NMIMS University to offer Classical Music and Dance education

The music industry, from many decades, has seen a big dearth of education among musicians. While a few gifted and talented ones shine in the industry, the void is huge and needs immediate attention of leading educators of the country.

With this objective, NMIMS launches a unique school that nurtures creativity and artistry and would serve as a home to the best talents of India to pursue their dream. The Department of Music at the School of Performing Arts is being established in association with Furtados School of Music. The Department of Music of School of Performing Arts is dedicated to holistically prepare an individual to pursue a career in music and entertainment industry. Being the iconic center for learning, with excellence in academics and artistic virtues, extensive knowledge of contemporary music, contribute to the global community through their artistry.  

Dr. Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor-NMIMS explaining the goal of School of Performing Arts said, “Our goal is to encourage creativity, lateral thinking, and also develop trained graduates for the entertainment industry. While, this is so, integration of the School of Performing Arts with other disciplines in University will help develop individuals who are not only analytical but also think creatively or an in artistic manner.”

He further said, “Our hope is that through the short term programmes, School of Performing Arts will provide opportunities to the society to express themselves – an avenue for self-actualization.The school to begin with, will have Music Department and will soon add Indian Classical Music & Dance, theatre, and other forms of creative expression.” 

While NMIMS is a category-I University and has a legacy of over 37 years and known for imparting world class education, Furtados School of Music has their own legacy and expertise in Music education. Apart from being the global partner of Berklee College of Music, Boston; FSM also has established itself as the leader of music education in India with over 50,000 students with over 145 points of contact across the country. Music as a part of mainstream education was always a dream for the Co-CEOs of FSM, Dharini Upadhyaya and Tanuja Gomes. While they have been successfully moving towards that for the last seven years introducing programmes from the foundation to the high school, NMIMS’ full time, three years degree programme has clearly stated that being a musician is no longer an alternative option. It is mainstream. This year the NMIMS School of Performing Arts is launching two programmes: a full-time Degree Programme (3 years) and a one year evening Diploma Course. Specialisations include Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano and Vocals.  

Both the degree and the diploma programme selection will be done exclusively through auditions only. This is a first of kind degree which aspires every musician who is a good performer but wants to evolve into a complete musician. 

The all new campus for School of Performing Arts is getting ready at CNM School Campus, Dadabhai Road, Vile Parle West. It will be a state-of-art facility with studios of Guitar, Piano, Drums , Vocals and Audio Production Labs. 

Furtados School of Music has spearheaded the project in close collaboration with the SVKM dignitaries led by the Hon’ble President, Amrish Patel and Hon’ble Joint President, Bhupesh Patel. The School is now under the distinguished leadership of Dr. Rajan Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, NMIMS. The board of advisors includes the greats of the industry like Louiz Banks, Gino Banks and Sanjay Divecha along with international educators like Jonathan Ovalle from University of Michigan.  

The School will accept top 30 musicians after a thorough screening and audition process. Last date to apply is 15th June, 2018 and Audition dates will be around 25th-27th June. Course commences on 9th July. Please refer to http://performingarts.nmims.edu for more details.