The Department of Music offers an Integrated Master degree Programme in Music - Integrated Master of Performing Arts –Music (IMPA – Music) from the academic year 2022-23. This is a 5 year programme with 10 semesters and follows the Choice Based Credit System approved by the CUTN. The programme carries a total of 196 credits. It starts with the basic training in the first year with beginner’s exercises and foundation courses for Voice stability and Sruti/Laya control. Gradual Increase in the content of the South Indian Classical Music training is prescribed through the second to the tenth semester. Besides Karnataka Music, a student will also have an opportunity to gain basic knowledge of Tamil Music, Hindustani Music, Western Music, Folk Music, Patriotic songs of Northern and South India, Basics of Sanskrit and Dravidian Scripts and Music and Technology. The courses of the 5 year MPA degree programme are designed to prepare a student to appear for music audition of the All India Radio / Doordarshan, to become a Stage performer, a Researcher and/or a Music teacher. As part of the core course called, “Off-campus Training” a student is facilitated to obtain expert training in Domain knowledge and enhancing Professional skills, from a renowned artist / traditional performers / eminent Guru / recognized institutions / AIR artists for a period of 15 days, spending a minimum of 30 hours. Thus a student is made to shine with multi-faceted knowledge of Music.

A Pass in the Plus two examination or equivalent of any recognized board in India with 50% marks aggregate of marks for General Category, 45% marks for OBC (Non-creamy layer) SC/ST/PWD candidates. Prior knowledge of Music is not mandatory, however, an interest in learning Music and dedication are the only requirements.

• A student has to undergo different kinds of courses during the study such as Core courses, Ability Enhancement Compulsory courses (AECC), Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSE) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC). While the Core courses and AECC courses are mandatory, there is an option for a student to select from the given group of courses under DSE and SEC.
• Under AECC, a student could study Language andother additional courses like, Environmental Science/ Media and Information Literacy / Cyber Security / Disaster Management / Ancient Indian knowledge system/ Indian philosophy / Indian Music, as per their choice.
• A student also gets an option to learn any one of the classical music instrument, namely, Veena or Violin or Mridangam.
• Besides Karnataka Music, a student will have an opportunity to gain basic knowledge of Tamil Music, Hindustani Music, Western Music, Folk Music, Patriotic songs of Northern and South India, Basics of Sanskrit and Dravidian Scripts and Music and Technology (Thus a student is made to shine with multi-faceted knowledge of Music).
• The Practical papers in Music would cover basic training in the first year with beginner’s exercises and foundation courses for Voice stability and Sruti/Laya control. Gradual Increase in the content of the Classical Music training is prescribed through the second to the tenth semester.
• In the final semester, a student is trained to perform a Classical Concert for an hour’s duration.
• The courses of the 5 year MPA degree programme are designed to prepare a student to appear for music audition of the All India Radio / Doordarshan, to become a Stage performer, a Researcher and/or a Music teacher.
• As part of the core course, “Off-campus Training” a student is facilitated to obtain expert training in Domain knowledge and enhancing Professional skills, from a renowned artist / traditional performers / eminent Guru / recognized institutions / AIR artists for a period of 15 days, spending a minimum of 30 hours.

Click here for Syllabus

II) B.P.A. Music - UG Course upto 2021:

The Department offers a Four year UG course in Music, Bachelor of Performing Arts - Music – (B.P.A. Music), designed according to the Choice Based Credit system (CBCS) that is approved by the Academic Council of CUTN, 2016. It consists of Theory and Practical papers. The curriculum would cover basic training in the first year with beginners’ exercises and foundation courses for Voice stability and Sruti/Laya control. Besides Classical Music (Karnatic music) compositions, student could learn songs from other genres such as Devotional songs, Folk songs, Patriotic songs and songs for Dance and Harikatha. Gradual increase in the content of the Classical Music training is prescribed through the eight semesters.

In the third year, there is an opportunity to learn playing any of the instruments, viz., Veena, Violin or Mridangam. Under electives, basics of Hindustani Music, Western Music, Regional Music of India and Music and Technology, Indian Culture and Sanskrit and Dravidian scripts are offered. In the final semester, a student is trained to perform a Classical Concert for an hour’s duration. The courses of the 5 year MPA degree programme are designed to prepare a student to appear for music audition of the All India Radio / Doordarshan, to become a Stage performer, a Researcher and/or a Music teacher.

OBE Syllabus - BPA Music

This is one of the Elective Courses offered to the students in the (IV semester) Second year of the UG and Integrated Master’s degree. It is a compulsory course and carries 2 credits. It is a theory paper with written examination; classes will include lectures supplemented by Audio video recordings.

The Department offers a variety of courses under Generic Electives for students studying in various Departments of CUTN. The details of titles, code, pre-requisites are given here.

The Department of Music offers Ph.D in music for a duration of 3 years for Ph.D. Students who have passed the UGC-JRF can apply for registration round the year. Those who do not possess NET qualification, should apply through CUCET that is conducted every year. These programmes are aimed to bring out the research outputs in various areas like Music analysis, Stylistic studies, Theoretical and Historical studies and Interdisciplinary studies. A student enrolled for research programmes is expected to undergo Research Methodology, Course Work (Practical and Theory) and also opt for required relevant electives, by staying in the CUTN campus.

A consistently good academic record and possessing a Master's degree in Music obtained from any recognised Indian University or its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks for General Category and 50% marks for OBC/SC/ST/PWD categories.

19. Thyagaraja Aradhana (Online )2022:
Every year, Thyagaraja Aradhana is conducted at Thiruvaiyaaru during Bahula Panchami. The Department of Music celebrated 175th Thyagaraja Aradhana by way of inviting participants to render compositons online on 19th February 2022. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Dr. M. Krishnan provided the inaugural address and encouraged the participants. The event was organised by students and Research scholars of the Department under the guidance of Dr.V.Premalatha. Dr.V.Premalatha welcomed all the participants with enthusiasm. Many participants took part in the event with excitement representing individuals, musicians, colleges, Universities, Private institutions across India and abroad. Dr.V.Premalatha encouraged the Students of Department in organising these kinds of events as organising events like this bring in lot of their hidden potentials like Planning, co-ordination, innovation, etc., Research scholars and students of the Department of Music, CUTN also joined by performed in the program.

18. Melodies of Mahakavi (Online)2021:
One of the prominent national poets of India is MahakaviSubramania Bharati. He had composed hundreds of songs on National integration and various other themes. The Department of Music celebrated his birth anniversary on 11th December 2021, as an online music rendering event, called “Melodies of Mahakavi”. This online rendering of Bharatiyar’s songs provided a platform to perform, listen and enjoy his compositions thereby spreading the message of Patriotism, Peace, Harmony and Aesthetic joy of Indian culture, heritage and legacy. Participants from different parts of our Country presented the songs of MahakaviSubramania Bharati through Google Meet. It was indeed a great moment to see both young kids of age under 10 years and also senior citizens aged 70+, participating enthusiastically in this programme.

17. Ayudha Pooja (Online)– 2021:
The Department celebrated Ayudha Pooja on 8th October 2021. As a custom of worshipping the musical instruments during Dussehra, The program started with the formal worship of all the musical instruments followed by musical rendering by faculty members.
Mr. Ratheesh P R, Dr. Udaya Kiran K T and Dr. Dileep Kumar V R rendered “Saraswathi Namosthute”, a composition set to Raga Saraswathi, Rupaka Tala composed by Sri G N Balasubramaniam. Dr. V. Premalatha and Dr. S. Seethalakshmirendererd “Kuraionrumillai” a Ragamalika composition set to Adi Tala and composed by Sri C. Rajagopalachari. Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Krishnan, Registrar (incharge) Dr.Sulochana Shekhar and Controller of Examinations (incharge) Prof. S. Nagarajan, graced the occasion with their presence.

