The plot to this story is not unusual. Childhood friends reuniting after a long time to start a venture based on a common passion. There is however a new melody to this story.
Four friends – T. Surendran, Shameel Thomas, V.K. Shaji and R. Madhavan – re-unite after nearly 20 years to indulge their passion for music. They have established a music school in Thiruvottiyur with centres in Gopalapuram and vepery, giving up fat corporate jobs in the process.
In one year, the four expanded their Thiruvottiyur-based school PMA School of Music, starting a branch at Vepery and then another in Gopalpuram.“Our plan is to open 10 more branches in the next two years. Our immediate focus is Mogappair,” says Shaji, who quit as vice-president (operations) from an IT company.
It all started in 1995 with Surendran, the only musician in the group, opening Pioneer Music Academy at Thiruvoytiyur. “All four of us pursued different careers and would meet as part of the church choir or at a friend’s place. We were in touch until 1993 when I moved to Delhi on work,” says Shaji.
However, music was the topic of discussion every time they met. Finding a good music school for their children made the four think about starting such a venture. “This way, we thought we could indulge our passion for music,” says Shameel, who quit as general manager (south) of Karvy. He however admits that he has not been successful in learning any musical instrument.
A strategically located centre at Vepery was chosen for the school, which opened in September 2013. “We were surprised with the response. In the very first month, we had 75 students,” says Surendran, who is adept at playing a variety of music instruments. Today, the centre has nearly 300 students and one might have to wait to get an admission.
Their centre at Gopalpuram was opened in May 2014. Among the features of the school are: Students need not bring their own instruments to enrol in the school. At all the three centres, piano, keyboard, guitar and voice classes are conducted. There is a performance class every month. Workshops are conducted by well-known musicians.
For details, visit www.thepma.in
