This 85-year-old Institute Was Kerala’s First College That Taught Music

Thiruvananthapuram’s Sri Swathi Thirunal College Of Music is known for a unique reason. It was the first college in Kerala dedicated to teaching music to students. As per Local 18 Thiruvananthapuram, this campus is spread over an area of 8 acres. The education curriculum comprises courses related to singing, dancing, and teaching musical instruments. Founded in 1939, it was initially named The Music Academy and its first principal was Muthayya Bhagavathar. In 1962, its name was changed to Sri Swathi Thirunal College Of Music. This institution is situated in the heart of the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. It is one of the most well-managed and prestigious institutes in South India.

Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last King of Travancore (1931-1949) was the founder of this institution. The primary objective behind the establishment of Sri Swathi Thirunal College Of Music was popularised the Sree Swathi Thirunal kritits (compositions) curated by the King Swathi Thirunal. The administration of this college remained in the hands of the royal family of Travancore. Late Dr L Muttayyah Bhagavathar was the first principal of this music institution. Dr L Muttayyah Bhagavathar was replaced by the great Carnatic Music prodigy the late Sri Semmangudi R Srinivasa Iyer.

As informed on the website of this institution, G N Balasubrahmaniam, and Vechoor N Hari Hara Subrahmania Iyer have also served as the eminent heads of this organisation. Currently, K Vasantha Kumari is the principal of this institution. Singer Dr KJ Yesudas, vocalist Neyyatinkara Vasudevan, singer Dr K Omanakutty, and musical artist Chalakkudy Narayana Swami are the popular alumni of this college. Musician Puthucode Krishnamurthy and musician Mavelikkara Prabhakara Varma are other prominent students of this institution. Mavelikkara Velukkutty Nair (percussionist artist), music director MG Radhakrishnan, Raveendaran (Music Director), and Parassala Ravi (mridangam artiste) are another set of illustrious students of this institution. Talented artists like singers Kallara Gopan and Panthalam Balan also passed out of this college.

As per reports, earlier, a three-year certificate course in Music – Gayaka and Gayika for male and female students respectively was provided in the Institute. In 1961, a committee constituted by the Government of Kerala prepared a comprehensive syllabus for the institution.

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