16. Vande Mataram -2021(Online):
Department of Music hosted an online event VandeMataram -2021, a musical offering to Bharata Mata, on the occasion of Independence Day on 15th August 2021. Students of the Department and other young budding artists participated in the event. Patriotic songs in different Indian languages were rendered and this portrayed sincere devotion and respect to Mother India. Prof. T Sengadir, from the Department of Mathematics, joined online and congratulated the Department for having arranged for a wonderful online event. He recalled his younger days at school, where songs of Bharatiyar were taught to students, daily. E-Certificates were sent to all the participants.

July 2020-June 2021

15. 174^th Tyagaraja Aradhana Celebration2021 (online):
The 174^th Aradhana of Sadguru Sri Tyagaraja Swamy was organized as an Online Music Performance of the Saint Composer’s creations, on 13th and 14th February 2021. The event commenced with an invocation by Mr. Nirmal Harish, Ph.D. Research Scholar of the Department. This was followed by a welcome speech and briefing of the event by the Head of the Department, Dr. V Premalatha. The event was inaugurated by Prof. R. Parameswaran, Registrar I/c and Librarian, CUTN. More than 100 participants had registered, participated and gave their tribute to the great Music Composer, Sri Tyagaraja. The Department of Music was blessed with the presence of the Honourable Chancellor of CUTN, Padma Vibhushan Prof. G. Padmanabhan, who also happily rendered a composition of Sri Tyagaraja and wished all the participants on the occasion.

14. Ayudha pooja2020 (Online):
The Department of Music celebrated Ayudha Pooja. An online Music performance was organized on 17th October 2020. There was a good response with more than 50 participants gathered online to sing the compositions. They represented various music institutions and colleges across South India and abroad, such as Sri Vidya Vanee Sangeetha Vidyalayam Chennai, Ganamrutha Music School, PSBB school Bangalore, Sangeetha Lahari School, SaraswathyKalakendra and colleges like Kalaikaveri College of Music and Fine Arts, Trichy and Alagappa University. The participants aged between 12 years to 70 years brought out excellent performances. Participants were given e-certificates.

13. VANDE MATARAM - Online Performance of Patriotic Songs:
The Department of Music had ventured first time in conducting an Online Music Performance of Patriotic Songs on 15th August 2020, as part of the Independence Day celebration. The concept “VandeMataram” was to unify all the students, research scholars, faculty members and non- teaching staff of CUTN to render patriotic songs online.. The Head of the Department, Dr. V. Premalatha welcomed the virtual audience. Participants rendered songs in different languages and added patriotic fervor. The event concluded with National Anthem and distribution of e-Certificates to the participants

12. 173^rdAradhana Celebration of Sri Tyagaraja:
The 173^rd Aradhana of Sadguru Sri Tyagaraja Swamy was celebrated on 23rd January 2020 at the Multipurpose Auditorium, CUTN. This day marks the anniversary of the great Saint Composer who was born in Thiruvarur and attained Samadhi at Thiruvayyaru. This year the celebration bloomed as a 12 hour musical offering with more than 50 musicians participating from various parts of Tamil Nadu.
The programme commenced with the traditional Mangala vadya, the Nagasvaram. The Honorable Vice Chancellor of CUTN, Prof. A P Dash inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp, which was attended by other Statutory officers, Faculty members, students and well-wishers. Around 50 musicians rendered the music compositions of Sri Tyagaraja individually, on Voice, Flute, Veena, Violin, and Saxophone, accompanied with Mridangam, Ghatam, Khanjira and Morsing.
The evening programme began at 4 pm with the Nagasvaram recital. This was followed by the group rendering of the PancaratnaKeertana-s by the Faculty, students and invited artists. This is the tradition being followed all over the world. It was an exciting experience to listen to around 40 musicians rendering these compositions in unison for about an hour. Towards the end, all the participants were felicitated bythe Honorable Vice Chancellor, with a certificate of appreciation. The whole day event was attended by ahuge number of music lovers.

