Projects
1. ICMA Scholars program: Scholarships for Upcoming Artists pursing Indian Classical Music
The ICMA Scholars program provides merit- and need-based financial support to upcoming artists towards a career in Indian classical music. Through the ICMA Scholars program, the Foundation is seeking to nurture new talent, encourage the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage, and promote the advancement of the arts into the future. Check ICMA Scholars Program page for more.
2. Gurudakshina
Gurudakshina is the tradition of expressing gratitude to one’s guru, or teacher, for imparting their art and knowledge. We are able to enjoy and appreciate Indian classical music as we know it today because of the highly dedicated musicians who promulgated the art over the last several decades. They have contributed in many ways - some as avid performers who have now passed their perfomance age, and others as dedicated teachers who trained many artists who are furthering the art today. In both cases, many of these senior musicians no longer have an active source of income nor retirement support. In appreciation of their critical efforts over the years, ICMA seeks to support these retired musicians’ basic annual medical needs, including but not limited to medical tests, checkups, and monthly stipends for necessary medications.
3. Indian Classical Music Archives
The Indian classical music recordings that are easily accessible for public consumption today are only a small subset of the abundance of high quality music that has been produced. ICMA is devising a library system to archive and make rare, privately circulated, or hard-to-find recordings available to a broad audience. These include both musical pieces and interviews with accomplished artists. As part of this effort, we are acquiring and restoring music that is not currently in digital form that we will ultimately share online. We are also looking to financially support other, similar projects that are already underway. We are especially looking to enrich these archives by finding and creating recordings of certain classical music styles that may be at risk of “dying” or losing visibility in front of mainstream audiences.
4. Artist-in-Residence Program
ICMA is establishing an artist-in-residence program that will invite accomplished musicians from India to come to the Bay Area for extended periods and financially support their travel and living expenses while they are here. These musicians will have a chance to explore and further their art outside of their daily context and routine. Simultaneously, local students and music enthusiasts will benefit from access to these individuals, who will enrich the way we experience Indian classical music here in the U.S. Furthermore, while the artists are in-residence, ICMA will record music and interviews with them to document their experiences and enhance our Indian classical music archives.
5. Tech Initiatives
ICMA is actively looking into building software and mobile apps in the domain of Indian Classical Music. Details coming soon!
6. ICMA Youth Squad
35-40 elementary, middle, and high schoolers, all long time students of Mahesh Kale (Founder of ICMA), have gotten together to expand their repertoire and bring together their passion for music by creating unique mash-ups of popular American songs and Bollywood / Indian classical music songs.
What do you get when you take such unique compositions rendered by a dozen or so energetic and passionate kids? Pure magic! And the magic becomes even more special, when this is paired with a social cause. ICMA's Youth Squad has raised funds for Nepal Earthquake, cancer awareness and treatment, and are currently seeking opportunities to sing for senior centers and patients in hospitals.
To know more about how you can get involved or support us, click here.
