Notes with a difference for budding engineers

IIIT Hyderabad is offering a course on music appreciation for future engineers as part of the B.Tech course

The notes they write simplify the lives and the notes they play just soothe the mind and the soul.

The budding engineers of International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) are not only picking up skills in software and hardware but also the tunes and notes of music.

IIIT, Hyderabad is perhaps the only technical institution in the country that offers a course on music appreciation for the future engineers as a part of the B.Tech course and the reception has been tremendous from students who study it as one of the electives.

Awareness

“The idea is to create awareness about ancient Indian culture and traditions and teach them minimum knowledge of Indian music to strengthen our culture, music, traditions, values and our customs,” says Vasudevan, who conceptualised the idea and the cultural advisor to IIIT.

Numbers increasing

Interestingly, the number of students opting for the course is increasing every year.

“This year we received nearly 150 applications but short-listed 70 odd for this semester,” Mr. Vasudevan explains.

The course introduces students to evolution of Indian music like swaras, concepts of Indian music such as Swarasthanas, various rhythm patterns available in Carnatic music and major ragas apart from various musical instruments, both percussion and non-percussion.

Finer details

Mr. Vasudevan says students also get to learn the finer details of compositions and how they are structured. Learning the traditions of different gharanas and the difference between Indian and Western music is a part of the course.

“Majority of these students will occupy high positions in the society with influence and power.

There can’t be a better mode of promoting Indian music than catching these guys and make them appreciate the great Indian music.”

There is lot of practical application also with students made to listen to various music cassettes and apply their knowledge of music and identify the rhythm of the song. They also attend music concerts and expand their horizon on music.

Change in outlook

“The change in students’ outlook towards Indian arts is amazing after doing this course. And it is quite noticeable,” feels Mr. Vasudevan, who is a recipient of several national and international awards.

He wants this course to be a part of all the universities, technical schools, business schools and civil servant training schools as these are breeding grounds of future Indian leaders who will spread Indian culture across the world.