11. Ayudha Pooja:
It is a tradition to worship Musical Instruments during Dusshera festival. The Department of Music celebrated Ayudha Pooja on October 3rd 2019, with all Music Instruments and Books. This was followed by Music rendering by Faculty and Students.

10. Ranga Pravesham - 2019:
Learning an art is to perform on stage. The debut stage performance is called the Ranga Pravesham or Arangetram. The Department of Music along with IQAC, CUTN organized the Ranga Pravesham for the II year BPA Music students on 5th September 2019 at the Multi-Purpose Auditorium.
The programme signifies the acquiring of the music art from the teacher and offering it before the audience. Thus the day being celebrated as Teachers Day became more appropriate for the event. The two teams, comprising of Girls and Boys each, rendered the compositions that they had learnt at the Department. The programme was appreciated by the Honourable Vice Chancellor, Librarian, Faculty members, students and their parents. The participants were awarded with certificates.

9. 172^nd Aradhana of Sri Tyagaraja:
The Department of Music, CUTN, celebrated the 172nd Aradhana of Sadguru Sri Tyagaraja Swami featuring the group rendering of PancaratnaKeerthana-s on 25th January, 2019 at the Conference Hall, CUTN Guest House. Sri Tyagaraja is one among the Trinity of South Indian Classical Music, who was born in Thiruvarur and attained Mukthi or Samadhi on the day of PushyaBahula Panchami, at Thiruvaiyaru, in the year 1847. He has composed a set of 5 compositions, the first one in Samskrta and the rest in Telugu. These compositions are set to the ragas - Nata, Gaula, Arabhi, Varali and Sri and are called the Ghana Raga PancaratnaKeerthana-s. Every year on this PushyaBahula Panchami day, Tyagaraja Aradhana is observed at Thiruvaiyaru and various other places all over the world. The PancaratnaKeerthana-s of Tyagarajaare rendered as a Sangita Arpana (Dedication of Music) to the great composer.
It is a matter of pride that it has been celebrated for the first time in Thiruvarur, at CUTN. The PancaratnaKeerthana-s were rendered by the faculty members, Dr. V. Premalatha, Dr. Harish Narayan, Dr.Sivaraman, Mr. Manoj (UGC-JRF Research scholar), Ms. Soundarya, Ms. Nimisha Pradeep and Ms. Malavika (students of IMA Economics, CUTN), Dr.Sivagowri and Mrs. Rajeswari. They were accompanied by Dr. Girish, Department of Music, Annamalai University, Chidambaram on Flute and Shri. Mohana Krishnan along with his disciples on the Mridangam. The Honourable Vice Chancellor of CUTN, the Registrar, Faculty members, Musicians, Students and music lovers attended the programme.

8. Invited Lecture of Performance of KamalambaNavavaranaKrts by members of the DKJ Foundation:
The Department of Music, CUTN and the DKJ Foundation, Chennai organised a unique music performance of the rendering of the KamalambaNavavaranaKrti-s on 25th October 2018 at the Conference Hall, CUTN Guest House. Sri MuttuswamiDikshita, one of the Trinity of South Indian Classical Music was born in Thiruvarur. He has composed a set of 11 compositions in Samskrta, on Goddess Kamalamba of Thiruvarur, called the Navavaranakrti-s. These are based on the “Sricakra” according to the Srividya form of Sakti worship. The NavavaranaKrti-s begin with a dhyana (invocation) and consists of 9 compositions for the 9 avarana-s and ends with a mangala (benediction). These songs are set to the eight Vibhakti-s (declensions) of Samskrta Grammar. The KamalambaNavavaranam was rendered by the disciples of Sangita Kalanidhi Shri D K Jayaraman. Altogether 15 vocalists, viz, T G Badrinarayanan, G Madhavan, Madurai Rajaram, N Vijay Siva, R K Shriramkumar, Sukanya Chandru, Sharada Mani, Mala Shankar, Savita Karthik, Radha Parthasarathy, Raji Parthasarathy, Varalakshmi Anandkumar, Durga Venkatesh and Jaya Kumar rendered the compositions in unison. They were accompanied by Dr. Poorna Vaidhyanathan on Violin and Shri J Vaidhyanathan on the Mridangam. Mr. M Jagan& T Yuvaraj played the Tambura.
The Honourable Vice Chancellor of CUTN, faculty members, Musicians, Students and music lovers attended the programme. Honouring the musicians, the Vice Chancellor, congratulated the musicians and the Dept. of Music for organising a grand music feast.

