Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty opens musical lessons to Bangladesh

Photo: STAR

Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty is one of the most revered names of Indian Classical Music today. With his demonstrative performances and a rare control over three octaves, he is considered one of the masters of the current times. But beyond that, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty is a highly-regarded teacher, with his school – Shrutinandan – in operation for over 20 years. The maestro has now decided to spread his teachings to a wider audience – particularly to Bangladesh as he has always wanted to contribute to the music scene of his forefathers – who were from Mymensingh. He spoke to The Daily Star during his recent visit to Dhaka for the Bengal Classical Music Festival.

“I am holding online classes through live streaming, very professionally where over a hundred students students from 14 countries are already learning. But in Bangladesh there is so much talent, and they are so keen to learn, whenever I come here they ask me how they can get lessons from me. So I feel obliged to extend this to Bangladesh, because I feel a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of music here. I have assimilated curriculums and teaching methods from all over this subcontinent – and the designed the Shrutinandan concept -- and I am grateful to the Almighty for it.

“Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay has started a great school here, and I believe it will play a big role in development of classical music here. My project is not in any way to conflict that. Parampara is for selective students of high aptitude, while my classes are open for all, and I am sure there are many talented artistes who I would be very glad to guide.

“To enroll, applicants can go to ajoychakrabarty.com and enroll via email through [email protected]. Classes are held twice a month, on Saturday mornings. I decide on which Saturdays of the month it will be and my online team regularly updates the students. The first class is at 7:30-8:30am – for voice training, voice culture and discipline of Indian Classical Music, and the second class is from 9-10am on advanced Raga Music. I am also opening another class in January for Bangla songs, which will be a half-hour class. During the class, the students can ask me any questions they want and interact, but most importantly, the class is uploaded on the site until the next class, so they can view it as many times they want, and do their reyaz with me. They can also sound clip of their reyaz for my feedback. On regular intervals, I can also conduct live video conferencing sessions with my students who need it, for a one-to-one session. Fees are just 400 Indian Rupees per class. I do not do it to earn money; I consider it a service.”

Specific registration and other details for Bangladeshi students for the online course of Shrutinandan are expected to be finalised by the second week of this month.