. Utilize university library resources for historical texts and musicological journals.

Tools & Resources

University Library, Academic Journals on Musicology, Online resources for Sangeet Shastra

Career Connection

A strong theoretical base is crucial for academic careers, research roles, and for articulating complex musical ideas as a performer or educator.

Dedicated Practical Training and Riyaz- (Semester 1-2)

Commit to daily rigorous practical sessions (Riyaz) for vocal or instrumental mastery. Focus on perfecting basic compositions, understanding Raga structures, and developing impeccable rhythm. Seek regular feedback from your gurus and peers. Participate in departmental practice sessions and informal student concerts.

Tools & Resources

Personal instrument/Voice practice, Recording apps for self-assessment, Peer group practice sessions

Career Connection

Exceptional practical skills are indispensable for a career as a performer, accompanist, or a highly respected music educator.

Engage with Indian Music History- (Semester 1-2)

Beyond classroom learning, explore the rich history of Indian music through documentaries, biographies of legendary musicians, and recordings of various Gharanas. This contextual understanding enriches your performance and theoretical grasp. Attend local concerts and classical music festivals to observe different styles.

Tools & Resources

YouTube channels for classical music, Sangeet Natak Akademi archives, Local music festivals and concerts

Career Connection

Understanding historical evolution informs authentic performance practice and enhances research capabilities, crucial for musicologists and cultural custodians.

Intermediate Stage

Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 2-3)

Apply research methodology skills by conducting small-scale research projects on specific ragas, composers, or lesser-known musical forms. This builds analytical skills, prepares for the dissertation, and enhances critical thinking. Consult with faculty mentors for guidance on topics and methodology.

Tools & Resources

Academic databases, Interviewing senior artists/scholars, SPSS/Excel for data organization (if quantitative)

Career Connection

Develops essential skills for research careers, academic positions, and contributes to the body of musical knowledge.

Participate in Inter-University Competitions- (Semester 2-3)

Actively seek out and participate in inter-university music competitions and cultural fests. This provides valuable stage experience, exposure to different talents, and helps in building confidence and a professional network. Prepare meticulously with your gurus and peers.

Tools & Resources

University cultural committee notifications, Online platforms listing youth festivals

Career Connection

Builds performance resume, provides networking opportunities, and helps in gaining recognition in the wider music community, vital for performing careers.

Explore Elective Specializations Deeply- (Semester 3)

Whichever elective is chosen (e.g., Music Composition, Folk Music, Music Technology), delve deeper than the curriculum. For instance, if music technology is chosen, explore relevant software and hardware. If composition, try composing short pieces. This cultivates specialized skills beyond core subjects.

Tools & Resources

Online courses (Coursera, edX) for specialized topics, Music production software (e.g., Ableton Live, Logic Pro), Books on folk music traditions

Career Connection

Develops niche skills that can open up alternative career avenues such as music production, sound design, or specialized research in ethnomusicology.

Advanced Stage

Craft a High-Quality Dissertation- (Semester 4)

Dedicate significant time to your final dissertation. Choose a unique and impactful topic, conduct thorough research, and present your findings articulately. Work closely with your assigned supervisor, schedule regular meetings, and incorporate feedback diligently for academic rigor.

Tools & Resources

Reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley), Plagiarism checkers, University writing centers

Career Connection

A strong dissertation is a key credential for pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. programs, academic positions, and establishing credibility as a music researcher.

Plan and Execute a Professional Recital- (Semester 4)

Treat your final Grand Performance/Recital as a professional concert. Focus on diverse repertoire, polished presentation, and audience engagement. Plan marketing for your recital within the university and local community. Seek feedback from multiple mentors and peers during preparation.

Tools & Resources

Professional recording equipment, Concert hall booking (university), Publicity materials (posters, social media)

Career Connection

This serves as a portfolio piece for professional performance careers, demonstrating readiness for independent concerts and auditions, and boosting confidence for stage presence.

Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-4)

Actively network with established musicians, academicians, and arts administrators in the Indian music scene. Attend workshops, masterclasses, and conferences. Seek mentorship from senior artists and faculty beyond your immediate coursework for career guidance and opportunities.

Tools & Resources

Professional conferences (e.g., NCPA workshops), Social media platforms (LinkedIn), Alumni network

Career Connection

Networking is crucial for placements, collaborative projects, and career advancement in the arts. Mentorship provides invaluable insights and opens doors to opportunities in the competitive music industry.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Graduation (B.A.) with Music or equivalent from a recognized university.

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

Credits: Credits not specified

Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
PM01CMU201Musicology, History and Aesthetics of Indian MusicCore4Origin and Development of Sangeet Shastras, Musicological Concepts of Nada, Shruti, Swara, Grama, Murchhana, Evolution of Raga and Tala System, Aesthetics in Indian Music, Influence of Sanskrit Texts on Music
PM01CMU202Advanced Theory of Indian MusicCore4Advanced Raga Concepts and Classifications, Intricacies of Tala System and Laya, Study of Indian Musical Forms, Instrumental Music Theory, Vocal Music Theory
PM01CMU203Performance (Vocal/Instrumental)Core (Practical)8Advanced Raga Renditions, Compositional Forms (Khayal, Dhrupad, Thumri, Tarana), Improvisation Techniques (Alap, Vistaar, Taan), Specific Repertoire Studies, Stage Performance Etiquette

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
PM02CMU204History of Western Music and World MusicCore4Development of Western Classical Music, Styles and Forms in Western Music, Notable Western Composers, Folk Music Traditions of India, Brief Introduction to World Music Traditions
PM02CMU205Research Methodology in MusicCore4Fundamentals of Research in Music, Research Design and Data Collection, Analytical Techniques in Music Research, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Research
PM02CMU206Performance (Vocal/Instrumental) IICore (Practical)8Advanced Raga Development, Complex Tala Patterns and Rhythmic Variations, Study of Obscure Ragas and Bandishes, Performance of Semi-classical Forms, Developing Personal Performance Style

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
PM03CMU207Applied Music and PedagogyCore4Music Education Methods, Teaching Techniques for Vocal and Instrumental Music, Curriculum Design for Music Programs, Psychology of Music Learning, Music Therapy Introduction
PM03CMU208Elective - Group I (Any one)Elective4Option 1: Music Composition and Arrangement, Option 2: Study of Folk Music of India, Option 3: Music Technology and Sound Engineering Basics, Option 4: Introduction to Carnatic Music
PM03CMU209Performance (Vocal/Instrumental) IIICore (Practical)8Repertoire Expansion, Mastery of Complex Compositions, Developing a Solo Performance Set, Accompaniment Skills Development, Audience Engagement Strategies

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
PM04CMU210Dissertation and Viva-VoceCore (Project)8In-depth Research Project, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Documentation, Oral Presentation and Defense, Original Contribution to Musicology
PM04CMU211Elective - Group II (Any one)Elective4Option 1: Entrepreneurship in Music, Option 2: Music Criticism and Journalism, Option 3: Interdisciplinary Studies in Arts, Option 4: Ethnomusicology
PM04CMU212Grand Performance/RecitalCore (Practical)8Full-length Public Performance, Repertoire Selection and Curation, Stage Presence and Professionalism, Self-presentation and Audience Connect, Critical Self-evaluation of Performance
whatsapp

Chat with us