|
London, UK - The 27th of November 2006 marks a crucial turning point in the history of Sikhs, opening a new era for education in Sikh Music. It is today, for the first time since its birth over 537 years ago, that Sikh Music is officially recognised on an academic platform outside of India. This event brightens the prospect of reclaiming an essential element of every Sikh's identity as well as a major part of Sikh history and culture. It signifies a global recognition not just of the performance of Sikh Music, but also of its place in this world, as sacred music, which has the power to enhance a person's standard of life. Professor Surinder Singh, whose work and lifelong commitment initiated this event, is the world's only Sikh Musicologist to date to receive such a high academic award in Sikh Music.
Thames Valley University awarded Prof. Surinder Singh Matharu with the honorary title of "Professor" in the subject of Sikh Music & Sikh Musicology. Professor Surinder Singh is the Founder and Head of the Raj Academy of Asian Music, a school based in West London, reviving and promoting the education of authentic Sikh music. The Academy's primary objective is to educate communities worldwide about Sikh Music; the singing of the hymns (Shabads) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, according to the Raag prescribed for each hymn, as well as promoting traditional instruments of the Sikhs (Rabab, Saranda, Taus, Dilruba, Sarangi, Pakhawaj). Raj Academy is one of its kind to offer courses in Sikh Music which are accredited by Academic Institutions. It is furthermore unique in its approach of teaching, i.e. keeping a strong emphasis on the musicology (the mood and character) of the Raags present in the Holy Scripture and its application in compositions. The learning strategy at Raj Academy is student centered. The Academy is interested in promoting its students and setting up an infrastructure, allowing former students to pursue a career in Sikh music and to teach Sikh Music internationally.
Professor Surinder Singh was born in 1969 in Kapurthala, Punjab, where he grew up in a family with a military background. It was in his early teens that he found his passion for music, his gift for composing and his growing drive to learn more about Siri Guru Granth Sahib. As a result he started to study Vocal, Composition and Musicology of Indian Classical Music under the Guru- Shishya Parampara (intensive personal training under a master) with the Late Pandit Kharayti Lal Tahim of the Dehli Gharana. Parallel to this, he graduated from Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar with a BA in Economics, an MA and an MPhil in Music. His musical training was continued in England through the study of ancient authentic string instruments such as the Sarangi under Surjit Singh Aulakh, a senior student of Pandit Ram Narayan Ji.
After arriving in the UK in 1992, he settled in the West Midlands for a short time, where he came across the substantial need for education of authentic Sikh Music in the Indian community. Consequently he founded the Raj Academy in 1994 when he moved to London. His journey throughout the past twelve years is by far a story of battle and bravery, to raise and create awareness about the loss of heritage and identity, and for resources to be able to share his knowledge. Yet, it is also a story of success. Starting out with 2 students, Professor Surinder Singh has now over 700 dedicated students from all backgrounds and age groups enrolled on his courses in London and many more from all over the world are logged on to the Academy's online school.
Part of his achievements since the beginning of his mission, was launching a BTEC National Diploma in Sikh Music with East Berkshire College. This course has now been running successfully for over 7 years.
2005 was a further ground breaking year for the history of Sikh Music, as Thames Valley University joined forces with Raj Academy. Together these two institutions launched the first ever, globally recognised, Degree in Sikh Music. Thames Valley University is currently running the 2nd year of the BMus (BA Honors in Sikh Music); following on in 2008 courses for MA and MPhil in Sikh Music will be launched; followed by a PhD program. In the very same year of 2008, seventeen students, the first ever outside of India, will graduate with a B.Mus in Sikh Music, allowing them to either study further or pursue a career with their specialist qualification..
The previous few years are also marked with the release of educational CD's of Sikh Music. Professor Surinder Singh released his first album, "Mere Mun", consisting of 8 CDs and an explanatory booklet, in 2001. It featured 59 of the 60 Raags of Guru Granth Sahib, performed in their authentic styles, as intended by the founders of Sikhism. This debut is now succeeded by this month's release of "Anhad", a collection of Shabads rendered according to their Raags, including Raag 'Asa Asavari', a Raag never recorded before. Additionally this CD is unique as it is the first Kirtan CD, featuring all six Sikh instruments.
Yet, his work does not stop here. Aiming to elevate Sikh Music to a highly respected level, and to educate people from all walks of life about its power, purity and healing capacity, Professor Surinder Singh will publish two books, uncovering secrets regarding the technology and musicology of the Raags present in Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Further CD's on specific styles are also in the planning. Yet, his main aim is the expansion of Sikh Music education, as he expressed in his speech during the award ceremony, where he received his honorable title for his outstanding efforts and dedication in the field of Sikh Music through Dr. Christopher Bachelor the Head of London College of Music.
In his speech he expressed, how honored and moved he felt about this award, as it is the first time in history that Sikh Music has been recognised on an academic platform. He also gave thanks for the great opportunity to work with such a dedicated partner as Thames Valley University, which in the last 2 years went through many efforts to support him in his work. Special thanks were directed towards Sue Roberts, who first opened the door to this working relationship and Dr. Christopher Bachelor, who gave unfailing support. Professor Surinder Singh closed his speech by expressing his aspiration to ensure that TVU will be globally known as the best institution for professional and profound education of Sikh Music. Asking for further support, he emphasized the importance of universities in promoting Sikh Music to help people to achieve a better understanding of life and to ultimately empower humanity.
It is now down to the future generations of students to accept this milestone and to work together to achieve more and to effectively promote Sikh Music as it was intended by the founders of Sikhism, making its power available to mankind.
Add Comment
|
