Institutionalised teaching System of Carnatic Music

Abstract

Music plays an important role in the lives of hurnan beings. In our country Music has been intensely associated with the daily activities of people. There are different stories and opinions regarding the origin of music. Some philosophical beliefs associated music with Hindu Gods' The origin of Indian music can be traced to the Vedic period. There is also an opinion that music originatred from various sounds of the nature and animals. In the Rikpratishakhya (the grammar ofthe Rigveda) and musical treaties of India this theciry finds support to some extent. Teaching of music has been considered an important aspect in the general education system as it provides a background to improve the moral character and also influences the child's inner mind for the development of overall personality. This paper traces the background to the teaching of camatic music from the Guru Kula system to the institutionalized system leading up to the university. This paper also identifies the various aspects of these systems, their merits and demerits and finally attempts to focus on modern trends and the role of computer in music education as well as music therapy.