About Sruti School of Liturgical Music
The Sruti School of Liturgical Music is the realization of a long-cherished desire of the Orthodox Theological Seminary, to effect a systematized and organized form to the music and hymnody of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. A prime objective of the institution is to foster the integration of the existing music in the Church with the indigenous music, so as to bring about an authentic Indian worship service in the Church. Since its inception, these objectives have been enlarged in scope to embrace not only the teaching of Eastern Orthodox Church Music, but also Carnatic, Western and Instrumental Music.
The School began functioning with an informal inauguration by H.H. Moran Mar Baselius Mar Thoma Mathews 1, the former Catholicos, in September, 1988. The success of this initial project can be measured by the fact that fifty (50) students participated, completing the course involving the basics of music, such as its theory, musical notation liturgical and instrumental music. The programme proved to be immensely helpful in assisting the local parishes to organize their services through the assistance of these students.
The formal inauguration of the School of Liturgical music was held on 9th January, 1989 at the Orthodox Theological Seminary. His Holiness Theoktist, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, was the Chief guest and inaugurated the School. The first batch of students was officially enrolled in the two year diploma course in April 1989; The second and third batches were started in 1991 and 1993 respectively. The syllabus being: ”The Introduction to the theory and fundamentals of Music, Introduction to Liturgical Music, Carnatic (South Indian Classical) Music, Instrumental Music and Music Composition”. Diplomas were awarded to the students who successfully completed the course.
The School now has its own building – which was constructed in 1993 and its opening ceremony was conducted in the same year. H.H. Baselius Mar Thoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East, was the chief guest and blessed and opened the building. The amount for the building was donated by well wishers, inside and outside India.
The interest of students in the various expression of available music encouraged the school to offer courses in Light Music and Western Music. In 1995 the School offered a formal course in Western Music. At present over 80 students are undergoing training in these programmes. The school is currently working closely with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music and with Trinity College of Music, both located in London.
Taking into consideration the diverse courses offered and the interests of prospective students, the syllabus was revamped in 1996 to provide separate certificate courses specializing in Syriac, Carnatic and Instrumental Music. The courses offered by Sruti are taught by outstanding exponents in their respective musical field. This has enabled Sruti to become an outstanding and excellent centre for studying music. It is indeed an enriching experience to learn music in this institute, an experience to which we cordially invite you to share.