At Kalkeri each student is assigned a teacher from whom he or she learns vocals and harmonium, sitar, tabla, violin or bansuri for three hours a day, six days a week. By assimilating the music daily, the youngsters become accepted members of the musical lineage of their mentors. This new identity will give them access to the world of professional musicians. Besides this, the students are being prepared for the Karnataka Sangeet and Nritya Academy music examinations.
Apart from the regular classes, two periods of practice of an hour each, are included in the daily schedule of the school. Girls also get two lessons of Bharata Natyam per week, and practice this discipline for half an hour daily.
KSV seeks to recreate the transmission of knowledge according to the model of master and apprentice (Guru-Shishya Parampara), a method of teaching almost completely abandoned due to the demands of modern Indian life. This tradition was much more than just the teacher-student relationship that has been the norm for a long time in the west. This very deep relationship was, until recently, inseparable from Indian culture and musical patrimony. Through this relationship, the master ensures the perpetuation of a whole orally-transmitted lineage of masters and disciples. The apprentice becomes, to a certain extent, the master’s projection into the future. This connection is for life and is almost stronger than a parent-child relationship.
The Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya enables youngsters, who otherwise couldn’t afford it, the means of getting a good academic and musical education. Moreover, it is probably the only school in present-day India where students practice music 4 to 6 hours daily under the tutelage of professional musicians highly respected in their field.
In perpetuating this tradition, we believe that KSV students will bring a noteworthy contribution to the culture of their country. Some of them will become professional musicians and artists. However we are confident that those who choose another path will retain enough of this tradition so as to be able to transmit some of its depth to any environment they might find themselves in, be it family or work.
Academic Program
The variety and different aspects of most of our students gives a singular direction to our educational program. Some of our students had already attended school before coming to KSV, but some had not. Some of these schools were government schools and some were private. The children attending government schools mostly come from families who don’t have the means of sending them to private schools. With all due respect to the Indian government’s efforts, it has to be admitted that for many reasons teaching levels are often low in State’s schools. Moreover, certain parents lack the financial means or any understanding of what a scholar system is, and this leads to a high level of absenteeism in public schools. KSV is a residential school; therefore our students always attend their classes, which comprise a maximum of 15 students (compared to an average of 50 in government schools). Our teachers are therefore able to ensure that each child gets close attention in all topics and studies.
All students study in Kannada medium, the local idiom, and follow the Karnataka State Government syllabus. On top of this we give a strong emphasis on learning English language. The teaching of English is given prominent importance within this program as well.
The subjects taught to KSV children are English (global teaching language), Kannada and Hindi as second languages, Social and Pure Sciences, Mathematics and Environmental Sciences. Reading and computer classes also ensure that the students acquire the communication tools necessary to life in our increasingly globalized world.
Social and Personal Development
Last but not least, the children’s personal and social development is addressed in the school. Social development seeks the integration of the values and principles necessary for a positive contribution to society. These values are, for example, justice, non-violence, equality among individuals and genders, sharing, cooperation, efficacy, excellence and respect for the environment. In this sense, the Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya trains students in the hope that they will not only become musicians, but also responsible and honest members of society who will serve people and become a source of inspiration for their community.
The school involves Indian and foreign volunteers in the teaching process. The volunteers come and help at KSV for a minimum period of four months. This gives people the opportunity to participate in a cultural and humanitarian project. This presence of individuals from various parts of the world – who show great respect and interest for local culture and traditions- stimulates the students to learn English, awakens their curiosity and familiarizes them with different cultures.
The development of a sound physical condition and proper synchronization is equally important. To fulfill this aim, we provide diversified and healthy meals, as well as a wide range of activities that strengthen the relationship between the mind and body. With this in mind every morning one hour is reserved for the practice of yoga postures and exercises. This helps the children to relax and to know themselves better as well as giving them the opportunity to learn an ancient and respected art. The school also organizes sports and games such as volleyball, cricket, badminton, carom and kabadi, and walks in the forest.
At Kalkeri each student is assigned a teacher from whom he or she learns vocals and harmonium, sitar, tabla, violin or bansuri for three hours a day, six days a week. By assimilating the music daily, the youngsters become accepted members of the musical lineage of their mentors. This new identity will give them access to the world of professional musicians. Besides this, the students are being prepared for the Karnataka Sangeet and Nritya Academy music examinations. 
The variety and different aspects of most of our students gives a singular direction to our educational program. Some of our students had already attended school before coming to KSV, but some had not. Some of these schools were government schools and some were private. The children attending government schools mostly come from families who don’t have the means of sending them to private schools. With all due respect to the Indian government’s efforts, it has to be admitted that for many reasons teaching levels are often low in State’s schools. Moreover, certain parents lack the financial means or any understanding of what a scholar system is, and this leads to a high level of absenteeism in public schools. KSV is a residential school; therefore our students always attend their classes, which comprise a maximum of 15 students (compared to an average of 50 in government schools). Our teachers are therefore able to ensure that each child gets close attention in all topics and studies.
