The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Getting a certification for music skills

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 18, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Getting a certification for music skills

Girish Menon

A certification for one’s music, drama or communication skills may come in handy.

The right notes: Andre Mcmanus, chief examiner of the London College of Music.

Thiruvananthapuram: Want to learn Western Music? Well, there are quite a few places to pursue your passion. But for many, it is not just about learning. They would rather have a certification from a well-known institution. Why not? For a youngster, it might come-in handy. And for those who do want to take teaching music as a profession, the certification could be the first step.

Many students in the State are now seeking a certification for their music skills. The Thames Valley University’s London College of Music has been conducting music examinations for the last two years. Last year, just about 30 enrolled for the examinations.

When examinations were held in select locations in the State this year, the number touched 88. The London College of Music conducts its examinations through the London College of Music Examination, offering graded and diploma qualifications in music, drama and communication.

The college holds its examination in 250 centres worldwide every year. The current interest is encouraging, says Andre Mcmanus, chief examiner, who was here recently to conduct the examinations. “I was surprised to see a 70-year-old take the examination,” he said.

Mr. Mcmanus is an organist, singer and an experienced music teacher.

Kalagramam in Thiruvananthapuram is the ‘representative’ of the college in the State. The examinations were conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Thrissur this year. “It is not a sudden burst of interest,” says Biju Rajan, coordinator of Kalagramam. The recent changes in the Central Board of Secondary Examination syllabus have also ensured a higher enrolment. Students who do not want to learn a second language in Class X or in Plus Two can take music as one of the subjects, he says.

“By the time a student completes his course in school, he would have achieved the fourth grade of the London College of Music,” says Mr. Rajan.

The college is trying to improve the quality of teaching by developing good teachers, says Fr. Joy T. Chenchery, Kalagramam director.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala