Surya School of Music in Chennai marked its fifth anniversary and 300th stage appearance on August 9 with a multi-talent program created for children and young adults with special needs. The event was the school’s fourth record-attempt presentation and reflected its central purpose: giving students a public setting in which their musical work can be seen, heard and celebrated.
A stage designed around each student
Music educator Prabha Gurumurthy founded the school after expanding her teaching during the pandemic. One student on the autism spectrum had told her that he rarely received the same opportunities to perform as other children. Gurumurthy responded by developing classes and performances around the needs and abilities of each learner.
The program began with 15 students and now serves nearly 80 at space managed by V-Excel Educational Trust in Mandaveli. Many participants are adults, and many are non-speaking. Instruction and performances span devotional music, orchestral repertoire, film songs, solos and duets. Rather than expecting every student to work in the same way, the school adapts lessons and stage roles so each participant can contribute meaningfully.
Gurumurthy says regular performance opportunities have strengthened students’ confidence and self-esteem. The school’s work also demonstrates a broader principle for music educators: access is not simply enrollment in a class. Students need instruction, repertoire and performance environments designed so they can participate and progress.
More instruments and pathways ahead
Future plans include adding instrumental instruction and developing livelihood opportunities for students. Gurumurthy is also discussing a series of 100 performances featuring songs by Tamil poet and lyricist Kaviarasu Kannadasan during his centenary year.
Source: Reporting and photography from The Hindu.