7. Saraswati Pooja Celebrations:
Saraswati is worshipped as the Goddess of knowledge, intellect and all art forms. The ninth day of Navarathri is celebrated as Sarawati Pooja, where all the students, artists and other professionals worship the Goddess to seek her blessings. The Department of Music, Cutn celebrated the Saraswati Pooja and Ayudha Pooja on 16.10.2018 at the department. The students along with the faculty members and office staff performed the pooja in traditional South Indian style, by placing all the musical instruments and some books in front of the Goddess as part of the pooja. Songs were sung by the students in praise of Maa Saraswati. Puffed rice (pori), flattened rice (poha/aval), bengal gram (pottukadalai) and country sugar were offered as Nivedhanam to the Goddess. Faculty members together completed the pooja with the Harathi.

6. Gandhi Bhajans:
CUTN celebrated 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Central University of Tamil Nadu had planned several activities in various departments.
To start with, the Department of Music under the School of Performing Arts and Fine Arts conducted a rendering of Gandhi bhajans by its faculty members, captivating a hall full of audience with staff and students on October 4, 2018. Dr.V. Premalatha and Ms. Rasiga D taught the audience to sing ‘Raghupati Raghava Rajaram’ and Dr. Harish Narayan taught ‘Vaishnava Jana To’. On the 5th of October, the bhajans were taught at the Department of Music. Dr.V. Premalatha and Ms. Rasiga D taught the audience to sing ‘Raghupati Raghava Rajaram’ ,Dr. K . Harish Narayan taught ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ and Dr. R. Sivaraman taught ‘Shanti nilavavendum’ to the audience.
Addressing the gathering, CUTN Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. P. Dash discussed his experience overseas and the respect Gandhiji commands all over the world.

5. Clean & Green @ Department of Music – Swachchta hi Seva:
The Department of Music organised the “Clean and Green @ Department of Music” as part of the Swachh hi seva program of “Swachh bharatabhiyan” 2018, on October 1st 2018. Prof. Sulochana Shekhar, Professor and Head, Department of Geography inaugurated the activities, Dr. V. Premalatha Head and Dean, School of Performing Arts and Fine Arts, Department of Music welcomed the gathering and Dr.Sivagami Nodal Officer, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Central University of Tamil Nadu, briefed the activities of the Swachh Bharat at various departments. Prof Sulochana mentioned that Music department campus is a very peaceful place in a calm and serene atmosphere. She requested the students to maintain the campus clean and green.
The 1st and 2nd year B.P.A Music students under the guidance of the Department co-ordinator for Swachh Bharat, Dr. R. Sivaraman cleaned the campus by removing unwanted bushes, weeds and dried leaves and planted a few saplings.
The following students were present for the programme: Abirame S, Adorn Alex, Dhiviya M, Kamalasri V, Jaya Kiruba S, Varun T V, Amaldeep P, Devishree R, Khethavath Suman, Priyadharshini C, Arutla Rohith, Santhoshini B and Venkadesh S.

