CM AS A PROFESSION

[munirao2001]

HNBhagvan Sir,
Salaries for teaching are already established by the Central and State Governments, e.g.Music Colleges, Academies and Institutions. Just like the problems of salaries and wages in unorganized sector, the professional fees for the practitioners in performing arts, also with similarities of unorganized sector, are the problems. Government tried its best by legislating a minimum wages and partially has succeeded. While the efforts have to be taken for the Grants by the Governments, comparable to the developed nations, the real focus has to be on the public and private initiatives and actions.

munirao2001

[hnbhagavan]

Dear Munirao Sir,
It is still necessary to take care by ensuring a minimum amount each month or better facilities for the musicians.The private support looks to me very un organised and left to the whims of few individuals.Hence my suggestion to stream line the payments.

[chitravina ravikiran]

It is so nice to read all your views on this subject, which addresses different sides of this topic. My fundamental point was more of what I normally tell my disciples - they need to work as hard as any other professional in their formative years (from say 5-20) to expect comparable results. In other words, talent alone will not take them to the top - it needs to be fused with passion and direction (from great gurus, parents etc). We do see a handful of successful non-performers too who have established good careers teaching or composing for dance etc but most aspirants who have not established an NRF (name-recognition factor) among audiences and orgs by age 25 at least will typically find it an uphill task later on.

I'll share some non-sensitive information with you all here. Over 25 years ago, there was a Classical Musicians' Forum of Tamil Nadu with over 200 artistes (including some of the top legends) who tried to have a dialogue with sabhas in Chennai to standardize payments. It fizzled out even before the dialogues commenced because a few top artistes had contrary opinions.

About 15 years ago, a couple of leading vocalists of the next generation approached me privately to lead another such effort and I agreed to do so and convened an in-camera meeting with most of them. Again, there was no consensus on an action plan because some of the artistes had particular loyalties to certain sabhas and they did not want to 'lost out' on their individual relationships. I was against targeting only a few orgs and exempting others in such dialogues as it would be unhealthy, unreasonable and unprincipled. But meantime, sponsorships kicked in big time and the field got healthier on its own in many ways.

I have also spoken to heads of many orgs in private about it. Barring a few, most of them go out of their way to promote young artistes spending on hall costs, advertisements, accompanists and a lot of other overheads for hundreds of non-ticketed programs (or ticketed programs with low turn-outs). Literally, hundreds of artistes have got major breaks because of this platform. The sabhas have to make revenues to make this happen through sponsorships, surpluses from other ticketed concerts or donations. An aspiring young artiste needs to make full use of the opportunities as early as possible in order to start attracting audiences so that he or she gets promoted to ticketed slots and also commands higher fees.

The healthiest sign of CM is the number of opportunities today compared to even 30 years back, when there was only Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, Indian Fine Arts, Mylapore Fine Arts and Tamil Isai Sangam doing Dec festivals and aspirants had to make their impact in just one or two opportunities they would get. That's what most of today's top artistes did. They made each opportunity count.

Today there are literally hundreds of sabhas in Chennai alone and numerous festivals, TV shows, contests and other platforms for young talents. It is in a way much more competitive but so many talents do emerge every day. The ones with serious intent and perseverance will go the distance!!

[arasi]

What an asset it is to have you here on Rasikas.org as a member!

Let alone your immense capacity for communicating with clarity, your expertise in this cannot be topped by us rasikAs who shoot the breeze in our enthusiasm for CM. Every year of your experience as an artiste, every minute of your sAdhanA, and your seriousness of purpose as a guru is echoed in what you say.

Yes, better times are here for CM, young musicians are coming up in large numbers, reaping the benefits of better times. Healthy competition among equally talented peers is a good thing. It makes them work even harder to get to the top.

[priyaram78]

Arasi Madam was wondering about your views on this important topic and here you are. Yes as Sri Ravikiran has said todays youngsters have more opportunities and support but definitely more improvement can be made to give a chance to more new young musicians rather than look like suvival of the fittest.

