Popular Music (Professional & Film Singing)

Course Description

The PRISM Foundation is pleased to announce its featured course, POPULAR MUSIC – A graded curriculum for Professional and Playback Singing. It stands as the first institution in India to develop and provide a structured training program specifically for Professional and Playback Singing in the realm of film music in the year 2014. This all-encompassing curriculum has been meticulously crafted to address all vital vocal requirements from the viewpoint of a music director, as well as the competencies expected of a singer.

Rather than merely a collection of lessons, it represents a comprehensive program founded on the extensive experience and practical expertise of Music Composer Mahesh Mahadev, along with Playback Singer Dr. Priyadarshini. Hundreds of students have gained benefits from this course. Traditionally, there has been an absence of a formal syllabus dedicated to the learning of Film Music, rendering this program a pioneering and innovative endeavor.

This specialized graded program covers an extensive range of musical styles from Film to Professional singing Techniques across multiple languages. Designed to provide professional-quality training, it equips students with the theoretical knowledge, aural skills, vocal nuances, technical expertise, professional work habits, and personal attributes necessary to thrive as self-sufficient singers and musicians. It provides fresh perspectives on learning and understanding the core elements of various musical genres, which are vital for mastering film singing and adapting to its diverse stylistic demands.

Over the years, the PRISM Popular Music course gained remarkable traction, drawing the attention of universities eager to introduce structured film music education into their offerings. Recognizing its academic and artistic potential, MS Ramaiah Educational Institutions became the first to introduce PRISM’s Popular Music as an Open Elective for undergraduate students in 2016, featuring a well-defined curriculum tailored to formal learning.

This milestone paved the way for the creation of “Applied Popular Music,” a dedicated program designed to appreciate musical knowledge and experience practical aspects of singing for undergraduates in the field of film music.

Course duration:

The duration for completing each grade is 6 months.

Age group:

6 years & above

Class size:

• Individual Lessons – One-on-one private instruction tailored to each student’s pace and goals. Duration: 30 or 45 minutes per session

• Group Classes – Collaborative learning environment with up to 8 students per batch with a duration of 45 minutes per session with instructors ensuring individual attention to support every student’s unique progress and learning style.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to understand the concepts, techniques and nuances
• Ability to understand the vocal production and techniques
• Learn Vocal exercises, simple and intricate songs
• Delve into the richness and complexity of each song by engaging in its structure, language, lyrical magnificence, its nuances  and expression
• Highlights pitch precision and vocal stability
• Will develop the ability to integrate musical concepts with various disciplines, genres, fostering a deeper understanding of their connections and applications
• Will be able to develop a scientific approach in all aspects through the systematic training opportunities offered during teaching – learning process
• Will cultivate a scientific perspective across various aspects by engaging in structured training opportunities throughout the teaching-learning process.
• Attain a high level of mastery, demonstrating precision and emotional depth in the performance and interpretation of musical compositions
• Open doors to studio recordings, performance, teaching, and collaboration in the music industry

Assessment/Exams & Certification

• Graded Evaluation Structure: The course follows a structured, multi-level assessment model, evaluating students across vocal technique, stylistic interpretation, aural skills, and performance readiness. Each level is designed to reflect increasing mastery and professional competence.
• Assessment/Exam:

After completion of the grades, you can earn a certification through PRISM by taking internal assessments and external exams. Internal assessments test your knowledge and vocal skills, while external exams are standardized evaluations by us that confirm your competencies. They act as a final verification to ensure that your competencies align with industry standards.

The components include:

• Performance of film and popular music repertoire across multiple languages
• Vocal technique and control (breath, pitch, modulation, expression)
• Aural training and musicality
• Diction, phrasing, and stylistic adaptability
• Professional readiness: studio etiquette, mic technique, and live performance skills

Certification: Upon successful completion of examinations after each level, students receive a PRISM Foundation Certificate, validating the student’s progress and readiness for professional opportunities in playback and live performance. This certification can boost your professional profile.