School Policies

Admission:

The Indian Classical Music School of Columbia (ICMSC) proudly supports an inclusive and diverse community. It is fully committed to providing access to our programs for students of all races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and nationalities. Prior experience with Indian classical music is not mandatory, and we extend a warm welcome to all individuals who desire to learn Indian classical vocal music guided by their pace of learning. While the depth of our music is deeply rooted in Indian tradition, it is essential to note that there is no requirement for any specific knowledge of Indian cultures, religions, or languages. Our primary goal is to encourage a comprehensive understanding of Indian classical music in a way that transcends cultural barriers.

To maintain a constructive, nurturing, and positive learning atmosphere, we uphold the following principles:

  • Commitment and Zeal: Students must exhibit passion, dedication, and commitment to learning Indian classical vocal music. This commitment includes a direct investment of time for practicing the taught music independently, outside of class hours.

  • Respect and Humility: Respect and humility towards the music, instructor, peers, and musical instruments are cornerstone values of our institution, mirroring Indian learning traditions. Any disrespect, such as entering the teaching area with shoes on, improper handling of musical instruments, use of cell phones or other electronic devices, consuming food or gum during class, etc., is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Musical instruments used in the teaching process are to be treated with utmost reverence, as they serve as tools for transmitting invaluable knowledge to future generations.

  • Equal Opportunity for Advancement: Our commitment to equality ensures that all students, regardless of age, professional background, or previous achievement levels, receive equal chances for progression. Grading will be carried out objectively, adhering strictly to the standards set by the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya organization. We endeavor to provide ample and appropriate opportunities for all students to foster their skills and interests in Indian classical vocal music.

Artistic Philosophy and Curriculum Policy:

Artistic Mission

ICMSC is an institution dedicated to the authentic preservation and transmission of Hindustani classical music. The school's primary obligation is to the art form itself: its integrity, its lineage, and its faithful transmission from teacher to student. This commitment shapes all aspects of the school's operations, from curriculum design to performance programming.

Curriculum and Repertoire

The curriculum at ICMSC follows the traditional pedagogical framework through which Hindustani classical music has been transmitted for centuries. Repertoire is assigned according to each student's stage of development, the technical and expressive demands of the composition, and the musical lineage of the teacher. Hindustani classical music has an established canon; the school's role is to transmit it faithfully. Curricular decisions are based solely on artistic and pedagogical criteria and are not subject to modification based on considerations outside the art form itself.

The Nature of the Repertoire

Hindustani classical music draws from a compositional heritage developed over many centuries, reflecting the diverse cultural and spiritual landscape of the Indian subcontinent. This content is woven into the melodic, rhythmic, and poetic structure of the compositions themselves and cannot be separated from them. Bandishes have been passed down through an unbroken chain of teachers and students, and their literary, spiritual, and musical content is preserved as received. Students are expected to engage with this repertoire on its own artistic terms as part of their training. This standard is consistent with the expectations of all serious classical traditions.

Artistic Inclusivity

ICMSC welcomes students of all backgrounds, faiths, and levels of prior experience. The school's inclusivity is a natural expression of the art form itself, which has historically brought together students from varied cultural and religious backgrounds through a shared commitment to musical excellence. The school does not design its programming to achieve representational outcomes. All students are held to the same artistic standards and receive instruction according to the same pedagogical principles, regardless of background.

Performances

ICMSC performances are artistic events, and are completely optional. Venue selection is guided by the acoustic, cultural, and historical relevance of the space to Hindustani classical music. Where performances take place in spaces associated with a particular religious or cultural tradition, this reflects the longstanding relationship between the art form and those spaces, not participation in or endorsement of religious practice. The school communicates clearly to all venue partners that its student body includes students of all faiths and backgrounds, and that all performances are artistic in intent.

Opening Invocation

The opening invocation observed at ICMSC performances carries no religious character. It is a secular expression of gratitude and artistic focus, designed to be accessible to students of all faiths and backgrounds.

Fee Payment:

  • Payment Deadline and Late Payment Surcharge: The student will have ten days to settle the invoice total once the school electronically transmits an invoice to the student. After ten days, the Administrator will issue a new invoice to the student with a late payment surcharge of 10% of the monthly fee. There are no exceptions to this rule.

  • Invoice Discrepancies: In the event of any perceived discrepancies or errors on the invoice, the student must notify the school Administrator within the initial 10-day payment period. We encourage prompt communication to resolve any concerns or errors swiftly.

  • Automatic Payment Option: We offer an auto-pay service for your convenience. If interested, please set up this service by contacting our Administrator via email or WhatsApp.

  • Fee Structure: Fees will progressively increase as the student transitions from Level 1 to Level 2 and subsequently to Level 3. For specific details on the structure of these different academic levels, please refer to our website's 'Academic Information' section.

  • Payment Methods: We accept payments via various methods, including credit cards, cash, check, and electronic transfer for your convenience.

  • Registration Fee: A one-time registration fee is applicable upon student admission. Please note that only one registration fee per household is required, regardless of the number of students from the same home.

  • Family Discount: We appreciate the value of family and offer a family discount of 20% for each additional family member residing at the same address.

Homework:

To enhance the learning process, we require students to submit short audio recordings. These submissions allow students to demonstrate what they have learned over the previous three weeks and help track readiness for advancement. This policy applies to all students.

Schedule

  • Assignment issued: during the 3rd class of the month.

  • Due date: before the 4th class of the month.

  • Feedback returned: within 7 calendar days of submission.

How It's Scored

  • Sur (Pitch) - Accuracy, stability, ornamentation

  • Taal (Rhythm) - Steady tempo, correct counting, confident endings

  • Voice Projection - Resonance, clarity, evenness across range

  • Pronunciation - Clear articulation, correct vowel/consonant shapes

  • Bhaav (Expression) - Mood, phrasing, emotional depth

Deadlines & Late Submission Policy

  • On time: Feedback with points

  • Late Submission: Feedback only.

  • Missed without notice: No points.

Excuses

Any excuses must be submitted to the instructor on the day prior to the submission day.

Consequences

  • 1 Missed: No action.

  • 2 Missed: Progress Warning.

  • 3 Missed: Progress Probation.

  • 4 or More Missed: Administrative review.

Integrity

All submissions should be recorded in one unedited take.

Online Access:

We use Google Classroom to provide online learning resources. To access those resources, it is necessary for students to access Google Classroom either on their computers or on their portable devices. The Google Classroom app is available for free, to download in both the iOS and Android app stores. We will provide the link to the classroom once a student purchases their first package. 

Please note: Classroom access is only available as long as the student continues to attend classes at ICMSC.