Srisaptaka Sangeeth Academy, a school for imparting training in sugama sangeeth (light music) was launched in Basaveshwaranagar recently. This is said to be the first institution to impart training in sugama sangeeth by adopting a structured syllabus.
Well-known Kannada poet Prof K S Nisar Ahmed, who inaugurated the school, acknowledged the role of sugama sangeeth singers in the popularisation of Kannada poetry. “Today, I am popular all over the state as a poet because of the sugama sangeeth singers,” he added.
“The basic principles of classic music are taught followed by bhavageetha, janapada geetha (folk song), devaranama (devotional songs), patriotic songs and children’s songs,” said H Palguna, who has done pioneering work in the promotion of sugama sangeeth.
There are one-hour batches for different age groups and batches for home-makers in the afternoon. “It would require a minimum of two years to acquire a certain level of proficiency in the rendering of sugama sangeeth,” said Palguna.
Palguna and Srikrupa take classes in sugama sangeeth, while Shivanand Jois conducts classes in keyboard besides Sundaramurthy, a popular name in sugama sangeeth circles, undertakes special classes. For details, call H Palguna on 9448087887.
