REIMAGINING THE TEACHING OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC IN THE DIGITAL AGE: PEDAGOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The expansion of digital communication technologies has significantly influenced the transmission of Indian Classical Music beyond traditional geographical boundaries. Historically sustained through the Guru–Shishya Parampara, the pedagogy of Indian Classical Music is increasingly adapting to online learning environments that enable students worldwide to access instruction without physical proximity to a teacher. This shift has become particularly important for members of the Indian diaspora who often face challenges in accessing qualified instructors locally. This paper examines the pedagogical possibilities and challenges associated with online music education platforms in the global dissemination of Indian Classical Music. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study reviews contemporary online teaching practices and incorporates insights from a semi-structured interview with a practitioner associated with an online music academy. The discussion highlights issues of accessibility, scheduling flexibility, learner engagement, and emerging socio-economic opportunities for music educators. The results show that even though there are still some technical issues like delay and less personal interaction, new ways of teaching online can really help more people around the world learn and keep Indian Classical Music alive. This can be a great way to share and preserve this traditional music, even with the current limitations. As technology improves, it's likely that even more people will be able to participate and learn about Indian Classical Music.