Genuinity versus double jeopardy

Glamour of education in authentic art:

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In her person, she represents not only the rich cultural legacy of Sri Lanka and a tradition of music but also a great tradition of Indian music.

Her repertoire of music has been hailed as an authentic expression of Carnatic music which is second to none in terms of presentation and composition.

With an outstanding career in music for over fifty years, Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan offers a cosmopolitan role model in Carnatic music. Conversant with many traditions and cultures, she is one of the few musicians and vocalists that a country can truly be proud of, a gem in the dark mine.

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Q: It has become a menace that those who didn't receive a formal education and are highly dependent on screen image built up popularity making ill-informed statements through media on ### such as music, literature and other forms of art. The prime motive of these self-proclaimed pundits seems to be financial gain. They speak of subjects they are ignorant of, but assume authority over the subject owing to their 'built up images' through media and political influence. How would this pathetic state of affairs affect the formation of public perception and taste especially where classical music is concerned?

A: Normally I do not think that youth ignore classical music. Once they were introduced to the essence of classical music, they (youth) seem to like it. In India, children learn classical music as a part of life. However, they have been exposed to both classical and cinematic music as some channels air classical music while others film music. So the public has the option of listening to whichever music they want. But in Sri Lanka, that option is not available both on radio and television. Classical music in Sri Lanka should be focused through media.

I feel sorry for the undergraduates who will be graduated from the university because they have no future unless they become teachers. No stage or platform for them and media has restricted their exposure for classical music.

I do agree, it is a very sad situation. When wrong people sit on the wrong board and make wrong decisions, wrong people walk away with awards. It is happening here. Sometimes I am also amused. For I have been in the Bharatanatyam filed for so long. I have seen some girls do their Arangetram, the first performance in the field of Bharatanatyam. Once they do the Arangetram, not only the girls but also their parents speak of Bharatanatyam as if they are highly qualified in that field. In my classes, some parents speak as if they are qualified to speak on the subject with authority.

When these promotions, appointments and awards were granted by wrong persons who are not in the specific fields is something which I can not agree with. If persons who are not qualified or experienced in the specific field, gets an award in that field, in the long run, that person would not be able to pass on anything to the younger generation. He will be holding on to the title. This is a bad example to society.

Persons who do not have a formal education or who have special qualifications in other fields, talking about music, songs and popular hits, is like a layman talking about music. For a layman, even some popular old songs or some songs he learnt during his school career would be to his liking. But that is not music. Such people should refrain from talking about songs and popular hits because music is like an ocean, a vast subject. You can say you did your degree in music. But you cannot say that you have learnt music completely. So you have to go on learning and improving your voice, singing quality and learning more pieces. Just merely sticking to some popular hits and some popular shows does not mean a full sphere of music. People who do not understand the depth of music should refrain from talking or commenting on music.

Q: What is your view on the present state of classical music education in Sri Lanka in general and Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam in particular?

A: Concerning classical music education, the system of education in Sri Lanka is good. We have many universities like University of Visual and Performing Arts, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, University of Jaffna and Eastern University which has commenced degree programmes both in teaching music and dancing. And the syllabus is well-set which is not second to Indian musicsyllabus. The first boy, who studiedCarnatic music for his degree, was absorbed into a university in Hyderabad and completed his MA in Carnatic music. Even the students, who follow degree course in Hindustani music, go for MAs in Indian Universities. For the first time, a degree course in Western Music has been commenced at the University of Visual and Performing Arts.

Apart from these universities, we have an organization titled North Ceylon Oriental Music Society functioning from Jaffna and attached to the Ministry of Education. The society conducts examinations for six grades (six examinations) and the final examination which is called Teacher's Certificate, is equivalent to a Diploma. Most of the students sit for the examinations conducted by the society annually. The number is increasing annually. So the system of education in classical music is good in general.

Q: What is the kind of support you expect in the areas of policy making to improve and foster these unique traditions and forms of art?

A: However, whether they are passing out as very good performers or getting more talent into the Sri Lankan music scene is yet an unfulfilled task.

To some extent, Cultural Centres set up by the Cultural Ministry promotes art. However, some areas have not been covered. I think that national television and radio have a responsibility in promoting and fosteringclassical music by designing their programme schedules so as to give air times for featuring classical music and art forms.

Q: What is the significant role played by fundamentals, theory and tradition in mastering art?

A: I think fundamentals and tradition are a must,in learning an art form. When learning an art, you have to start with basic exercises whether it be music or dance. When you come to music, you have to understand notes that you sing. I have come across so many of these so called 'Super Stars',who come for competitions, we mention that their pitch is not correct and correct the pitch and voice. They say "They are talking about pitch and I do not know what they mean by it". They do not know the basics. But some of them were very talented. They do not understand notes. When young musicians come I tell them "you learn the basics. Fundamentals are necessary even if you do not become a musician you become a good listener". If you know the fundamentals of music, even other forms of music like Persian music, you enjoy more and learn more.

Q: Can anyone learn serious forms of art such as classical music without any knowledge of traditions and fundamentals?

A: Learning the tradition is a must. My view is that every man shouldunderstand that fundamentals are necessary. People who specialize in certain areas and follow special course will learn more. Listening to some play back singer's song and imitating is done by most of the youngsters. However, you cannot master in that field and you cannot be a top professional without knowing the fundamentals, especially in the oriental system (Raga Systems, Scales and notes) and in dance, Tala systems, step movements and Bhava. Without the knowledge of fundamentals you cannot master any art. Tradition plays a major role. To master any form of art, you have to understand that tradition.

Q: What is your advice to newcomers and those who aspire to learn classical forms of art?

A: Those who aspire to learn classical music should first select a correct Guru and learn the traditional way. You have also to be patient. Parents should be involved and learn art form properly and slowly and 'Guru Bakthi' (respect teacher) is very important. Once the children come to class their mind and soul should be with the subject. Every child should learn any form of art. They should also understand the gravity of the subject.

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During her outstanding career in Carnatic music, she has composed music for more than fifty dance dramas and rendered her voice to them. She designed and produced Sava Sangeeta for SLBC and Rupavahini. Her music compositions are played in many parts of the globe such as Australia, Canada and Norway. She commenced producing an ethnic harmony concert titled “Harmony or Friends in Unity”. The concert was held ten times and will be held on September 20 in Galle once again. She holds an honours Degree in Economics from the University of Peradeniya. She earned her laurels in many areas including a Double Diploma in Carnatic Music and Teachers Certificate in Vocal and Veena. She had the fortune of studing under the tutelage of Maharajapuram Santhanam and Kalyana Krishna Bagawathar of South India. She was awarded an honourary doctorate from the International University of Marshal Arts Sokato University, Japan in recognition of her unique contribution to the field of music.

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