SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is a non-political, nationwide, voluntary movement founded in 1977 by Padma Shri Dr.Kiran Seth, Professor-Emeritus at IIT-Delhi. SPIC MACAY promotes Indian Classical music and culture amongst the youth globally. The society is now happy to introduce its new module on pre-schools that instils Indian classical music to students of 3-6 years of age through interactive and fun-filled educational activities with Yoga and Music.

Research has suggested that learning classical music at an early age improves memory, emotional intelligence and concentration. The effect that learning music can have on the child’s brain in her formative young years can contribute immensely to the development of her brain. This is proven to relieve tension, alleviate boredom and strengthen the child’s core, mentally and emotionally. SPIC MACAY is using this power of music to educate young children through interactive sessions in their new module.

The pre-school module will coach pre-school students to learn classical music by different bodily movements like stomping, marching swaying, jumping or shaking. Teachers are going to teach seven svaras of Indian classical music to students to improve their phonetic control and enhance their language skills. The students will also be taught different basic forms of yoga with naadyog, a meditation of sounds or mantras. The module is personally close to Dr Seth who has been working with pre-school kids since five years and is now excited to take the module to the whole world, “this will inspire children from the young age of 3-5 years to become better human beings”, he says.

SPIC MACAY gives schools the flexibility to introduce the module in any way that they deem fit. The school can opt for a visit by SPIC MACAY volunteer-teachers who are trained in this module. Methods of teaching classical music with a fun-filled education will ensure that they give individual attention to each child for better participation and learning. Children are being taught to play in game putting their right and left leg forward to the Sa Re Ga Ma the Arohan (Ascending) and Avrohan (Descending) notes of Hindustani music which is done in different speed. They teach each note correctly and in fun way, even there learning activity is done with the tanpura music in the background.

In today’s world children get fascinated with electronic gadgets and social networking at a young age. These activities affect the concentration and among children, who can lose focus due to this. Modules like these are designed to bring back to focus into children and increase their meditative capacity. The module is designed after a 5 year research completed by SPIC MACAY on children and their response to this kind of education. The module is specially designed for pre-school students keeping in mind their needs. For instance, each raaga taught to the students in the module is associated with fun physical exercises or basic yoga techniques like Padmasana to help them memorize the raagas sooner.

SPIC MACAY has a large network of volunteers throughout the country. Therefore, the cause of instilling this kind of soulful education in young kids can be implemented pan-India. The society also aims at regularly organizing its cultural events with the schools that opt for this module. These events will boost the interest in music being instilled in the students. The performances by world-renowned artists will not just encourage students but also parents who can then nurture the culture at home and continue educating their kids outside of school too.  

In our 5th International Convention our Prime Minister honourable Sh. Narendra Modi Ji appreciated Dr. Seth for giving his contribution in saving our rich music, culture and heritage in its unique way.  Dr Seth says I have founded an organisation that act like a surrogate mother and makes appreciation a reality among Indian students and youngsters.

SPIC MACAY invites educational institutes and private or public schools to join hands in our movement to make a qualitative change in elementary education in India. We hope to work as a dynamic national team and welcome suggestions and feedback as always.