Marvellous Music Museum!
During the half term holiday, I and a group of students from a secondary school in South East London had the wonderful opportunity to visit Bangalore in India- providing us with insights from different cultures and experiences.
One of these experiences was visiting the Indian Music Experience in Karnataka which went into detailed history of the origins of Indian music and some of the instruments Indian musicians use to play harmonious tunes and songs.
An example of an instrument used included a Kavad Box- which is a 3D wooden box, unravelling stories and folklore tales.
As Indian musicians played instruments (such as the flute)- they would point to which part of the story coincides with the music.
We were also taught about the Manganiyar Seduction- this is when every time that a musician needs to play a part in their performance- the curtains are pushed back in their box and it is lit up.
This creates a magnificent aural harmony for the audience as well as a beautiful light show to view.
The ceilings of the music experience fully immersed the audience as they were covered by various coloured patterns from pastels to bold vibrant colours, which told stories through the way the lights changed.
I and other students really enjoyed taking part in this immersive experience as it allowed us to let loose from the pressure and stress of exams and unleash our inner musical talent.
A warm atmosphere filled the air as students laughed and had fun with their friends whilst experimenting with different melodies. Indian Music was also played through headphones if you were intrigued to learn more about how Indian music has developed throughout the years.
One student who visited this trip, Sophia, said
‘ It was so amazing to be surrounded by all of my friends and to be able to immerse myself In Indian music- I was truly in awe.'
This just goes to show that music truly is the foundation of so much of our happiness as it always finds a way to bring people together.
