Here is an rediff article on rahman launching his music school..they have
mentioned arrahman.com at the end..
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A R Rahman celebrated his 42nd birthday on Sunday like he always does --
quietly. But there came a big announcement later in the day which was as a
pleasant surprise to all the music lovers.
The surprise was one of the musical genius' long cherished dream -- to launch
a music conservatory, which he did. Going by the name KM Music Conservatory,
the instititution is "an attempt to recreate a world-class orchestra for the
enjoyment of the people of India."
"Synthesizers and electronic sounds played a significant role in the
evolution of music in the 80's and 90's. As this fresh sound captivated
listeners, they began to lose appreciation and interest in live classical
compositions." Rahman said in a press release.
He was also worried that if the trend of listening only to synthesizers and
electronic sounds continues, future generations would be deprived of the joy,
that is, live classical music.
"Currently Indian composers have to go abroad to find orchestras for
recording. The vision of KM Music Conservatory is to eliminate this obstacle
and provide an exemplary orchestra here in India. I feel, as a modern classical
musician, having the knowledge of both music performance and music technology
is invaluable. Only having the skill to perform an instrument may not
necessarily be lucrative, however having that skill as well as excellent music
production capabilities will ensure many more career opportunities and
financial security. That way they learn to use the best of both worlds." Rahman
further added.
The KM Music Conservatory and Audio Media Education will be India's first
Apple authorised training centre, and it will be located at Chennai. The
training centre will initially function next to his studio but eventually will
shift to a bigger campus on the outskirts of the city.
The conservatory faculty will include professors and musicians from both
India and abroad, who will educate students in Indian and Western Classical
music.
For the first batch that starts in the coming academic year (2008), the
school will audition singers and students who play flute, oboe, clarinet,
French horn, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and
percussion.
Courses include Western Vocal and Instrumental Performance, Indian Classical
Vocal, Western and Indian Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Ear Training,
Piano, Audio Engineering, an Apple certified course in Logic Pro, and a
Digidesign certified course in Pro Tools.
In addition to this, students can also audition for the professional KM Music
Symphony Orchestra after the completion of the programme.
However, Rahman's role does not end with the school; the A R Rahman
Foundation Scholarships will be offered to deserving students.
Those who wish to know more can visit the following websites www.arrahman.com
and www.audiomedia.com.
http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/07rahman.htm
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