[munirao2001]

Chitraveena Ravikiran Sir,
You will agree that isolated thinking and action for the problems and challenges, is no solution and remedy.
When there is a trend for the good growth and development for KM, this is the time for creating and establishing the professional management on all the aspects of KM practices-Education; Teaching;Event management;KM appreciation and outreach program;research;recording, archives and libraries in the non metro cities and towns;Systems and practices for financial management-grants, sponsorship, minimum professional fees, artists welfare and well being supporting systems and practices, Media-increase in commitment, participation and result oriented actions; Single window/institution for policy, funding and other developmental activities of Central and State Governments, including recognition and rewards systems, globalization.
I have been urging for action, first bringing all the stakeholders for creative thinking, actions and results. My voice is in wilderness, unheard.
You have attained the stature and standing. With the support required secured, organize 'IDEAS and ACTIONS for ICM growth and development'. If all the other artists of stature, standing and popularity, voluntarily come forward with unity and unity of purpose, all the other stakeholders will join and together, the success.

munirao2001

[arasi]

Priya,
I glanced at the thread once in a while, but did not have the time to post in it the past few weeks. Occupied, even now! Glad that spirited young people like you take a keen interest in this matter

[hnbhagavan]

Dear Sri ravikiran.Sri Munirao and other friends,
I do feel when thousands of crores are spent on every other activity,a little contribution by Government will be welcome.This is not to say that every artist can be covered.But when an artist has attained a particular level of proficiency and is trying to find his level,a stable income will help.This will also help in later years.Some of the musicians who are qualified do have both employment as well as music career.But perhaps due to the competetive nature,a person is forced to chose either the career in job or professional music.As Sri Ravikiran pointed out once established,nowadays there are many opportunities not only in indian cities but also overseas.
Even in this scenario,if the respective state governments can support the artists indirectly thru recognized institutions more youngsters will come forward
and take it up as full time profession.I do recognize that a few music colleges exist here and there and some universities have music departments.When a person is recognised as Grade a or b artist,a fixed remuneration must be supported by the Government.

[vgovindan]

Sponsorship as part of Corporate Social Responsibility or otherwise and Government's role are all well taken. But that leaves little room for artists to be free from any bias towards to the sponsor or the Government. The most important stake holder - rasikas - have to assume a role - much like NGOs who act as watch-dog and ensure freedom for artists. Unfortunately that seems to be missing. Unless rasikas form one or more associations and participate in the efforts along with sponsors and Government, the art cannot attain its peak and bias cannot be ruled out. Therefore, our role as rasikas should be more pronounced in influencing the growth of the art and artists. That will take care of any witch-hunt.

[vasanthakokilam]

But that leaves little room for artists to be free from any bias towards to the sponsor or the Government.

VGV, I was thinking the same thing.

One question for Sri. RaviKiran. What caused the dramatic increase in corporate sponsorships that you mention that fixed the problem? How was the situations before and after that set in? Do the sabhas in suburbs and second tier cities and towns get the support of companies and corporations. I am also wondering about the multitude of great artists ( hundreds if not thousands ) who are not in the top tier and who do not have the name recognition. Are there financial lives better with corporate sponsorships? And asking gingerly, why do they sponsor?

Just a related observation. I was paying some attention to the recently concluded Hindu LIt for Life event. It seems to garner much higher level of attendance from a diverse set of people. The list of speakers is quite impressive. As a Chennaiite at heart, it feels good to learn that such scholarly events do get that level of support. I wonder if such events help sustain the lives of writers and artists? Like, is it a 'networking event' for such people? Are there any lessons to learn from there regarding the organizing aspects and promotional methods which can be adapted for CM?

[vgovindan]

At RadioWeb ( disclosure : I am a co-founder of the service ), we have a ready platform to enable this for artists. We have made attempts to talk to artists about doing this , with very little success. There seems something that is holding them back from doing this , and is not being expressed either.

There is a nagging feeling about this reluctance - could it be something to do with sponsorship? May be there are some unwritten conventions which bind the artists.

[hnbhagavan]

Dear Vasanthakokilam,Govindan,Muni rao,Ravikiran and friends,

I feel strongly a minimum stable income should be paid each month depending on the grade of the musician irrespective of vocal,instrumental etc.It is up to the individuals to earn over and above this as their remuneration from concerts,teaching,lecdes etc.This is possible only if a sustainable organisation like Music Academy,Gayana samaja and the like in various places support the artists.These organisations should be suitably supported by Government/private trusts.In addition to this the present model followed for conducting music programs will take care of the income for the artists.
The minimum honorarium should be paid by the respective states thru recognised organisations including good medical coverage.This to some extent will remove the random nature of payments as every one gets a minimum sum.

