SIFAS, Singapore urgently seeks Carnatic flute, vocal teachers

To teach and learn Indian classical music
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ramarama
Posts: 93
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 12:15

SIFAS, Singapore urgently seeks Carnatic flute, vocal teachers

Post by ramarama »

The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (www.sifas.org) is looking for experienced teachers of Carnatic music. The urgent need is for a Carnatic flute guru (who can also teach vocal music at elementary levels) and a Carnatic vocal teacher. The Society's Academy also teaches Carnatic violin, veena, and mridangam – and keyboard, classical dance, and Hindustani music.

The Society is celebrating its 70th year in 2019 - and has a long history of contributing to the Indian arts scene in Singapore. It currently has 28 gurus teaching 15 disciplines.

SIFAS expects all teachers to be top grade in terms of teaching ability, with the experience and vidwat to be able to deliver an 8-year curriculum that leads up to a title "Sangeetha" or "Vadhya" Visharadh. The Carnatic music 8-year title is recognized by the University of Madras as sufficient to apply directly for the Masters program. The Madras Music Academy has helped create the Carnatic music syllabus in consultation with the Society's teachers. Teachers with the ability to cover more than one discipline of Carnatic music are particularly welcome.

In terms of performance standards, a grade of B-high on All India Radio is the minimum expectation. While the job is primarily a teaching-focused one, there will be opportunities to perform as soloists and as accompanists to music and dance concerts, and to compose music for special events.

Interested applicants (and I would be grateful if rasikas on this forum would help spread the word) are requested to send resumes, and supporting audio/video files/links to admin@sifas.org. If anyone needs additional information before applying, they may write to secretary@sifas.org.

munirao2001
Posts: 1334
Joined: 28 Feb 2009, 11:35

Re: SIFAS, Singapore urgently seeks Carnatic flute, vocal teachers

Post by munirao2001 »

Ramarama, I humbly suggest that SIFAS must change their policy of not providing staying accommodation to the spouse of a teacher or one member of family and facility for one's own preparation of food, if they choose not to take food being served. I also humbly request the management to fix the pay scale and perquisites strictly in conformance of the statutory rules and procedure of Singapore Government. End the thinking that compensation being paid is higher than what any private institutions, aided by government grants in India pay (including Teacher's College of Music of Music Academy) and the difference in currency value of singapore dollars and Indian rupees giving higher savings(a fact). If medical care becomes the need of a teacher, the savings will not be sufficient to meet the expenses. SIFAS contribution is great in serving the cause of Indian Classical Performing Arts, not only in Singapore, but globally. True celebration of SIFAS will include celebration of its Faculty, its family members wellness and well being.

ramarama
Posts: 93
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 12:15

Re: SIFAS, Singapore urgently seeks Carnatic flute, vocal teachers

Post by ramarama »

Thanks, "munirao2001." Your points are well taken. Here's an "unofficial" response:
1. Of course, SIFAS conforms to Singapore law on pay and perquisites. If anything, current pay levels are well over the minimum required by the Government. Gurus cook their own food, or eat out.
2. At the salary levels offered by SIFAS, Government rules do not not allow for a dependant pass for family, or a long term visit pass. Family members can and do visit for upto a month in a year. And of course, all of December is a holiday period.
3. The thinking that drives salary levels at SIFAS is not what salary levels are in India are or the currency exchange rate, but what is barely affordable to a non-profit charitable organization, where there is an upper boundary on fee increase. There is a limit to how much fees can be raised, and it is very tough to raise money for an Indian arts organization. So it is the financial situation that drives salary levels. IMHO, salary levels are quite reasonable, and comparable to what Singaporean citizens would likely earn as a music teacher in a private school.

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