PROGRAMS

At SAM, we offer music programs that will equip you with all the tools
necessary to excel in todays demanding entertainment industry. Whether
youre looking to launch your career on stage or behind the stage, SAM has
something for you.
Diploma in Music Performance
Diploma in Audio Engineering & Music Technology

DIPLOMA IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE (DMP)

Music Performance encompasses Core courses and Custom electives. The
student can also choose some electives from the roster of Carnatic courses
that are offered.

The Core Courses include Ear-training, Contemporary Harmony, Reading

Rhythms, Music Notation, Instrument Specific Labs, Technique Lab,
Reading Lab, Performance Ensemble and Private lessons and Introduction
to Carnatic Music and Konnakol (Carnatic Rhythms).

The Custom Electives designed by respective faculty gives student an

opportunity to understand different styles and techniques and apply these
by listening, analyzing, and playing.

The Carnatic Electives are designed to provide in-depth information on

the history of Carnatic Music, the melodic and rhythmic methods in
Carnatic music. For a detailed description of the courses, at the end of the
document.

Music Performance Curriculum

Trimester I Trimester II Trimester III Trimester IV

Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble
Stylized Stylized
Contemporary Contemporary
Harmonic Harmonic
Harmony I Harmony 2
Concepts Concepts
Composition & Composition & Composition &
Music Theory
Arranging 1 Arranging 2 Arranging 3
Ear Training I Ear Training 2 Transcription Transcription
Reading Reading
Private Lesson Private Lesson
Rhythms I Rhythms 2
Directed Study
Advanced
Private Lesson Private Lesson (Carnatic
Reading Lab
Studies)
Directed Study
Modern
with Principal
Reading Lab I Reading Lab 2 Improvisation
Instrument
Technique Lab
Instructor
 Music Music
Preparation Preparation
Technique Lab I Technique Lab 2
Techniques for Techniques for
the Bandstand the Bandstand
Tyagaraja,
Modern
Carnatic Music Dikshitar &
Basic Piano Improvisation
Studies 2 Syama Sastri
Technique Lab
Kritis
Elective (from
Audio
Applications of
Carnatic Music Engineering and
Konnakol II Konnakol in
Studies Music
Modern Music
Technology
Program)
Melakartha &
Konnakol Custom Elective I Custom Elective I
Janya Ragas
Introduction to
Audio
Engineering and Custom Elective Custom Elective
Custom Elective I
Music II II
Technology &
Technology
Custom Elective Custom Elective Custom Elective
Custom Elective I
II II II

Music Performance Course Description

Music Performance Curriculum

Title Description
CORE
Course introduces the various basic and advanced tools of
Contemporary
modern harmony and develops the harmonic vocabulary
Harmony
needed to understand, analyze and apply these devices in
(Core)
composition and improvisation.
Major Scales, Circle of Fifths, Simple and Compound Intervals,
Triads and inversions, Seventh chords and inversions, Chord
Contemporary
Progressions, Upper extensions such as Ninth, Eleventh and
Harmony I
Thirteenth chords, Harmonization of Scales and modes in three
and four parts
Secondary Dominants, Extended Dominants, Altered Dominant
Seventh Chords, Standard Reharmonization, Substitute chords,
Contemporary Sus chords, Chromatic structures, Pedal Points and Ostinatos,
Harmony 2 Quartal chords, Non-functional Harmony, Constant structure
progressions, Line Cliches, Pandiatonicism, Hybrid chords, Poly
chords, Modal Harmony.
This uniquely designed harmony course will have students study
specific harmonic concepts that are part of the compositional
Stylized
and improvisational process of the faculty. Each faculty being a
Harmonic
top level composer/improviser comes with his/her own set of
Concepts
harmonic approaches and this course will help students
understand and apply some of these customized concepts of
 harmony in their own work. Students will apply these in
assignments, ensembles and recitals.

