An Expertise Angle: A Conversation with National Awardee Dr. Parth

D r Parth is trained in Hindustani Music under eminent gurus of Banares Gharana and Rampur Sahaswan Gharana. He is also an expert in Thumri, Khayal and Ghazal singing styles. He has performed for UGC and Doordarshan for several years. Dr Parth has been honoured with the National Award for excellence in Tabla playing. He has shared the stage with maestros like Shri Anup Jalota, Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, Bageshwari Prasad and many other respected artists. At AAFT, he teaches Indian Classical Vocal, Instrumental Music, Tabla, Music Theory and Performance skills.

 Q. What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

 A. At AAFT School of Music, we focus on a project-based and practice-oriented learning pattern. Whereas most conventional schools focus on theory, students at our institution are regularly exposed to live studios, stage performance, collaboration, and production environments right from the first semester. This makes the learning process an active, experiential, and directly usable for the industry.

 Q. How are you preparing the students to be industry-ready?
A. We equip our students by combining performance skills with technology and entrepreneurship. Besides vocal and instrumental expertise, they are taught digital audio workstations, sound engineering, and stagecraft. Students also submit real projects, attend festivals, and work with industry experts, which makes them confident and flexible for multiple industry requirements.

Q.What qualities do your students have that other college students do not?
A. The characteristic that distinguishes our students is flexibility. They are not just trained artists but also composers, producers, sound designers, and event managers. This comprehensive training prepares them to shine in different roles, from performing and producing to leading their own businesses, etc.

Q. Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits the requirements of the industry?
A. Definitely. Our curriculum is put together with close industry consultants, guest faculty, and alumni input. We regularly revise and update it to match what's new in music performance, recording, streaming, and entertainment technology. This way, our graduates have skills that are immediately applicable and in demand.

Q.Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science, and entrepreneurship?
A. Yes, absolutely. We actively adopt new technologies and innovative approaches in our education. From AI-based music software to even persuading students to start their own labels or startups, AAFT encourages a culture of innovation, experimentation, and entrepreneurship. Our willingness to adapt to technology and science guarantees that students are not only industry-ready but can also lead future revolutionary changes in the music business.

Note: The views expressed in this article are that of the AAFT institute and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.