4. Workshop on Appreciation of Music :
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything” says Plato. The Department of Music hosted the programme titled ‘Appreciation of Music’, which was launched by Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.P. Dash on July 31, 2018. Along with the Vice Chancellor, Registrar Dr.S. Bhuvaneswari, Controller of Examinations Dr.A.Raghupathy and Dr.S.Sigamani (Associate Professor & Coordinator Centre for Happiness), offered inspiring speeches on the novelty of this centre, its need, inception and activities. The programme started at 3.30p.m and turned out to be a colourful programme of 2 sessions for four hours. Students and faculty members from several departments participated with a keen interest and passion for music.
For the participants, it was a lesson on how music can heal every problem in an individual’s life, from depression to even cancer. It also reinstated the need to preserve the richness and heritage of Indian Classical music. Students were offered materials on the topic and presentations, to aid the CUTN fraternity to use music to balance their life and reduce professional stress. “Music plays a part in everybody’s life. Even I don’t go to bed without a modest dosage of music”, the Vice Chancellor explained the need and importance of music for a calm life. Dr.S.Sigamani outlined the Centre’s aim and the programmes lined up to bust some stress. To add fizz to the programme, Dr.S.Bhuvaneswari recited her childhood ordeal with music and her masters, which amused the audience. The Registrar called on the students to use music for peace and harmony. Dr.V. Premalatha, Head of the Department of Music, offered a presentation on Classical Music, explaining its artistic and aesthetic beauty in the former session and how it can be used tactically to cure depression and other ailments in the latter. She also shared some wisdom on Carnatic music, Hindustani music and musical instruments. These apart, the programme featured some soothing clips of musical videos, after which the participants were encouraged to sing some numbers.
Faculty members from the Music Department also rendered Raga Alapana and Kalpana Swaras which are integral parts of Classical music. The participants were recommended to couple music with meditation for the best of remedies and were given opportunities to share their experiences with music and the workshop.

3. Ranga Pravesham – 2018
Music is one of the Performing Arts and a student learns from the Guru in a traditional manner. After a period of systematic training, they attain the ability to perform independently. With the blessings of the Guru, the student then ascends the stage on an auspicious day. This entry on the stage is called as “Rangapravesham” or Arangetram. “Ranga” or “Arangam” means stage and “pravesha” or “etram” means entry / ascending. This is usually celebrated as an auspicious ritual and has been in practice for several hundred years in the history of Indian Music, Dance and Drama.
The Department of Music in association with IQAC, organized “Rangapravesham” for the year 2018. This year’s function was a humble beginning of “Rangapravesham” and was performed by the students of II year B.P.A. Music and the students of CUTN, who opted for Music as generic electives during 2017-18. As a mark of ensuring quality in the music training and performance, the IQAC also joined its hands in organizing the event. The Honourable Vice Chancellor of CUTN, faculty members, Musicians, Students and music lovers attended the programme. Honouring the musicians, the Vice Chancellor, congratulated the musicians and the Dept. of Music for organising a grand music feast.

2. National Seminar on Contribution of Trinity to Karnataka Music:
National Seminar on Contribution of Trinity to Karnataka Music held between 5th & 6th February 2018

1. Inauguration of the Department:
The Department of Music and Fine Arts stepped into its maiden year, with a four year UG course B.P.A (Bachelor of Performing Arts) in Music, designed according to the Choice Based Credit system (CBCS), on October 24, 2017. Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.P. Dash inaugurated the Department of Music. Dr. V. Premalatha, Head of the Department, welcomed the gathering and presented a brief profile of the department. Registrar Dr. S. Bhuvaneswari, Controller of Examinations Dr. A. Raghupathy, Dean (Academics) Prof. T. Sengadir and former Coordinator of the Department of Music Dr. K. V. Raghupathy, spoke on the occasion. Teachers, non–teaching staff, students, research scholars and parents attended the inaugural function. A Smart Classroom which enables the students to receive various online resources and archival material was also inaugurated at the event.
Presently, the department offers a four-year undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music) that aims at preparing a student with a strong foundation of classical music, beginning from the basic music education. In addition, the department offers an elective course in Carnatic vocal and veena. Following years, Post-Graduation and Research degrees are on roadmap that will bring higher specialties in Music. It may be noted that CUTN is the only Central institution in South India to offer academic programmes in Classical music.