Course prepares students to effectively train their ear to

Ear Training
recognize and reproduce melodic and harmonic elements
(Core)
through singing and/or their principal instruments
Recognizing, identifying and applying the following by ear
Melodic and Harmonic intervals, Major Scales, Natural, Harmonic
Ear Training 1 and Melodic minor Scales, Modes, Motifs, Sequences, Inversions,
Step-wise and leaping motion, Triads and Inversions, Seventh
chords and inversions, Arpeggios of triads and seventh chords
Recognizing, identifying and applying the following by ear
Motifs, Sequences, Inversions, Angular melodies, Dominant
Seventh Chords and its alterations, Substitute chords, Sus
Ear Training 2
chords, Chromatic structures, Quartal chords, Hybrid chords,
Poly chords, Modal Harmony, transcription of melodic and
harmonic material
This coursework introduced students in to the art of
transcribing. This advance level course enables students to apply
their ear training and harmonic skills to analyse complex chord
Transcription structures, melodies and improvisation lines over chord changes,
bass lines and other accompaniment parts. This coursework will
also introduce students to understanding of big band and large
ensemble arrangements through detailed transcription.
Course prepares all students irrespective of their principal
instrument to be able to write, understand and interpret staff
music notation Basic calligraphy, Notes in Treble and Bass Clef,
Music Notation
Note values and durations, Rests, Ties, Time Signatures, Key
(Core)
Signatures, Groupings, Flags, Beams, Slurs, Notation of Form
elements such as repeats, DC, DS, Coda, Chord symbols, Grace
notes, Glissandos and more
Course prepares all students irrespective of their principal
Reading
instrument to be able to read different rhythms and rhythmic
Rhythms (Core)
phrases from notation
Recognizing and clapping of simple rhythms with quarter notes,
eighth notes, triplets etc. In simple time signatures like 4/4, 3/4.
Reading
The students will be expected to correctly read and clap rhythms
Rhythms 1
presented to them and will be graded accordingly in quizzes and
tests
Recognizing and clapping of more advanced rhythms with
Reading
sixteenth notes, rests, ties and syncopations in more complex
Rhythms 2
time signatures
Students will study first exercises in Carnatic Music as is
customarily taught in the tradition. 14 Sarali Varisais, 9 Janta
Varisais, 5 Mel Sthayi Varisais, 2 Dhatu Varisais in
Carnatic
Mayamalavagowla raga, Basic Suladi Sapta Talas, Alankaras in
Studies I (Core)
Sapta Talas, A minimum of 3 geethams and 1 Swarajathi along
with Note Swaram will be covered. All exercises will be taught by
singing.
 Students will study and Analyse Varnams(a song form) in
Carnatic different Ragas such as Sankarabharanam, Mohanam, Abhoghi,
Studies II (Core) Hamsadhwani and Kalyani. Along with this students will learn
compositions in different Adi, Rupakam and Chapu Talas.
Technique
Labs (Core)
Triads (Maj, Min, Aug, Dim) and inversions in all 12 keys, Seventh
Chords and inversions (Maj7, Maj6, min7, min6, Dom7,
Guitar
min7flat5), Arpeggios from various scale degrees, Major, Natural
Technique Lab
minor, Harmonic Minor and Melodic minor scales in position
1
from various scale degrees in all 12 keys, Harmonization of these
scales in 3 and 4 part harmony
Triads in Open voicings, Seventh Chords and inversions
including altered structures coming out of Maj7, min7, Dom7,
minmaj7, 9ths, 11ths and 13s, Drop 2, Drop 3 and Drop 2 and 4
Guitar
voicings, Arpeggios, Concepts of voice leading over chord
Technique Lab
progressions, Modes from Major Scale, Natural minor, Harmonic
2
minor and melodic minor, Altered Scales, Symmetrical
Diminished scales (whole- half and half-whole), Whole Tone
Scales
Fingerboard essentials, right and left hand co-ordination, scales
Bass Technique
in all 12 keys, arpeggios, patterns, major, minor and dominant
Lab 1
chords
Continuation of more advanced scales, arpeggios and modes,
Bass Technique
application of creatives harmonic concepts in grooves, creating
Lab 2
interesting bass lines in even and odd time signatures
Triads (Maj, Min, Aug, Dim) and inversions in all 12 keys, Seventh
Chords and inversions (Maj7, Maj6, min7, min6, Dom7,
Piano
min7flat5), Arpeggios from various scale degrees, Major, Natural
Technique Lab
minor, Harmonic Minor and Melodic minor scales from various
1
scale degrees in all 12 keys, Harmonization of these scales in 3
and 4 part harmony
Triads in Open voicings, Seventh Chords and inversions
including altered structures coming out of Maj7, min7, Dom7,
minmaj7, 9ths, 11ths and 13s, Drop 2, Drop 3 and Drop 2 and 4
Piano
voicings, Arpeggios, Concepts of voice leading over chord
Technique Lab
progressions, Modes from Major Scale, Natural minor, Harmonic
2
minor and melodic minor, Altered Scales, Symmetrical
Diminished scales (whole- half and half-whole), Whole Tone
Scales
Technique, Anatomy of Voices, intergrating all Physical Aspect of
Vocal the instrument, Breathing Techniques, placement and support.
Technique Lab Using the Vocal Intsrument, Major and Minor blues, form and
1 harmony, improvising in the Blues and other scales, Singing Base
Lines Chord Tones and Guide tones, II-V-I Improv Excersices.
Continuation of Integrating all aspects of the vocal production,
Vocal
Effortless singing, Extending you voice range, Freeing your voice,
Technique Lab
Write your own songs, Review of the minor blues improv, Singing
2
in all modes, Singing solis, Singing Vocalese, free Improvisation
Drums Working on Rudiments, Basic Independence, Basic Hand Foot
Technique Lab Coordination, Basic Grooves and Understanding Different Time
1 Signatures and Styles.

