Are Regional Music Schools Getting The Industry Recognition They Deserve?

India's music industry is expanding across languages, genres and regional markets, creating growing opportunities for artists, composers, performers and music professionals. Yet, behind this growth lies a larger question: are the institutions nurturing India's musical talent receiving the recognition and support they deserve?

Regional music schools play an important role in preserving traditional art forms, nurturing local talent and providing aspiring musicians with access to structured learning. However, their contribution often remains outside the mainstream music education and industry ecosystem, raising questions about institutional recognition, career opportunities and their integration into the larger music business.

While established music institutions often enjoy greater visibility and industry networks, several regional and independent music schools continue to work towards creating opportunities for students without necessarily having access to the same institutional support, industry partnerships or professional pathways.

For Salone Mehta, Founder and Director, The Artistes Studio, the larger problem begins with how music and the performing arts are positioned within India's education system.

“What is unfortunate and, sadly, tragic in our country is that music and the arts are not given the recognition they deserve. There are no formal structures like those in Russia, Korea or China. In India, music and the arts are treated as optional; they are not part of the mainstream,” she says.

Mehta believes that the lack of formal integration of music into mainstream education limits not just the recognition of music institutions but also the opportunities available to students who wish to pursue the arts.

“Why not bring music into the mainstream? That is when it will have a real chance. And it is not just about nurturing children to become musicians. Music and the arts shape a child's character, imagination and personality. These are qualities that they can carry into any profession they choose later in life,” she adds.

Her argument points to a larger gap in India's approach to music education. The value of learning music extends beyond professional performance, contributing to creativity, discipline, confidence and individual expression. However, when music remains an optional subject rather than an integral part of the curriculum, institutions dedicated to teaching it can struggle to receive the same recognition as mainstream academic establishments.

Mehta believes that formal recognition within the education system could change the position of regional music schools and create a more supportive environment for aspiring musicians.

“I believe there will come a day, hopefully, as I am an eternal optimist, when music and the performing arts become an integral part of the curriculum and are formally incorporated into the education system. Then, the regional schools you are referring to will receive greater recognition and support, just like mathematics, science and other mainstream subjects,” she says.

However, institutional recognition is only one part of the larger conversation. As the music industry evolves with technology, digital platforms and changing professional requirements, the definition of talent and employability is also shifting.

KC Loy, Music Director, Singer and Composer, believes that the institution an individual trains at may not necessarily determine their professional success. Instead, he points to practical skills, adaptability, industry relationships and the ability to identify opportunities as increasingly important factors.

“However, I truly don’t think it matters which institution you were trained at. What matters is whether you are skilled at your craft, the quality of your showreel, your ability to adapt to technology, your professional network, and your business acumen to recognise and seize the right opportunities. Ultimately, it is also essential to be at the right place at the right time,” he says.

Loy also highlights how artificial intelligence is changing the professional landscape for musicians and music creators.

“The game has changed since AI entered the scene,” he adds.

His perspective brings another dimension to the debate. While regional music schools may need greater institutional visibility and industry recognition, they must also prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven music ecosystem. Technical proficiency, digital literacy, professional presentation and the ability to build industry connections are becoming important aspects of a musician's career.

This raises an important question about the role of music institutions: should their responsibility end with teaching musical fundamentals, or should they also prepare students for the commercial and technological realities of the industry?

For regional music schools, bridging this gap could mean building stronger relationships with music labels, independent artists, studios, event organisers and production companies. Industry collaborations, mentorship programmes, performance opportunities and practical exposure could help students move beyond classroom learning and establish professional careers.

At the same time, the industry needs to look beyond institutional reputation and recognise talent emerging from smaller cities, regional academies and independent learning spaces. India's musical diversity cannot be fully represented through a limited number of established institutions or conventional training pathways.

Ultimately, the recognition of regional music schools is not merely an education-sector issue. It is also connected to how India's music industry discovers, develops and sustains talent. While formal curriculum integration could provide the foundation for greater acceptance, industry exposure and evolving skill requirements will determine how effectively these institutions translate training into professional opportunities.

If India's music industry is looking to build a more inclusive and sustainable talent ecosystem, regional music schools cannot remain on the sidelines. Their recognition could be an important step towards ensuring that talent is identified and nurtured irrespective of geography or institutional background.