True School of Music To Kick Off Boot Camp Series For Bands

Band competitions are out and band workshops are in. Mumbai-based music institute True School of Music [TSM], which opened its doors to students and music enthusiasts in September this year, is hosting its first ever workshop for bands on November 15th.

Upcoming bands from Mumbai and Pune can apply to take part in the boot camp by sending video and audio links on YouTube and SoundCloud to the True School of Music. The faculty, which includes bassist and music academic D Wood, drummer Philip Lemm and vocalist Aazin Printer, among others, will select four bands from the entries received to perform at True School of Music’s auditorium. Judging them will be the TSM faculty and expert panel comprising artist management firm Mixtape’s founder Naveen Deshpande, independent webzine NH7.in’s editor Arjun S Ravi and Rolling Stone India editor Lalitha Suhasini. Each band will get to chat with the panel for an informal opinion on their music (should they want it), a 30-minute coaching session by TSM’s professional faculty and multi-track audio recording of their 15-minute set. Says Suranjan Das, chief operating officer of TSM, “The bands will be judged on original songs and compositions, technique, the ability to integrate as a band and arranging, among other things.”

The idea behind the workshop, according to Das, is to promote the school’s three-month band coaching module, which is part of TSM’s professional courses. Das adds, “They [bands] will also get to see our facility and get an idea of the vibe.” One band chosen as the winner will receive a showcase video recording of their set as well as a 50 percent scholarship on the three-month Band Coaching Module at TSM’s Pro School. Says Das about the module, “The band has the option of choosing what they want to learn, whether it’s production-related courses like orchestration and arrangement or genres of music like funk or jazz. The accent will be on teaching them and directing them as a band in addition to individual guidance.” Das adds that the plan is to conduct more boot camps in Mumbai before reaching out to other cities with a “strong local band scene.”

To apply for True School of Music’s Band Boot Camp, send YouTube/SoundCloud links to your video/audio performances to info@trueschool.in. Last day for entries is November 10th. Selected bands will be notified by November 12th.

True School of Music’s Band Boot Camp takes place on November 15th at True School of Music Auditorium, Mumbai. Time: 5pm to 8pm, followed by a jam session featuring the True School faculty from 8pm to 10pm. Entry: Free.