Drums Advance Independence, Advance Hand and foot Coordination,

Technique Lab Learning Different Styles and Grooves and complex Time
2 Signatures, Soloing over Complex Time Signatures and Styles.
Reading Labs
(Core)
In this course, students are taught a holistic approach to guitar
technique based on physical stability and optimal relaxation.
Points of focus are: natural positioning of thumb in left hand,
exercises that develop dexterity and flexibility simultaneously
Guitar reading (for right and left hand), utilization of the pinky finger, and the
Lab 1 practice of leaving all unused fretboard fingers relaxed. The goal
of the course is to improve students agility on the instrument, to
help the student discover which positions afford them the most
relaxation, and to develop discipline in practice through focused
and meditative exercises.
Reading positions 1 though 5 in all keys emphasis on 8th and
Guitar reading
16th notes, Reading Rhythms with 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th chords
Lab 2
and all its inversions.
This course covers chart reading through extensive use of
Bass reading detailed charts in wide range of styles, including rock, funk, pop
Lab 1 and contemporary instrumental. Concentration is on rhythmic
accuracy, pitch correction and song form.
Material Presented will advance the concepts taught in previous
Bass reading
classes. The focus will be on out of class preparation of written
Lab 2
examples as well as in-class sight reading at an advanced level.
Introduction to basic reading. Learning how to read treble and
Piano reading
bass clef. Also understanding Rhythms and time signatures.
Lab 1
Working on easy early classical pieces by Mozart and Beethoven.
And extension of Piano Reading Lab 1. Understanding dynamics
Piano reading and interpretation. Learning how to read chord symbols with
Lab 2 melody. Also, working on more advanced classical pieces as well
as popular styles (Jazz, Pop, Rock etc)
Recognizing notations on staff in C major Scale both in treble and
bass clef and sight singing in C major scale. Recognition
Sight Singing signature notation on staff in all major keys in both Bass and
Lab 1 Treble clef. Sight Singing in all major Keys in both the clefs.
Introduction to Minor keys and sight singing in Am key in both
Bass and Treble Clef. Introduction to Different Minor Keys.
Review of Sight Singing I, Recognition of harmonic and Melodic
Minor in Base and Treble Clef. Introduction and Recognition of
Sight Singing
Modes in Treble and Bass Clef. Sight Singing in modes in all keys
Lab 2
in Both Treble and Bass Clef. Recognition Sight Singing of
Chromatic Approached Notes in Both Treble and bass Clef.
Drum
Rudiments and This course will cover Snare Rudiments, Stick control and basic
Basic Reading reading studies.
Lab
Drumset Reading Charts and Drum Beat, Reading Syncopated Rhythms,
Reading Lab and Complex Time Signatures in Various Styles of Music.
 The basic concepts of composing a drum solo performance,
Solo Drum development of ideas in a cogent manner, building soloing
Performance vocabulary across genres are some of the concepts that will be
Lab covered in this lab. Students will prepare and present two
contrasting drum solos
Modern
Interaction, Fluidity, Orchestration, Metric Modulations,
Improvisation
Subdivisions, Soloing over Vamps, Trading etc will be covered.
Lab for Drums
Construction of melodic and rhythmic phrases using stylistic
Modern approaches, interaction on the tonal plane,
Improvisation polymodal improvisation concepts, parametric approach to
Lab for Piano building musical form, soloing over chord changes using altered
dominant scales and application on synthetic scales.
Different approaches to improvisation using target, passing and
neighbour notes. Super imposing and symmetrical scale usage(
Modern
diminished and whole tone). Technique such as legato, hybrid
Improvisation
picking, sweep picking and finger style. Attention will be given to
Lab for Guitar
chords in improvising a more pianistic approach for extended
and altered sounds.
The Course will deal with best practices in effective preparation
for maximizing musicality in performance. Rehearsal
preparation, preparation of charts, arranging techniques, ideas
Music for effective interpersonal communication musically and
Preparation otherwise amongst band members are some of the concepts that
Techniques for will be discussed. This is a performance based course where the
the Bandstand students will have an opportunity to play with the faculty in class
and get feedback on all aspects of performance in a bandstand.
Students will present a recital featuring the various
organisational tools studied in class.
Music
Technology
(Core)
This course introduces the students to the latest technology in
Introduction to
computer based recording and production. The students would
Music
be introduced to the popular Digital Audio Workstations,
Technology and
introduction to MIDI and basics of using controllers for
Production
production.
Carnatic
Studies
A detailed look at the Melakarta system as codified by
Venkatamakhi involving 72 ragas that utilize all 16 scale degrees
as seen in Carnatic music divided on the basis of Suddha
Madhyama and Prati Madhyama Ragas. Representative Janya
Ragas from some of these Melakarta Ragas will be studied. The
Melakarta and various forms of Janya Ragas including Audava, Shadava,
Janya Ragas Audava-Shadava, Shadava- Audava, Audava-Sampoorna,
(Core) Shadava-Sampoorna, Sampoorna-Audava and
Sampoorna-Shadava including Vakra Ragas will be studied.
Representative Ragas in each category will be chosen to highlight
the gamakas, prayogas and murchanas. Studies will be
supplemented by listening sessions in and outside class.
Students will present class projects, assignments pertaining to
 the course content. Students are expected to apply concepts
learned in this course to performance work in ensembles and
recitals.

