Fine arts courses strike a chord with youngsters

Coimbatore: The Government Music College at Malumichampatti has been witnessing a steady increase in admission rates.
The college had 65 students in the 2020-21 academic year, 95 in 2021-22 and 125 in 2022-23, and is expecting more students this year, principal in-charge Kalaimaamani A V S Sivakumar told TOI, “Evidently, more young people are interested in music and dance. Intake is based on the level of interest they show in learning music, instruments and dance. Some applicants have basic knowledge of Carnatic music and some lack the fundamentals, but we accept all.”
The college, run by the department of art and culture, offers diploma and degree courses in vocal, veena, violin, and Bharatanatyam. “Last year, we introduced two diploma courses in nadaswaram and thavil. Ten students joined the nadaswaram course and four opted for thavil,” Sivakumar said. “But vocal music is the most sought-after course.”
The college has four permanent and six temporary faculty members.
While BA students shell out 1,180 per annum as tuition fees, diploma students pay 325 and those who attending evening courses 500. “All students, except those attending evening classes, get a monthly stipend of 500. Degree students get a free laptop,” Sivakumar said. “The students are also offered scholarships based on attendance.”
Applications are being issued for the 2023-24 academic year. TOI met a Computer Science graduate from Pollachi, who had reached the college to apply for Carnatic music course.
The classes are expected to start from June 19.