Pandit Jasraj Institute of Music: Now in Toronto!

The institute is not just about music. It offers you an opportunity to be a true ambassador of your heritage, says Dr. Amit Arya, Director, PJIM and medical practitioner.

1. You are a doctor (medical) and an accomplished classical singer at a very young age. What led to your interest in music?

My interest in music was inspired by my mother who taught me bhajans at a very young age. As a child, they took me to a lot of classical music concerts.  I was in Vancouver, so I was very fortunate to enroll in the Pandit Jasraj School of Music Vancouver and be exposed to great artists, including my Guruji, Pandit Jasrajji.
 
2. You've been learning music since the age of 8. At what point did you realize that this was your calling?

I realized this in 1999.  This was my first meeting with my Guruji Pandit Jasrajji.  His music, his way of life and his personality were such an inspiration for me that I felt this was my calling.

3. You are among the very few classical singers trained directly by Pandit Jasraj. How often did you go to India? Tell us about your experiences learning from someone like Pandit Jasraj, who is a living legend.
 
The unique part of my training is that it was never done in India.  Indian culture is no longer only in India, but is a part of the "global" culture.  In fact, in North America, there are many institutions, specifically in Guruji's name, in Vancouver, New York, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Atlanta.  I have had some training at the school in Vancouver and at the institute in New York/New Jersey.  This is a reflection of my Guruji's commitment to spread his music and Indian culture in North America. In addition, one of his prime disciples, Pandit Hemang Mehta visits Toronto yearly and I have been fortunate to train under him in detail as well.

Being around Guruji is an amazing experience.  He is an amazing Guru and encourages his disciples so much.  He is not only a complete artist but a great Guru who showers you with knowledge in all fields of life.

4. How is PJIM different from other classical music schools?
 
The ultimate goal of our premier institute is to foster the preservation, growth and teaching of Indian Classical Music in the tradition of Mewati Gharana. Through this, the institute and its members will carry on the legacy of Mewati Gharana, along with the rich cultural traditions and values of India. Teaching music or imparting musical knowledge is only part of the vision and mission of the institute. Eventually, the members have the opportunity to set the name of PJIM on the cultural map of Canada with pride and prestige and thus, be the true ambassadors for their own heritage.

At PJIM, students can learn music for personal as well as professional enhancement. Students can conduct research on a variety of subjects, develop their personal, performance style, and receive teaching experience. Students can also pursue music purely for their own knowledge, an inner satisfaction, all the while gaining a deeper appreciation for the tradition and shaping themselves as artists

We will be affiliated with the existing PJIM already in New York, New Jersey and Pittsburgh.

5. Do the students need to have some training/background in classical music before joining the institute?

The institute will be open to students of all ages, races, religions and nationality. Students do not need to have any prior knowledge of music or any particular language. In addition to regular classes of Indian Classical Music, the institute will also conduct annual workshops, music competitions, as well as music concerts.

6. Browsing through your website revealed that you are a deeply spiritual person. Does your spiritualism emanate from your deep commitment to music? What, in your opinion, are the other benefits of learning music and nurturing it as a serious hobby/pursuit or interest?
 
Our Indian Classical Music is definitely ingrained in the rich spiritual culture of South Asia.  Exposure to Indian Classical Music will definitely make you spiritual.  Music also provides a way of life and imparts good values such as humility, discipline and mind control.  It provides an excellent way to learn about our culture and language.  Learning music improves creativity and memory.  It also provides serenity and peace, and is said to be one of the ways to enlightenment.

7. Do you think music has a therapeutic value?

As a doctor, I think music definitely has a therapeutic value.  Different ragas have been shown to have different effects on the mind and body. For example, in a study on Guruji's music, it was shown that Darbari was good for insomnia, Nat Narayan was good for mental illness, and Gorakh Kalyan was good for blood pressure.  Many studies have shown that children who learn both music and academics do better. Music has also been shown to be ideal for mood enhancement.

Classes have commenced in January 2011.

Click HERE for more information or email us at pjimtoronto@pjim.org

Comments

[noleggio casse audio]

Great post…. you have done great job….it very cool blog. Blog is very useful thing you have really helped lots of people who visit this music blog and provided them this useful information. Thanks a lot for this... Good luck.

[North Face Down]

So fun article is! I know more from it.