[chitravina ravikiran]

minimum stable income should be paid each month depending on the grade of the musician irrespective of vocal,instrumental

If it is scholarship for students or pension for senior artists this is certainly welcome. Certain orgs are doing it but amounts (anything below 5,000-8,000 per month) are barely realistic, even as supplemental income.

The Central Government definitely has millions of unspent money on culture (from their normal budgets every year). This certainly needs to be tapped by more organisers but most South Indian orgs not even know of the grants that are available. For instance, I came to know of something called a 'Big Festival' Grant that Department of Culture has which can be used by orgs (it used to be Rs 5 lakhs) which even spread over 5 concerts can be a decent fees for many artistes. But the Govt barely publicises its schemes well and numerous orgs are in the dark about such things. Even those who may know about it may not have the energy to write huge proposals, submit documents about their orgs, fill forms etc and chase after officials.

One question for Sri. RaviKiran. What caused the dramatic increase in corporate sponsorships that you mention that fixed the problem? How was the situations before and after that set in? Do the sabhas in suburbs and second tier cities and towns get the support of companies and corporations. I am also wondering about the multitude of great artists ( hundreds if not thousands ) who are not in the top tier and who do not have the name recognition. Are there financial lives better with corporate sponsorships? And asking gingerly, why do they sponsor?

There could be many reasons but I think sponsorship increased along with media visibility. More channels, more print and electronic media exposure to sponsors these days. So even in concerts that may have 20-30 people live, sponsors have exponential visibility through other means. Good orgs even in suburbs manage to find sponsors.

But certain companies like Pepsi, Coke that spend millions on pop-culture take a 'principled stand' against sponsoring classical arts! I have been lobbying (in my articles/speeches) that the Govt introduce something akin to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) for culture that makes it mandatory for multi-nationals thriving on Indian markets to spend certain parts of their sponsorship budget on Classical Music under the banner of Corporate Cultural Responsibility (CCR). This can certainly make things healthier, just as tapping more of Govt Funds for organising big events.

[vasanthakokilam]

Thanks Ravikiran. That is quite informative. I did not think of the secondary publicity effects of sponsoring the concerts.

That is so odd about the principled stand by soft drink companies of not sponsoring classical arts. May be, before Indra Nooyi's stint as CEO of Pepsi is over, we can lobby her to change the corporate stance ever so slightly At least CM has something going for it to get to her heart. Aruna Sairam is a close relative of her.

http://articles.economictimes.indiatime ... seshasayee

[munirao2001]

CRK Sir,
I desire your reply to my posting and requests.

munirao2001

[hnbhagavan]

Dear Sri Ravikiran sir,

The honorarium should depend on the seniority of the artist and not 5000 or 8000.It can be even 1 lakh per month depending on the seniority.As you have pointed out the sum earmarked for cultural activities is not utilized fully.In this connection the music sabhas must make the fullest effort to convince the Government for proper utilisation of funds and ensure that artists are taken care of properly.Instead of paying meager fee when the artist performs for AIR/Doordarshan,a fixed sum should be paid to the graded artists.

[chitravina ravikiran]

Shri Muni Rao,

Very good ideas. But the move coming from artistes will reek of self-interest. It has to come from professional promoters, rasikas and other well wishers of culture. Artistes must focus on just art and aspire to explore the greatest peaks and depths of it and share it with listeners. If artistes diversify into territories foreign to them, the whole purpose will be defeated. Management experts among rasikas must take the lead for this.

Years ago, I had submitted a draft to the Secretary of Finance, TN Govt (Mr Guhan) of a Center for Musical Excellence in a huge complex along the lines of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay where mathematicians and scientists are given everything including the classiest of living accommodation to international levels of research facilities to pursue pure (as opposed to applied) math/science. The closest of this is ITC's Sangeet Research Academy in Calcutta (but it caters only HM). It would not be beyond the realms of possibility for private bodies to raise a few million to create something like this for CM.

