Contemporary Gurukulam based, Music & Dance Classes in Chennai and Online

AIMA's story began in 1974, when Dr T V Gopalakrishnan established the Chembai Memorial Music Center in memory of his guru, Mahaguru Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. It was re-registered as a charitable trust and renamed the Academy of Indian Music & Arts (AIMA) on 27 June 1984.

AIMA was founded by Padma Bhushan Dr T V Gopalakrishnan, a renowned Carnatic and Hindustani vocalist and mridangam maestro, who started the institution in 1974 and continues to head it as Founder-Chairman.

Padma Bhushan Dr T V Gopalakrishnan continues to head AIMA as Founder-Chairman. Day-to-day operations are led by Dr Devie Neithiyar, Chief Executive Director and Trustee, under his guidance.

AIMA has four campuses in Chennai, and also teaches live online. Thoraipakkam: Kriyates Complex, 361 Madha Koil St, Vivekananda Nagar, near Anjappar Hotel. Pallikaranai: 323-B, Kamakoti Nagar, 1st Main Road, opposite Balaji Dental College. Velachery: Cambridge Montessori Pre-School and Daycare, 6, 4th Main Rd, Vijaya Nagar, opposite Adyar Ananda Bhavan. Sholinganallur: Clubhouse, TNHB 1500 Flats, TNHB Main Rd.

Thoraipakkam offers Vocal, Violin, Dance, Keyboard and Adult Vocal. Pallikaranai offers Vocal, Dance, Keyboard, Violin and Mridangam. Velachery offers Vocal and Violin. Sholinganallur offers Vocal, Dance and Keyboard. Online classes are also available.

AIMA was originally the Chembai Memorial Music Center, named in honour of Mahaguru Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. It was renamed the Academy of Indian Music & Arts in 1984.

AIMA follows the Gurukulam ethos, where students learn closely from a guru, and holds to the founder's belief that 'If you can speak, you can sing'. Dr T V Gopalakrishnan also developed a specialised methodology to raise standards of music education.

Yes. AIMA is registered as a charitable trust, is 80G, FCRA and CSR registered, and is recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

AIMA has been teaching for over 50 years and is listed among the top 10 music academies in Chennai by the Chennai Top 10 directory. It offers one-to-one and group classes taught by trained faculty.

Carnatic music is the classical tradition of South India and Hindustani music is the classical tradition of North India. AIMA teaches both, along with semi-classical, devotional and film music.

Many children begin between ages 5 and 8, but there is no upper age limit. AIMA has beginner programs for children, teenagers and adults.

No. AIMA teaches beginners, intermediate and advanced students, and a short trial session helps the faculty place you at the right level.

Yes. AIMA offers film music, karaoke singing and reality-show training, alongside classical vocal courses.

It is coaching to improve pitch, breath control and tone, and to correct strain or faulty technique. It helps singers as well as people who use their voice professionally.

AIMA teaches violin, veena, flute, saxophone, keyboard and guitar, plus percussion including mridangam, ghatam, tabla, ganjira, rhythmpad and konnakkol.

AIMA teaches Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, folk dance and film-contemporary dance.

AIMA offers both one-to-one and group classes.

Yes. AIMA runs SRMIST-certified programs in music, dance and fine arts, and its own diplomas: Achaarya Nipuna (Art of Teaching), Kalaa Vishaarad (Art of Performance), Samsiddha (Alternative Therapy) and Rasika Vishaarad (Appreciation of Fine Arts).

Yes. The Achaarya Nipuna diploma is AIMA's music teacher training program.

Yes. AIMA prepares students for the SRMIST (SRM Institute of Science and Technology) grade certificate exams, which have 8 grade levels and are held in January and July. AIMA's syllabus is aligned to this program, and AIMA created the curriculum for SRMIST.

Yes. AIMA's online classes are taught live by faculty, and students can also learn in person at AIMA's Chennai campuses.

Yes. AIMA has students worldwide, and online classes are open to learners in any country.

Yes. AIMA offers a free trial for all courses. Book it by messaging AIMA on WhatsApp at +91 82481 26714. You pick a course and a convenient slot, and meet a guru in a short session to find your level.

Book a free trial on WhatsApp at +91 82481 26714, or call your nearest campus, meet your guru, then enrol for online or in-person classes. You can also write to info@tvgaima.com.

Fees depend on the course you choose. Message AIMA on WhatsApp at +91 82481 26714 or email info@tvgaima.com for details, and start with a free trial class.

Yes. DASH offers after-school music and dance programs and an integrated curriculum for schools, and IWL offers music-based workplace wellness programs for corporates.

AIMA's philosophy is that regularly practised music supports relaxation and wellbeing, and its research and publications include work on music and wellness and on voice culture. Music classes are not a substitute for medical treatment.

Yes. AIMA's research and publications include Layathwam (the concept of rhythm) by Dr T V Gopalakrishnan, a comparative study of Carnatic and Hindustani music, the book Mrdangam: The King of Percussions (With Notation) by Dr T V Gopalakrishnan (ISBN 9788190666305), Your Voice: A Practical Guide, and Music & Wellness.

LiAF is AIMA's social initiative for musicians. It includes Live On (welfare for working and retired musicians), Kala Pratibha (grants for artists in need) and Achaarya Nipuna (free music education for music teachers).

Yes. AIMA is 80G registered, so donors can claim the 80G tax exemption under Indian income tax rules. You can donate through the Donate Now button, or write to info@tvgaima.com for details.