Admissions open for 2026–27
Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT)
The Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT) is a one-year, 40-credit university diploma that trains musicians to teach music. It is awarded by the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in association with AIMA (Dr TVG’s Academy of Indian Music & Arts), runs over two semesters, and can be studied online or in person. Applicants need 10+2 or an equivalent qualification. The fee is Rs 1.32 lakh, and AIMA’s Living in Arts Foundation (LiAF) sponsors underprivileged candidates.
- Awarded by SRMIST
- 1 year, 2 semesters
- 40 credits
- Online or in person
- Eligibility: 10+2
- LiAF sponsorship
The DMTT at a glance
| Awarded by | SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), a NAAC A++ accredited university |
|---|---|
| In association with | Dr TVG’s Academy of Indian Music & Arts (AIMA) |
| Duration | 1 year, in 2 semesters |
| Credits | 40 |
| Mode | Online or in person |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent; prior musical training recommended |
| Fee | Rs 1.32 lakh |
| Sponsorship | Living in Arts Foundation (LiAF) sponsors underprivileged candidates |
| Heritage | Successor to Achaarya Nipuna, conceived by Padma Bhushan Dr T V Gopalakrishnan |
| Admissions | Open for 2026–27 |
| Contact | infosrmist@tvgaima.com or WhatsApp +91 82481 26714 |
What is the DMTT?
Playing or singing well and teaching well are different skills. The DMTT closes that gap. It is a university diploma that trains musicians in how to teach: how to plan a course, manage a class, keep students engaged, understand how they learn, assess their progress and teach online.
Graduates are prepared to teach in schools, music institutions, online platforms and their own studios, with a qualification from SRMIST to show for it.
What you’ll learn
Over two semesters, the DMTT covers eight areas of music teaching.
Music teaching methods
Traditional and contemporary approaches to teaching music.
Curriculum planning and lesson design
Planning a course and building lessons that progress step by step.
Child-centred learning
Teaching that starts from how each learner understands and grows.
Assessment and evaluation
Ways to measure progress and give useful feedback.
Classroom management and engagement
Running a class well and keeping students motivated.
Learning psychology
How students learn, practise and stay motivated at different ages.
Online, hybrid and digital teaching
Teaching well on video, in blended classes and with digital tools.
Practical teaching experience
Teaching real students as part of the diploma.
For the detailed curriculum, fill in the enquiry form or write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com.
Who should apply
Who it’s for
- Music teachers who want a professional qualification
- Performing artists who want to teach
- Advanced music students who want to become teachers
- Arts institutions upskilling their faculty
Eligibility
- 10+2 or an equivalent qualification
- Prior musical training is recommended
Learning format
- Online
- In person
- Two semesters over one year
Careers after the DMTT
Graduates can teach in schools, music institutions, online platforms and independent studios. Roles include:
- Music teacher
- Fine arts faculty
- Curriculum developer
- Arts education coordinator
- Online music educator
- Independent arts entrepreneur
Fees and LiAF sponsorship
Fee
Rs 1.32 lakh
For the full one-year diploma.
LiAF sponsorship
AIMA’s Living in Arts Foundation funds underprivileged candidates to complete the DMTT. To ask about eligibility, write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com.
From Achaarya Nipuna to the DMTT
The DMTT is the successor to Achaarya Nipuna, the teacher training program conceived by Padma Bhushan Dr T V Gopalakrishnan, who founded AIMA in 1974. AIMA has trained musicians in the contemporary gurukulam tradition for five decades and designed the curriculum of the SRMIST Certificate in Music/Dance. With SRMIST, that experience now leads to a university diploma.
DMTT or the SRMIST Certificate?
Take the DMTT if you already sing, play or dance well and want to teach. Take the certificate to learn a specialization and record your progress level by level.
| DMTT | Certificate in Music/Dance | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Train to teach music | Learn and perform a music or dance specialization |
| Structure | 1 year, 2 semesters | 8 levels, with a diploma after all 8 |
| Credits | 40 | 40 |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent | Age 7 or older |
| Mode | Online or in person | Exams online or in person |
| Details | This page | Certificate page |
How to apply
- EnquireFill in the enquiry form or write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com.
- Get the detailsReceive the curriculum, fees, admission process and important dates.
- ApplyComplete the admission process. Ask about LiAF sponsorship if you need it.
- StudyComplete two semesters, online or in person, including practical teaching.
- GraduateReceive your Diploma in Music Teacher Training from SRMIST.
DMTT FAQs
What is the Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT)?
The DMTT is a one-year, 40-credit university diploma that trains musicians to teach music. It is awarded by the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in association with AIMA.
How long is the DMTT?
One year, in two semesters.
How many credits does the DMTT carry?
40 credits.
Who awards the DMTT?
The SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), a NAAC A++ accredited university, awards the diploma in association with Dr TVG’s Academy of Indian Music & Arts (AIMA).
What is the eligibility for the DMTT?
10+2 or an equivalent qualification. Prior musical training is recommended.
Can I study the DMTT online?
Yes. The DMTT can be studied online or in person.
How much does the DMTT cost?
The fee is Rs 1.32 lakh.
Is there a scholarship or sponsorship for the DMTT?
Yes. AIMA’s Living in Arts Foundation (LiAF) sponsors underprivileged candidates. Write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com to ask about eligibility.
What will I learn in the DMTT?
Music teaching methods, curriculum planning and lesson design, child-centred learning, assessment and evaluation, classroom management and student engagement, learning psychology, online and hybrid teaching, and practical teaching experience.
Who should apply for the DMTT?
Music teachers who want a professional qualification, performing artists who want to teach, advanced music students who want to become teachers, and arts institutions upskilling their faculty.
What careers does the DMTT lead to?
Graduates can work as music teachers, fine arts faculty, curriculum developers, arts education coordinators, online music educators or independent arts entrepreneurs.
How is the DMTT related to Achaarya Nipuna?
The DMTT is the successor to Achaarya Nipuna, the teacher training program conceived by Padma Bhushan Dr T V Gopalakrishnan at AIMA.
How is the DMTT different from the SRMIST Certificate in Music/Dance?
The certificate is an 8-level program for learning to perform a music or dance specialization, open from age 7. The DMTT is a one-year diploma for musicians who want to teach, open to applicants with 10+2.
How do I apply for the DMTT?
Fill in the enquiry form on this page or write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com. AIMA will send the curriculum, fees, admission process and important dates.
Last updated: October 2026
Related pages
Ready to teach music professionally?
Fill in the enquiry form for the curriculum, fees, admission process and dates, or write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com.
AIMA
Dr TVG's Academy of Indian Music & Arts
Founded in 1974 as the Chembai Memorial Music Center and renamed the Academy of Indian Music & Arts in 1984. A charitable trust, 80G, FCRA and CSR registered.
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