For those who have wanted to get their wards trained in a professional music school, Ananth Vaidyanathan Voice Akademi, provides this opportunity, right here in Coimbatore.

Started by popular voice expert Ananth Vaidyanathan, who is a well-known face among television viewers, especially those who keenly followed Airtel Super Singer, the Akademi will train 70 students to begin with.

“My mother is a musician and I am also a trained Carnatic singer. My daughters learn and perform vocal and dance. The older one, Abinaya Parameswaran completed her diploma in singing while she was 12 years old. I want her singing to be more expressive. However, my work keeps me busy. I am unable to practice or participate in concerts. Now I am confident that under the training of Guru Ananth Vaidyanathan she will improve,” a parent Lakshmi Parameswaran said. She was one of the several parents who were present at the induction function of students to the Akademi.

The master himself was present to interact with the first batch of students and their parents. As a mark of inducting the new comers into the Akademi, Mr. Vaidyanathan draped a sash across their shoulders.

“I have hand-picked my students from this city. We had auditions that were attended by 400 aspiring singers. We have chosen 70 who have been divided into pre-professional, preparatory and introductory category based on their age and singing ability. Classes will begin soon in the city centre,” Ananth Vaidyanathan said.

This is the first centre launched by the voice expert. On quizzed as to why he chose Coimbatore of all places he said that it was because the city had talent.

His classes would have a balance of workshops and individual coaching. Students would be provided with the relevant study material too.

An exponent of Carnatic and Hindustani forms of music, his advice to aspiring playback singers is: “Singers must take advantage of digital technology. Use it to record your voice, listen to it and improve upon it. Practice leads to perfection. As a singer and a composer, even today my aim is to sing better, and compose better music day after day.”

Ananth Vaidyanathan Voice Akademi is located in Ramnagar. For details about classes, contact 99430-99602.