Dance Ihayami

The purpose of the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) is to support and create access to high quality music making programmes particularly for young people that would not normally engage in music activities.

This month we’re showcasing a music programme for young people in Edinburgh delivered by Dance Ihayami. A Creative Scotland invested project that contributes to meeting our objective to invest in Audiences, Access and Participation.

Dance Ihayami is a Scottish based Indian dance company with its aesthetic roots in South Indian dance - in its classical and modern forms. The company explores the structure, vocabulary and meanings that arise from this medium of dance.

In 2009, the organisation expanded its education offering to include music and in February 2011 were successful in securing a £20,820 investment from Creative Scotland to develop and implement a regular sustainable programme of Indian classical music for young people in Edinburgh.

Currently in month 6 of a 12 month programme of activity, the project is engaging with 15 young people, delivering four hour long classes per week. The classes focus on delivering tuition in Carnatic Vocal, Veena, Bamboo Flute and the Mrudangam.

“Music classes, both carnatic singing and instruments, have a positive impact on students’ memory, concentration and have definitely helped in improving students’ sense of rhythm. Even our younger students stay focused for the full hour of classes. As Indian carnatic music requires that students practice in their free time, our students have shown great commitment in that matter and continue to work on improving their skills. Classes attract students of different ages and backgrounds. For all students, it is a great opportunity to learn about India through music and at the same time, develop life-long skill”. - Jayan Kumar, Dance Ihayami Tutor

Student Feedback

“I enjoy my Indian instruments classes. I have been learning bamboo flute and singing. I can’t wait till my next class!” - Indian instruments and carnatic singing student, age 10

“In the classes, I have been learning melodies on the veena and songs in vocal classes. I have learnt theory behind these as well. I have really enjoyed the classes and wish to continue them.” - Veena and cartnatic singing student, age 15

“I enjoy music. I like learning songs from India.” - Carnatic singing student, age 8

For more information on Dance Ihayami or for further details on how to get involved in this project visit danceihayami.org

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