VTU makes Indian Music a mandatory non-credit course for engg students

Bengaluru, DHNS: In a bid to expand the cultural horizons of its students, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has introduced Indian music as a mandatory, albeit non-credit’, course in engineering. The subject will be taught for four semesters, starting from the third through the sixth, and include theoretical and practical components.

Although it does not carry any credits, students will have to clear the exam, securing at least 40 per cent in the subject in each of the four semesters that it is taught.

The decision to introduce Indian music as an additional subject in engineering was taken at a meeting of the varsity’s executive committee. The varsity, with the aid of subject matter experts, drafted a detailed syllabus for the subject.

VTU Vice-Chancellor S Vidyashankar said, “The objective of the course is to enable students to identify the major traditions of Indian Music, using notations, and aurally.”

In all, the subject will be divided into five modules spread across four semesters. A brief history of Indian musical traditions, introduction to foundational principles such as 'Shruthi,' 'Taala,' 'Laya,' and 'Mela' are among the themes that will be covered throughout the duration of the course. “The student must experience the music both by studying, and through composition,” said a senior varsity official.

Students will also learn about the life and times of masters such as Purandaradasa and Tyagaraja.