Teaching music through affiliated institutions and conducting music examinations throughout the country is the main activity of the Mandal and so far about 1200 vidyalayas/nodal centres are following the eleven years curriculum prepared by the Mandal. It includes vocal music, instrumental music, and Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi dance as subjects.  A tabulated record showing the steady rise in the teaching and examination activities of the Mandal :

 

Diplomas and Convocations

DIPLOMAS AND EQUIVALENCES

The following diplomas are conferred on completion of their studies and passing the examinations.

Sangeet Visharad : Equivalent to B.A. or B. Mus
Sangeet Alankar  :  Equivalent to M.A or M. Mus
Sangeetacharya  : Equivalent to D. Mus
Shiksha Sanad      : Equivalent to S.T.C in Music
Shiksha Visharad  : Equivalent to B. Ed. In Music
Shiksha Parangat : Equivalent to M. Ed. In Music

Diplomas conferred have wide recognition and equivalence given by several state  governments and universities. The examinations are held twice in a year i.e. April & November. As on date more than 1 lakh 10 thousand students appear in various examinations through 800 and odd examination centers. Almost all national languages are permitted in theory papers

CONVOCATIONS

The history of convocations of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya dates back to 1911 when in its first convocation Lord Sydenham, the then Governor of Bombay, conferred the degrees on the successful graduates of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.  Ever since then, the convocations have continued and are being adorned by respectable dignitaries in educational and other fields.  

Workshops and Conferences

WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS

Sensitive to the changing needs of the music field it was decided around 1975 to concentrate on seminars and workshops. Many workshops were conducted with a view to enlighten the advanced students about intricacies and delicacies of raga structure.  For this purpose, various experts were approached and brought on one platform to discuss, explain, teach and demonstrate the ragas.  In 1990-91, a four day seminar arranged at Vashi, termed as ‘ In tune with Kumarji’, provided a unique opportunity to budding artistes to interact with none other than Kumar Gandharvji.  This novel workshop proved to be a grand success.

MUSIC TEACHERS CONFERENCES

Till 1950, disciples of Pt.Paluskar met every third year to take stock of the situation.  These meets were now converted to triennial conferences of music teachers.  The first Music Teacher’s Conference was held at Delhi in 1952 which was inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad.  These conferences are attended in large numbers by music lovers and artistes alike.  Discussions, lectures, seminars and of course, performances by eminent and new artistes are a regular feature.  List of various conferences held so far is given below :

1954 Kanpur ( UP ) 
1957 Belgaum ( KT ) 
1961 Kolhapur ( MS ) 
1964 Jaipur ( Rajasthan ) 
1968 Hyderabad ( AP ) 
1972 Nanded ( MS ) 
1974 Indore ( MP )
1976 Ramnathi ( GOA ) 
1978 Ahmedabad ( GUJ ) 
1981 Cuttack ( Orissa ) 
1982 Pune ( MS ) 
1985 Patna ( Bihar ) 
1989 Kanpur ( UP ) 
1995 Belgaum ( KT ) 
1999 Nasik ( MS ) 
2005 Belgaum ( KT )

Training and Testing of Examiners

          

The unprecedented increase in the number of students appearing for various examinations of the Mandal rather forced the Mandal to contemplate on finding a solution to the various problems cropping out of this phenomenal growth.  To ensure uniformity in the pattern of practical examinations and also to test the caliber of the cadre of examiners a scheme to train and test the examiners is adopted as a policy by the Council of Management.  The training has received a positive response and become a regular feature of the Mandal’s activities