Indian Music and Dance Exams Recognised for QCE

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has recognised the Indian Music and Dance examinations held by Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidyalaya (PRSSV) as contributing studies for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), which most students receive at the end of year 12. The studies can contribute up to 8 non-Core credits out of the required 20 for a QCE, and advanced studies can contribute to improved ranking with QTAC for tertiary entrance.

PRSSV Ambassador in Australia, tabla player Shen Flindell, said “My students have been taking the exams in tabla for several years now, which has really motivated their learning in both the practical and theoretical sides of Indian classical music. The higher grades are really quite demanding in terms of both practice and study, so I hope this official recognition will give them even more incentive to prioritise tabla in their day.”

The next round of PRSSV Tabla Examinations are scheduled for Saturday July 11^th. As well as tabla, the recognised courses include Bansuri, Carnatic Vocal, Dhol, Harmonium, Hindustani Vocal, Kathak Dance, and Sitar. Music and dance teachers who are interested in presenting their students for PRSSV exams are requested to contact Shen Flindell by email at shen@ethnosuperlounge.com.

(Submitted for publication in Brisbane Indian Times, May 2015)

FROM THE PRSSV (UK) WEBSITE:

 INSTITUTE OF PERFORMING ARTS AND HERITAGE

PRSSV's World Music and Dance Examinations are structured to test ability of
the pupil at every level, starting with Grade 1 for a beginner and progressing to Grade 8 for an advanced level. A diploma course is available to those wishing to study further.

These examinations are accredited by the Open College Network Credit4Learning.

This accreditation is evidence that PRSSV examinations are audited to the same standard, quality and expectations as a GCSE or A Level, and are therefore recognised nationally.

PRSSV's Heritage skills qualifications are available in Oral History and in Collections Management and Interpretation at Level 2 and Level 3.

Concert with vocalist Sunita Tikare

On 14th February 2015 I accompanied vocalist Sunita Tikare, visiting Brisbane from Mumbai, in a small concert organised by Rahim Zullah, who also gave harmonium accompaniment. It was a most enjoyable concert, with a range of khayals, tarana, thumri, ghazal and bhajans. I really enjoyed Sunita-ji's rhythm sense. Here is a review published in Brisbane Indian Times March 2015 edition (official BIT clip here).

Sangeet Mela 2014 promotional videos

I'm very excited that Sangeet Mela 2015 is going ahead at QLD Multicultural Centre on Saturday 19th September. This year's Sangeet Mela will feature both North and South Indian classical music and dance. We are now requesting young artists under 25 to apply for the Sangeet Premi Rising Star Awards - entries close July 31st - and also seeking sponsors and organisations to support the event.

Please have a look at these two promotional videos highlighting how fantastic Sangeet Mela 2014 was. "Magic Moments" is just over 2 minutes long; "Highlights" is just over 9 minutes.

Beyond Optimism at Festival of Tibet 2015

In late January 2015 I participated in the performance art show "Beyond Optimism" at the Festival of Tibet, Brisbane Powerhouse. The show featured live painting by Tibetan artist Karma Phuntsok, poetry by Tibetan activist Sonam Lhamo, and live music directed by festival director Tenzin Choegyal and an array of fantastic improvising musicians.  Here's a playlist of videos from the performance:

Beyond Optimism by shentabla