Applied Popular Music (Open Elective)

Course Description

The PRISM Foundation pioneered Popular Music in 2014 as India’s first structured, graded curriculum for Professional and Playback Singing in Film Music, crafted by Music Composer Mahesh Mahadev and Playback Singer Dr. Priyadarshini. This groundbreaking program filled the long-standing gap of a formal syllabus for film and professional singing and has benefited hundreds of students across languages and genres.

Building on this success, PRISM partnered with universities to bring a concise version of Popular Music known as “Applied Popular Music” into academia. Introduced first at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Gnanagangothri Mathikere Campus & Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Peenya Campus in 2017, Applied Popular Music was designed as an open elective for undergraduates like B.Sc, B.B.A, B.Com and all UG courses under FMPS (Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences), FLAHS (Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences), FMC(Faculty of Management and Commerce), FHMCT (Faculty of Hospitality Management and Catering Technology) and others.

This course emphasizes:

• Appreciation of diverse musical genres – Indian Classical, Film, Western, Folk, Ghazal, Devotional, Bhajans
• Practical exposure – live demos of audio engineering, studio recording, and basic singing techniques
• Core musical foundations – raga, scales, pitch, rhythm, melody, and song forms
• Industry insights – understanding the music business and the role of music in society

In essence, Applied Popular Music offers students a credit-based, university-recognized pathway to experience the artistic, technical, and cultural dimensions of film music in a structured yet accessible format.

This concise version, offered jointly by PRISM Foundation and partner universities, introduces undergraduate students to the fundamentals of music while balancing theoretical learning with hands-on practice. Students will experience both theoretical understanding and practical application,live demonstrations of studio recording, practice basic singing, and gain insights into the music industry and business, while appreciating the role of music in society and everyday life.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a foundational knowledge of music history, genres, rhythm, pitch, melody, and forms, alongside introductory skills in studio recording and vocal performance.

Duration

• Credits: 3
• Total Classroom Hours: 45
• Semester Weeks: 15

Class Size

• Designed as an open elective for undergraduate students at Ramaiah University.
• Currently offered at Ramaiah University, with plans to extend to other universities.
• Recommended class size: 30–40 students per batch (to balance individual practice opportunities with group learning).

Assessment & Examination

• Total Marks: 100
• Component 1 (Continuous Evaluation – 50 Marks):
  • Part A: Term Test – 25 Marks
  • Part B: Assignment – 25 Marks
• Component 2 (Semester End Examination – 50 Marks):
  • Written examination covering theory and applied aspects of music.

Pass Requirements

• Minimum 40% overall across both components.
• Mandatory appearance in the Semester End Examination.
• Attendance Requirement: 85% to qualify for Component 2.