The Music Academy, Madras

The history of the Music Academy goes back to mid-twenties. Several wellwishers and lovers of music had felt that steps should be taken to stimulate interest in Karnatic music in the south and to develop a musical culture along sound lines by establishing an Academy in Madras city. The idea took a definite shape when the All-India Music Conference held in Madras in 1927 passed a resolution recommending the organisation of a Music Academy in Madras for the purpose of fostering Indian music and to encourage the study of the theory and practice of music.

A meeting of the Reception Committee of the Conference held on the 5th March, 1928 elected a provisional Executive Committee to organise the Academy. In pursuance of that resolution, the Music Academy, Madras, was founded the same year.

In April, 1928, an Experts Committee consisting of some of the leading musicians and scholars was also elected to advise the Academy on all technical matters including music education on correct and modern lines. The members of the committee were Sarvashri Bidaram Krishnappa, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Palladam Sanjeeva Rao, Dakshinamurthi Pillai, Professor Venkatasami Naidu, Jalatarangam Ramaniah Chetti, Zamindar of Seithur, M. S. Ramaswami Aiyar,W. Doraiswami Iyengar, Rao Bahadur C. Ramanujachariar, T.L. Venkatarama Iyer, T.V. Subba Rao and P. Sambamurthia galaxy indeed.

After some preliminary work and enrolment of members, the Academy was formally inaugurated at a public function on the 18th August 1928. The opening ceremony was performed by Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer in the Y.M.I.A. Auditorium before a large and distinguished gathering.

The Office of the Academy was located at No.323, Thambu Chetti Street, where Dr. U. Rama Rao, founder President had his dispensary.

Ever since, the Academy had been ceaselessly endeavouring for the advancement of the science and art of Indian music.

The objects of the Academy, inter-alia are: to hold annual music conferences during December or at any other convenient period; to investigate, collect, preserve and publish compositions, manuscripts and books relating to music; to establish and maintain a library and a museum to publish a journal; to encourage and help deserving musicians and scholars by bringing them to the notice of the public; to help and conduct examinations, tests and competitions; to make representations from time to time to the authorities in all matters relating to music. In short, it is the endeavour of this institution to give to music its rightful place in our national life.

Dr. U. Rama Rao was the founder President of the Academy and Sri K.V. Krishnaswami Aiyar succeeded him. Under his leadership with a band of selfless workers, the Academy developed and expanded its activities. Sangita kalanidhi T.L.Venkatarama Iyer was the third President, Sri T.S. Rajam, the fourth and Sri K.R. Sundaram Iyer, the fifth. The President Sri T.T. Vasu was its sixth President. Mr N. Murali has been elected as the seventh President of the Music Academy.

Before the present building (T.T. Krishnamachari Auditorium) was constructed, the annual conferences, mid year series and other programmes were held at different places in the City: