The Bhatkhande Music Institute University is one of the most prestigious destinations for learning Hindustani classical music, in this state capital will now also impart training in Western classical music, told officials. The varsity administration has decided to launch courses in Western music, especially instrumental, from the next admission session. According to officials, the varsity will initially train students to play different types of Western musical instruments like the piano and others coming under the brass and the strings category.
Later, depending upon the feedback from students, the varsity will expand the domain of training. In a few months, the varsity will make appointments of faculty members to train students in Western music. In 1926, Pt.Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande established a music school in Lucknow with the help and co-operation of Rai Umanath Bali and Rai Rajeshwar Bali and other music patrons and connoisseurs of Lucknow. The institution was inaugrated by the then Governor of Awadh Sir William Marris and was named after him as 'Marris College of Music'. On March 26, 1966, the Uttar Pradesh goverment brought the college under its control and renamed it after its founder as Bhatkhande College of Hindustani Music. At the request of the state government, the central government by a notification on Oct 24, 2000, declared the institute a university. Students not only from India, but also from Sri Lanka, Nepal, central and east Asian countries study in the varsity on (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) ICCR scholarships.
