Alice L Yhoshü | EMN
KOHIMA, AUGUST 5
SYMPHONY School of Rock, a music institute with an objective to professionally train rock music enthusiasts through special courses containing rock syllabi, was launched here this evening at Jail Colony, Kohima.
MLA and Advisor for Music Task Force (MTF) Nagaland, Khriehu Liezietsu who graced the inauguration of the school as the chief guest, lauded the proprietor Melekhoto Pucho for taking the initiative to offer opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills and establish themselves professionally. The MLA asserted that Nagas are “musically gifted” and the diverse melodies which are indigenous to different Naga tribes can substantiate this.
“Almost all of us can carry a tune without much effort,” he said on a lighter note.
Highlighting the state government’s policy in promoting talented youth in the field of music, the MLA said MTF has been making positive strides and many talented youth are able to access opportunities to establish themselves professionally. He also said that the MTF has recently framed a policy for approval by the government which will aim to help deserving youth with scholarships and financial grants to pursue their music career; provide platforms of national as well as international standards for musicians to promote themselves; develop state-of-the-art infrastructure and equip music institutions to disseminate in-depth musical knowledge; collaborating with nationally and internationally acclaimed music houses and institutions to improve the profile of Naga musicians; preserving indigenous Naga music; and to establish Nagaland as the hub of the music industry in India and abroad.
While pointing out that the main objective of MTF is to encourage Nagas to take up music as a profession rather than just a hobby, the MLA expressed optimism that contributions from music institutions like Symphony School of Rock will go a long way as a collective effort in nurturing musical talents and help the state find a place on the map of the world music scene.
Talking to Eastern Mirror Melekhoto Pucho said Symphony School of Rock will be offering an array of courses on piano/keyboard, guitar (acoustic and electric), bass guitar, drums, vocal with a syllabus on rock music.The examinations will be conducted under international examination boards of Trinity Guildhall London, RockSchool UK and ABRSM London. The school also offers classical course on piano, violin, cello, vocal, classical music theory and staff notation.
It is open to children as young as five years old. One of the objectives of the school will be to hold free music lessons for those unable to afford the fees. In the event of a spotting outstanding talent the school will work towards sponsoring the talent for further studies.
While there appears to be no dearth of talent, few Nagas attain professionalism in music as it demands dedication and discipline, a challenge which will be best known to one who is also co owns Symphony School of Music, Kohima.
With a faculty consisting of 18 highly qualified professionals including band members of Divine Connection, Niu Zumvu, Vikhie, Kusazo, Richard, Pezet, Thejanguno, Nzano and Limongi among others, Symphony School of Rock can well be considered a boon for young music aficionados in the state capital, who aspires to master the gift of music.
The inaugural programme was attended by MTF director, Gugs Chishi, entrepreneur and musician Theja Meru, musician Sahu Peseyie, faculty members and friends and well wishers of the proprietor.
