ONLINE MUSIC CLASSES

Shikha Ganguly conducts live 1-1 or group music classes online, for those who are not able to make it to the school. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions - 

How do I book online music classes?

Please send an email to shikha.ganguly@gmail.com including the following details 

  1. Name

  2. Phone number/ Whatsapp Number

  3. Location

  4. Number of members in the group

  5. What would you like to learn? - Vocals (Singing)/ Indian Classical Music Theory/ Harmonium/ Sitar

  6. Details about any prior experience in music/ playing instruments

We will get back to you with availability and other details.


What are the fees for the online music classes?

The fees will depend on the frequency of classes, what exact you would like to learn and the currently experience of the student. It will also depend if its a 1-1 or a group class although group classes have very limited availability and strict schedules during the week.

Please send an email with the requisite details - we will send you the details.


Are the online music classes the same as learning from Shikha Ganguly in person?

Almost Yes! With the advancements in technology and internet speed, the experience is very close to learning from her in person (Apart from the pat on your back).

Shikha Ganguly, now 71 years young is one of those rare humans of her age who has embraced technology with open arms in order to spread her knowledge.

How does this compare with online classes/ sessions (pre-recorded)?

A number of websites offer online classes that are pre-recorded by the instructor. While they might be cheaper, learning is not the same for a skill like singing/ instruments where there has to be a constant and immediate feedback loop to improve your skill levels. 

This is only possible in case of live classes where the teacher is listening to you and guiding you in a personalised manner. The learning curve of no two students can exactly be the same. If you have decided to learn singing online, it is the best and most impactful way doing 1-1 with her.


Is there a specific need of a tool/ technology?

The classes can happen on 

  1. WhatsApp

  2. Google Hangout

  3. Zoom

For a group online class, the tool preferred by the majority of the participants will be chosen. 

To ensure lesser disruption, we request students to have a phone stand and earphones/ headphones so that they can fully focus on the class.


What kind of students does Shikha Ganguly have (who are taking singing/ music classes online)?

  1. Tech professionals with a busy working life and no spare time to commute to the school 

  2. Doctors with ad hoc schedules 

  3. Existing students maintaining continuity by doing the vocal/ music classes online, while they are traveling/ not able to leave home (babysitting, medical reasons)

  4. Expats living in different parts of India with interest in Indian classical music/ instruments

  5. Anyone around the world with interest in Indian classical music who would like to understand the possibilities/ possible next steps

  6. Indians who are now living outside India with some prior experience in music

  7. Families, learning together, making it a group activity for them over the weekend

  8. Kids during their school holidays, who do not have access to a teacher close to where they live

  9. Housewives who are regular at singing Bhajans, wishing to get some formal classes

Since the Covid19 outbreak, there is an overwhelming demand - Shikha Ganguly is trying her best to accommodate most of the requests. 

Are there any online music classes for kids?

Shikha Ganguly has students as young as 4 year olds. The classes are all 1-1 since they require specific focus and in cases where the kid is less than 5/6 years old, one of the parent needs to sit with the child during the class. There is no right answer to what is the minimum age for a kid to start music/ singing classes and it will differ from child to child.

Most kids less than 7 years old have a low attention span so its important to keep the child motivated and engaged during the class.

We advise doing one class to start with to gauge how the kid feels and then take it forward from there.

What is the language of communication during the class?

It is one of these three (or a mixture of these) - Hindi, Bengali, English. If it’s a group classes, we will ensure the language proficiency is kept in mind,

Shikha Ganguly’s language proficiency is as below

Bengali, Hindi - Native/ Full professional proficiency

English - Professional working proficiency

Can I get a degree/ diploma after going through the online singing classes ?

You can appear for examinations for different levels starting from Prarambhik (Beginners) to Alankar (equivalent to M.A degree). The examination will be conducted by Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in one of the registered centers that are present in most of the major cities in India and in the following locations outside India 

  • Dubai (UAE)

  • Muscat (Oman)

  • Ontario (Canada)

  • Harrow, Middlesex (England)

  • 16 locations across USA

Sur Mandir, Society of Art and Culture in Dwarka, with Shikha Ganguly as the Principal, is one of the main Gandharva Mahavidyala examination centers in Delhi.  


Is there an age limit?

Shikha Ganguly has students from 4 to 83 year olds. 

So, No! Get your kid, get your granny.