An Overview of the Methods by which the Visually Impaired Learn Classical Music in the Gurukula System

Abstract

The gurukul education system is one in which a student who wants to study the arts first selects a guru and approaches him. The Guru, too, will give some tests to know whether he is really interested in learning and whether he is qualified to do so if he is selected, he will admit him into his gurukul (educational place). He stays with the guru and learns that art, which is the gurukul system of education. In that place, disciplines like duty, decency, and control were taught in addition to the art the student studied. From getting up in the morning and taking a bath after completing the nature calls and yoga practice, he was taught the meaning of "duty" by performing the duties assigned to him, starting with the needs required by the guru. When a student goes to a guru to learn music, he will be taught vocals, string instruments, wind instruments, leather instruments, etc., based on his voice and his skills. Mridangam vidwan Valangaiman Thiyagarajan and veena maestro Srini Maheshwari Venkataraman have said in an interview that the gurukul system is the best way for the visually impaired to learn classical music. In texts like Ratnakaram, it is said that music is an artificial combination of the three songs: instruments and acting. The authors of Tamil literature also call it music, which contains within itself questions, swarams, taalams, ragas, ideas, beautifications, and flavours. If this music is to develop in a way that is not to be questioned among the students, it is necessary to teach music properly. When the visually impaired learn music in the gurukul system, the students can learn clearly by interacting with the students, like parents and relatives, and teaching them the art. In this way, this article explains the usefulness, method, and guidance of learning classical music in a gurukul manner.