A comprehensive study of the Suladi Sapta Talas including their

gathi variants. Each tala will be covered in detail with
representative examples either found in the literature or
Sapta Talas and
composed as exercises specifically for class. Chapu Talas will
Chapu Talas
also be covered in detail. Students will present class projects,
(Core)
assignments pertaining to the course content. Students are
expected to apply concepts learned in this course to performance
work in ensembles and recitals.
Konnakol is the art of uttering the sounds of rhythm syllables
verbally. Dynamics, clarity of diction and control over Laya are
stressed. This fascinating art of reciting faster phrases of
rhythms, articulate expressions by tongue-twisting syllables
makes it an eloquent presentation. Students will learn detailed
Konnakol
vocal percussion exercises, starting from the basics, weaving
(Core)
patterns and phrases. Students will also have an insight into
various Talas, Sollukattu, Aksharas, Matras, Angas, 5 Jaatis, Yatis,
Kaarvais, Moharas and Korvais. Exploring imaginative patterns in
rhythmic improvisation using these syllables, would be studied
and performed.
Advanced Continuing from the basics of Konnakol, this course will guide
Konnakol students in exploring the rhythmic concepts such as Yatis,
(Core) Kaarvais, Moharas and Korvais in more detail.
This unique course instructed by Carnatic, Hindustani and
Contemporary western music faculty includes detailed study on
Application of
applying ideas and concepts of Indian classical music into
Konnakol and
western harmony. The course work will explore the art of fusing
Bol in Modern
different styles of music and the dos and donts. Students will be
Music
given in class examples and experimental projects as part of the
course work.
Tygaraja, Dikshitar and Syama Shastri are the three most
Tygaraja,
important composers in Carnatic music. Students will study
Dikshitar and
specific compositional features composers works through
Syama Shastri
listening and analysis. Three representative Kritis Sadinchane of
Kritis
Tygaraja, Sri Sukhra Bhagavantham of Dikshitar and Palinchu
(Core)
Kamakshi of Syama Shastri will be studied in detail.
ELECTIVES - Electives change each Trimester based on faculty
Credits

Each Trimester a student should enroll for a minimum of 15 credits.

