IMPHAL, December: The Imphal School of Music under the aegis of Trinity College, London has conducted the grading examination for the first time in the State. It may be mentioned that the music examination was held at Shillong till last year and musicians from Manipur had to travel and appear for their gradation there.
The initiative of the Imphal School of Music, under the supervision of its managing director, Hem Gurumayum has been able to conduct the examination on December 16 and 17, 2014, thereby cutting down the cost and other inconveniences which were faced by students earlier.
The TCL examiner who came for the first time in the state is Richard Deering. He has been an examiner for the last 30 years and has been involved in framing piano syllabus for Trinity College, London.
He served on juries of national and international competitions as chief assessor for the adjudicating qualification (PGCA) for the University of Leeds.
An advisor to the London Arts and Board on jazz and contemporary music, Richard Deering has examined throughout UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Singapore, India, Bangladesh etc.
It may be mentioned that the certification of the Trinity College is recognised globally as it is among the most reputed and oldest of music colleges.
Deering mentioned that Manipuri youths are talented and urged parents to allow and facilitate their children to develop music sense and skills alongside their academic studies.
This would ensure holistic personality development and music is adopted as a subject in the ICSE Board in India and including the CBSE curriculum, he said.
Altogether 31 students appeared for the exam at Hotel Imphal for grading in instruments inclusive of piano, guitar and drums. The exam will be held annually from this year onwards.