Every Sunday, around 20 people gather at a hall in Sun Plaza Complex. While they organise themselves into groups — Symphony, Euphony and Harmony — a team of musicians tunes their respective music instruments.
V.J. Suresh, who heads the session, then sings a pitch; each group is expected to adapt to this pitch.
This is the workout session at Pioneer Music Gym (PMG) — where, as you could see, vocal chords are exercised.
Popularly known as ‘Pioneer Suresh’, Suresh has been associated with the music industry for more than three decades. He has organised more than 5,000 music shows across the globe under the banner Bharti Entertainers, an entertainment company he has been running since 1988.
A drummer himself, Suresh has also performed with eminent singers such as K. J. Yesudas and K. S. Chithra.
Over the years, several like-minded, non-professional singers approached him for mentoring and this led to Suresh’s next venture, Pioneer Gym.
Started in 2016 with as few as 15 members, PMG currently has more than 65 members, who come from different walks of life. This group includes homemakers, chartered accountants and doctors. These non-professional singer-members visit PMG every Sunday for singing, which serves as a stress buster for them.
Besides pitch adaptation, PMG ‘workouts’ consist of karaoke sessions, tune training and lecture demonstrations.
“While karaoke sessions take place every Sunday, lectures are conducted every two months,” says Suresh.
“I have been in the industry for years, and I have observed that many people sing well, but lack adequate training and confidence to sing in public. Besides, they lack a platform to showcase their talent,” he points out.
“The idea behind PMG is that people can engage in their passion and at the same time, contribute towards a cause through their talent.”
Members of PMG have performed live on various occasions and supported many charitable causes. Each group takes turn to perform. For example, Group Harmony was the first to give a public performance and raised about ₹3 lakh for an NGO. Symphony recently raised approximately ₹2 lakh for a social cause.
“Euphony is scheduled to perform on November 4,” says Suresh.
PMG plans to open branches all over the city, in the near future.
The sessions are held in three slots — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.; and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fee is ₹2,000 per month for four sessions.