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