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Shankar Mahadevan Academy

The Shankar Mahadevan Academy is an online music academy founded by the Indian playback singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan. It offers structured training in Indian music, with a particular focus on Hindustani classical vocal traditions, light music, and devotional genres, delivered primarily through internet-based live sessions and self-paced lessons.

Key facts

Name Shankar Mahadevan Academy
Type Online music academy
Founder Shankar Mahadevan
Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Field Indian music education
Mode of instruction Online (live and recorded)

Background

Shankar Mahadevan, known for his work in Hindi cinema as part of the Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy trio and as a solo classical and playback artist, established the academy with the aim of making formal Indian music education accessible to learners outside the traditional guru–shishya setup. The academy uses a web-based platform that allows students in India and abroad to learn from trained teachers without geographical constraints.

Curriculum and structure

The academy organises its teaching into graded courses, allowing students to progress from beginner levels to advanced study. Subjects taught include:

  • Hindustani classical vocal music
  • Light vocal music, including film and semi-classical styles
  • Bhajans and devotional music
  • Instruments such as keyboard and tabla, alongside vocal training

Lessons are typically conducted in small online batches by trained instructors, supported by recorded reference material, practice tracks, and periodic assessments. Students participate in webinars, recitals, and online concerts that allow them to perform before peers and faculty.

Reach and significance

By operating entirely online, the academy has been able to enrol learners across multiple countries, including members of the Indian diaspora seeking exposure to classical and semi-classical traditions. It is often cited as an early example of organised, technology-led delivery of Indian classical music instruction, complementing conventional schools and individual teachers.

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