Trimester I
Title Credits
Ensemble 2
Contemporary Harmony I 2
Music Theory 1
Ear Training I 1
Reading Rhythms I 1
Private Lesson 1
Reading Lab I 1
Technique Lab I 1
Basic Piano 1
Carnatic Music Studies 1
Konnakol 1
Introduction to Audio Engineering and Music
1
Technology & Technology
Custom Elective I 1
Total 15
Trimester II
Title Credits
Ensemble 2
Contemporary Harmony 2 2
Composition & Arranging 1 1
Ear Training 2 1
Reading Rhythms 2 1
Private Lesson 1
Reading Lab 2 1
Technique Lab 2 1
Carnatic Music Studies 2 1
Konnakol II 1
Melakartha & Janya Ragas 1
Custom Elective I 1
Custom Elective II 1
Total 15
Trimester III
Title Credits
Ensemble 2
Stylized Harmonic Concepts 2
Composition & Arranging 2 1
Transcription 1
Private Lesson 1
Advanced Reading Lab 1
Modern Improvisation Technique Lab 1
Music Preparation Techniques for the Bandstand 1
Tyagaraja, Dikshitar & Syama Sastri Kritis 1
Applications of Konnakol in Modern Music 1
Custom Elective I 1
Custom Elective II 1
Custom Elective II 1
Total 15
Trimester IV
Title Credits
Ensemble 2
Stylized Harmonic Concepts 2
Composition & Arranging 3 1
Transcription 1
Private Lesson 1
Directed Study (Carnatic Studies) 1
Directed Study with Principal Instrument Instructor 1
Music Preparation Techniques for the Bandstand 1
Modern Improvisation Technique Lab 1
Elective (from Audio Engineering and Music
1
Technology Program)
Custom Elective I 1
Custom Elective II 1
Custom Elective II 1
Total 15

Tests and Grades

Tests

For each credited course a student is enrolled for, he/she will be graded
according to the prescribed grading system. The students can be tested by
a written test, computerized test or assignments or a combination of all
these. The scores for each test or assignment should be calculated on a
scale of 100, and submitted to the Academics Co-ordinator within 3 days of
the completion of assessment.

Grading System

Academic standing and eligibility for a diploma are determined by the

quality of course work. To determine academic standing, SAM uses a point
system, each qualitative grade having an equivalent numerical value.
Letter Grade Equivalent Percentage Numerical Value

A 93-100 4
A- 90-92 3.67
B+ 87-89 3.33
B 83-86 3
B- 80-82 2.67
C+ 77-79 2.33
C 73-76 2
C- 70-72 1.67
D+ 67-69 1.33
D 60-66 1
D- 50-59 0.7
F 0-49 0
W Withdrawal 0
I Incomplete 0

Course Fee

One year Diploma is 2 Trimesters

Two year Diploma is 4 Trimesters

NATIONAL STUDENT FEE

CREDIT CALCULATION
Minimum
Cost per Credit Tuition Fee per
Program Credit Per
(INR) Trimester (INR)
Trimester
Music Performance 15 20,000 300,000
Audio Engineering
and Music
10 20,000 200,000
Technology and
Technology

One Trimester fee in Music Performance

Tuition fee
Miscellaneous Food (per
(per
fee (one time) Trimester
Trimester)
INR ) INR
INR
Tuition fee (per
300,000 20,000 55,000
Trimester)
Per
Accommodation
Trimester
 Single/Bat Medium Small Double
h attached Single Single Occupancy
A/C Rs. 40,000 Rs. 35,000 Rs. 30,000 Rs. 25,000
Non A/C Rs. 35,000 Rs. 30,000 Rs. 25,000 Rs. 20,000

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FEE

CREDIT CALCULATION (USD)

Minimum Credit Per Cost per Tuition Fee per

Program
Trimester Credit Trimester

Music
15 350 5,250
Performance

One Trimester fee in Music Performance - International Students (USD)

Tuition fee Food (per
Miscellaneous
(per Trimeste
fee (one time)
Trimester) r)
Tuition fee (per
5,250 350 850
Trimester)
Per
Trimester
Accommodation
Single/Bath Medium Small Double
attached Single Single Occupancy
A/C 650 550 450 400
Non A/C 550 450 400 300