Rooted in the classical tradition

“Here, the training is practical and exhaustive.” Praveen Kumar Mishra acknowledges the comprehensive music education offered at Dr Gangubai Hangal Gurukul in Hubballi.

Praveen is a promising musician from Uttara Pradesh who took up training at the school after completing Masters in Music at the Banaras Hindu University. “The unique way of training brought me here,” he refers to the guru-shishya tradition that is followed at the music school. He is one among the 13 amateur musicians who completed a four-year course recently. First of its kind in South India, the Gurukul  is imparting Hindustani classical music education since 2011.

Practical training
The music school is established by the Government of Karnataka in memory of legendary musician Gangubai Hangal. It is neither affiliated to any university, nor does it conduct formal examinations. The stress is on practical training through the gurukul system. Students are selected through an interview and an audition. The maximum intake is six students per teacher.

Renowned vocalists Pandit Maniprasad of Kirana Gharana, Vidushi Vijaya Jadhav Gatlewar of Jaipur Atrauli Gharana, Pandit Ganapati Bhat Hasanagi of Kirana-Gwalior Gharana, Pandit Kaivalyakumar Gurav of Kirana Gharana and noted violinist Dr N Rajam are among the faculty.

Students from different states study music at this residential school. Education, accommodation and food are free for the students, and they can stay and study up to four years. “This Gurukul is not for those who pursue a course in music just for a certificate, but for those who aspire to excel in classical music and take it to new heights,” says the school administrator B V Laxmeshwar.

In addition to the regular sessions, activities at the Gurukul includes manch performance, riyaz, and theoretical study. Students of the first batch at the Gurukul recently performed in Dharwad and Hubballi to mark the conclusion of their education in the music school. Dr N Rajam appreciated the performances of the students and felt the need for more such gurukuls in the country. “This system of music education has helped many to excel as musicians. Of late, it has lost relevance due to changing mindset and lifestyle,” says Pandit Ganapati Bhat Hasanagi.

Outgoing student Soumya Pattar of Vijayapura feels that the course offered her an opportunity to get guidance of renowned musicians. Abhishek Sinha from Kolkata said that the training has increased his confidence and knowledge  and enabled him to take it as a profession. Spread over five acres of land adjacent to the picturesque Nrupatunga Betta, the eco-friendly campus is an architectural beauty too. It includes Guru houses, student houses, guest houses, open-air theatre, library, canteen and is equipped with other facilities like kitchen garden, and rainwater harvesting system.

The Gurukul is not just offering high-standard music education for budding
professional musicians, but also runs weekend classes for local aspirants. It also has a Kannada Learning Centre, for teaching the language to non-Kannada students and teachers.

The Samadhi of Dr Gangubai Hangal is also at the Gurukul premises. The Gurukul is managed by a trust committee headed by the regional commissioner of the Belagavi division.