The vision
The Parameshwar Hegde Music Academy is the result of a lifelong dream of an artiste and teacher, to make a difference in the world of Hindustani Classical Music, particularly in the state of Karnataka, India. What started out as a wish has today taken concrete shape, with the dedicated efforts of Hegdeji and his students and the financial support of music connoisseurs.
Pt Parameshwar Hegde's vision in founding the academy is to impart knowledge of Hindustani Classical music in a systematic manner, promote and nurture young talent, honor the contributions of great Gurus and teachers, and spread awareness and appreciation of Indian classical music to audiences around the world.
The Academy
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Virupakshapura (near Kodigehalli) in the northern part of Bangalore, the premises of the Academy provide an idyllic setting for music lessons and performances. The Academy itself consists of two classrooms and a stage for performances, on the other side of a lawn adjoining Pt Hegde's residence. It's not uncommon to hear the faint strains of music wafting up to you as you approach the facility, a sure sign that Guruji is in class, teaching a student one-to-one, guiding him along with patience and skill – the teacher enjoying the process as much as the student.
And if it's the last Sunday of the month, it's time for a baithak – an opportunity for his students to give a live performance to an audience of themselves and their families, at the stage set up (with mic, speakers, lights etc). It's a great platform for them to learn to perform in public, learn how to sing with a microphone, try out new ragas and techniques and get feedback from a friendly audience. It's one thing to sing under the limelight, in an air-conditioned auditorium to an audience of a few hundred anonymous faces. It's a completely different experience to sing in the open, with the sun going down, the gentle breeze and the chirping birds providing accompaniment, and the encouraging support of an intimate 'mehfil' gathering.
Getting Started
The Parameshwar Hegde Music Academy was inaugurated by Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhat, the world-renowned mohan-veena artiste, who is a close friend and well-wisher of Hegdeji, and has performed several jugalbandi's with him. Please see the Events section and the Gallery for more details about the inauguration.
Describing Hegdeji as an excellent classical musician with a kind heart, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhat lauded Hegdeji's efforts and expressed confidence that the Academy would do great service to Classical music in Karnataka.
Please refer to the Activities section for the latest initiatives of the Academy
