Modern Education and Western Thought
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The modern western education is primarily based on logic, critical thinking and innovation/creativity that almost always challenges both the student and the teacher alike. The student's mind is free to wander off to explore alternate scenarios and interpretations and challenge the traditional ways, which often crosses path with that of the teacher leading to constructive debates and arguments. Neither the teacher nor the student feels offended or disrespected, rather on the contrary seizes the opportunity to enrich himself by gathering evidences to support their argument. Criticism therefore becomes an opportunity to improve, argument leads to logical reasoning and questioning traditional and commonly held ideas lead to creativity. These have become the foundation of western thought and education which is driven more by evidence and realism than spiritualism
Traditional Training in "Guru Shishya Parampara"
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Traditionally Indian Classical music is taught in the house of the Guru or the teacher, where the Shishya or student lives for years almost as a part of the family. The training is extremely rigorous starting with early morning riyaz going through the day and ending in the wee hours of the night. The Guru's ears are constantly hearing the Shishya practice and correcting every subtle mistake. The Guru-Ma often involves the Shishya in necessary household work and errands and the Shishya willfully and meticulously performs all the responsibilities as he/she would in their parent's house. The tradition is also mostly oral where the rules of the Raagas, words of the bandishes (songs) and the rhythmic cycle encompassing them all have been handed down through generations. The gayaki or the style of singing hence becomes embedded within the student for the rest of his life and he carries the torch forward by teaching the next generation, the Shishya then takes on the role of a Guru.
Blending the Two Cultures when Teaching
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Aroha endeavors to teach the ancient Indian art form, handed down orally through generations, to students accustomed to the Western educational system. Empirical data shows the human brain can focus at a stretch for a length of 20 minutes and therefore activities and lessons during the class are spread out so as to retain the student's focus and ensure maximum retention for well over 20 minutes. Questions and ideas are encouraged from one and all. Indian classical music is all about improvisation while remaining within the realms of the Raaga and the rhythmic cycle. Emphasis is therefore placed on creativity, note recognition, Raaga roop (characteristics), taala and laya.
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