Shri VK:

Indira Nooyi was Chief Guest of the Cleveland Festival a few years ago and I have seen her in a few other concerts too. Though personally interested, her hands are tied, it seems... The Govt can make it mandatory for all Corporates to take CCR seriously in just one stroke - it will result in literally millions more pouring into culture. Hopefully, this Govt may show the political will to effect such legislation, if a strong lobby is formed...

[munirao2001]

Sri CRK,
It is nice of you to have taken your valued time to reply amidst your hectic time & schedules. It reflects your continued commitment and dedication to this noble cause.
Why only artists with the 'self interest' and 'self protection' real attitude and actions? It is equally applicable to all the stake holders, with least degree of affliction in discerning rasikas. It is human nature and weakness. Accept it. Thinking, ideas and actions with passion with focus on the ultimate goal and objective, will meet with success, even if it is delayed. You have rich experience.
Let us study the very recent a case. KFAC organized a meet of artists and event managers and other interested groups in KM growth and development, with emphasis on getting the needed support from the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka. Invited Chief Guest, Secretary, DK&C did not turn up to hear out the ideas of artists. Artists themselves did not turn up in very great numbers. A very senior critic, even questioned the very goal and objective of KFAC. Lack of unity, unity in purpose, action and aims, very evident. This case study reveals the lack of professional management. With excellence in management only the results are possible.

I once again urge you to take the lead to communicate for the need, goals and objectives and organize the All India conference on Indian Classical Music Systems, Growth, Development, Recommendations and Action Plans for all the stakeholders-Rasikas;Teachers & Heads of Music Colleges and Universities with department of Classical Music;Artists-Performers;Musicologists;scholars;Students-Select;Event Managers;Opinion Makers;Patrons; Chief Editors of Media-print and visual media;Foundations for Arts;Corporate;Chiefs of Corporate representative bodies;Chiefs of Public Sector Undertakings and Government undertakings; Chiefs of Institutions-Sangeet Academies -Sate and Central Governments; State and Central Governments-Chief Secretaries and Secretaries of Departments of Culture. Preferably, a two days meet. Advance preparation and submission of ideas, recommendations, action plans in writing and presentation by the invited eminent representatives of the stake holders. Extra efforts in ensuring the committed participation. Preparing, publishing and submission of the recommendations and action plans to all the relevant authorities. Select core team of representatives of Eminence-National and Zonal regions, meeting the President and Prime Minister; Governors and Chief Ministers of all the State Governments to get the policy decisions, legislation, budgetary allocations;Open and transparent systems and procedures, decision making and communication-duly based on and supported by the IT.

All of us who are seriously committed and dedicated to this noble cause, Globally, will support you and your team with total confidence and trust in you, a proven Team Leader, with resources of time and financial.

munirao2001

[munirao2001]

Thinking behind parting with money for KM
Sri CRK’s posting on the corporate sponsorship made me think on the thinking behind the decision making of parting with money or sharing the financial resource for Karnatic Music.
1. Rasikas: With pride and justification for the events of immensely popular and proven attractiveness and attendance of a full house. Sense of pleasure derived in contributing for a good cause, felt or made known. Deriving pleasure in patronizing, either a big way or a small way. To state, simply on compulsion.
2. Event Managers: Pleasure of conducting the event successfully, felt or derived by other’s communication. Sense of satisfaction of serving the cause. Felt and realized opportunities of good networking with perceived or distinct derivative benefits.
3. Sponsors, non-corporate: Sense of exercising, given or derived power; sense of pleasure of helping and supporting; perceived pleasure of publicity. Felt responsibility and duty to act.
4. Corporate: Perceived and estimated enhancement of brand equity; Promotion-Marketing or Sales and Strategy-marketing or sales; Sense of pleasure to the decision maker in authority and power or tool for appeasement.
5. Government-President; Prime Minister; Governor; Chief Minister: Minister; Bureaucrat: Sense of pleasure in the exercise of power and patronage; pleasure of perceived support of influential opinion maker(s); media publicity and self promotion; felt responsibility to support.
With better and much more accurate analysis and posting, the knowledge can improve and may help the cause-directly or indirectly. Expert(s) rasika forumites, please share your insights, observation and knowledge.

munirao2001