Zoya Akhtar speaks at the event.

Zoya Akhtar, Salim Merchant and others speak at TSM's ‘Music Works’ event

by  Dharm Patel Marketing | February 10, 2015 | News

True School of Music

Mumbai’s renowned music academy True School of Music (TSM) organized ‘Music Works’, a one-day workshop, on its campus on Feb. 8. With approximately 500 students and music lovers in attendance, music lovers and industry aspirants got a chance to experience what it takes to be a performer, producer, sound engineer or a DJ from illustrious names like Salim Merchant, Zoya Akhtar, Uday Benegal, Zubin Balaporia, Rajiv Kenkre, Purab Kohli, Bobby Talwar and Gino Banks.

The afternoon session featured interactive workshops with international TSM faculty members sharing their thoughts on what it takes to be a part of a band, following which Indus Creed band member and singer Uday Benegal, took the audience through the intricacies of planning a tour. Zubin Balaporia, a self-taught keyboardist, conducted a session on what goes into creating jingles for advertisements.

Eminent sound designer Rajiv Kenkre divulged the secrets behind remixing music. He demonstrated the art by remixing a famous track which the audience listened to with rapt attention. Voice expert Marilena Paradisi and faculty member of TSM gave essential pointers on how to maintain a professionally good voice.

Well-known artiste DJ Uri explained the techniques involved in finger drumming. For electronic fans in the audience this session offered a great opportunity to absorb new knowledge imparted by the expert himself. Gino Banks along with popular bass guitarist Sheldon D’silva led interactive workshops and shared stories of their personal and professional experiences in the industry, providing the participants with insights into how best to succeed in a competitive field such as this.

The evening panel discussion with Salim Merchant, Zoya Akhtar and Purab Kohli drew in a superlative crowd. The discussion focused around the question: “What are the opportunities for music-preneurs in the industry today?” It was clear that the event emphasized the need for persistence and hard work amongst aspiring musicians and composers. TSM ended the day with a stellar performance from the TSM students along with Salim Merchant followed by Indus Creed and an All Star Jam.

Commenting on the initiative, Ashutosh Phatak, Co-founder of Blue Frog and the True School of Music, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the response garnered for an initiative like this. We at TSM are offering unique courses that give various career opportunities for music lovers. The idea for ‘Music Works’ is to give our audience a flavour of what can be availed at TSM. I am glad people were able to make time from their busy schedule to attend this event. TSM is the only Institute in India that provides such a syllabus in music education for the Indian audience and I truly want our talented students to take advantage of our outstanding e, faculty and expertise. I have no doubt that we will continue to be in the forefront of contemporary music in India.”

Speaking on the occasion, Salim Merchant, said: “It was very exciting to be a part of an event which is truly unique in every sense. Understanding how to make it in the music industry is for some reason a well kept secret but I was honoured to have the opportunity to share my experiences with young musicians and aspirants.”