SRMIST-Certified Music and Dance Programs at AIMA
AIMA (Dr TVG’s Academy of Indian Music & Arts) works with the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) on two university-certified programs: an 8-grade certificate program in music and dance, whose curriculum AIMA designed, and the Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT). The grade exams are held in January and July, are open from age 7, and are open to students of any academy or teacher. AIMA also trains students for them in Chennai and online.
- Certified by SRMIST
- 8-grade certificate
- Diploma in Music Teacher Training
- Exams in January and July
- Open to all academies and teachers
SRMIST programs at a glance
| Certified by | SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) |
|---|---|
| Programs | 8-grade certificate program in music and dance and the Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT) |
| Disciplines | Carnatic vocal, veena, violin, mridangam, keyboard and Bharatanatyam |
| Exams | January and July |
| Registration | December to January for the July exam; June to July for the January exam |
| Age | From age 7, with no upper age limit |
| Who can take part | Students of AIMA, other music academies and institutes, and private teachers |
| Training at AIMA | Four Chennai campuses (Thoraipakkam, Pallikaranai, Velachery, Sholinganallur) and live online |
| Contact | infosrmist@tvgaima.com |
About the AIMA and SRMIST collaboration
AIMA designed the curriculum for the SRMIST certificate program in music and dance, bringing five decades of teaching in the contemporary gurukulam tradition of Padma Bhushan Dr T V Gopalakrishnan. SRMIST certifies the programs, so students and teachers earn a university-recognised credential. The grade exams are open to every student, whoever they learn with.
Choose your program
Take the grade certificate to learn an art form and record your progress. Take the DMTT if you already sing, play or dance well and want to teach.
8-grade certificate program in music and dance
A graded, SRMIST-certified pathway with an exam and certificate at each grade.
- 8 grades, from beginner to advanced
- Carnatic vocal, veena, violin, mridangam, keyboard and Bharatanatyam
- From age 7, no upper age limit
- For beginners, existing students and adult learners
Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT)
An SRMIST-certified diploma that trains musicians to become music teachers.
- For musicians who want to teach music
- Covers teaching methods, lesson planning, assessment and online teaching
- Successor to AIMA’s Achaarya Nipuna program
- LiAF sponsorship for underprivileged candidates
Grade exam dates and registration
The grade exams are held twice a year. Register during the window before the exam you want to take.
July exam
- Registration
- December to January
- Exam
- July
January exam
- Registration
- June to July
- Exam
- January
For exact dates, write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com.
How to take an SRMIST grade exam
The grade exams are open to every student, not only those who train at AIMA. You can prepare with your own teacher or academy, or learn at AIMA.
If you teach or learn elsewhere
AIMA welcomes students from other music academies and private teachers.
- Music academies and institutes can register and send their students
- Private teachers can register and enter their students
- Students keep learning with their own teacher
To register your institute or students, write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com during the registration window.
If you learn at AIMA
- Book a free trialMessage us on WhatsApp with your discipline and preferred campus or online slot.
- Get placedYour guru assesses you and places you at the right grade.
- LearnAttend group or one-to-one classes, in person or online.
- RegisterAIMA enters you for the exam during the registration window.
- Get certifiedTake the exam in January or July and receive your SRMIST certificate.
Train for the exams at AIMA
AIMA trains students for the grade exams at four Chennai campuses and live online. Not every discipline is taught at every campus, so tell us which one you want when you book a free trial.
| Campus | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Thoraipakkam | Kriyates Complex, 361, Madha Koil St, Vivekananda Nagar, near Anjappar Hotel, Chennai 600097 | +91 95662 03821 |
| Pallikaranai | 323-B, Kamakoti Nagar, 1st Main Road, opposite Balaji Dental College, Chennai 600100 | +91 89392 26222 |
| Velachery | Cambridge Montessori Pre-School and Daycare, 6, 4th Main Rd, Vijaya Nagar, opposite Adyar Ananda Bhavan, behind Durable Chrome, Chennai 600042 | +91 95662 03821 |
| Sholinganallur | Clubhouse, TNHB 1500 Flats, TNHB Main Rd, Chennai 600119 | +91 95662 03821 |
| Online | Live classes for students in any country, one-to-one or group | WhatsApp +91 82481 26714 |
SRMIST programs FAQs
What SRMIST programs does AIMA offer?
Two: an 8-grade certificate program in music and dance, and the Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT). Both are certified by the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). For details, write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com.
What is the SRMIST certificate program in music and dance?
It is a graded certificate program with 8 levels, from beginner to advanced, certified by SRMIST. AIMA designed its curriculum. Students take an exam at each grade and receive a certificate when they pass.
Which subjects do the SRMIST grade exams cover?
Carnatic vocal, veena, violin, mridangam, keyboard and Bharatanatyam. More disciplines may be added over time.
When are the SRMIST grade exams, and when does registration open?
The exams are held twice a year, in January and July. Registration for the July exam is open in December and January. Registration for the January exam is open in June and July.
What is the minimum age for SRMIST grade exams?
The minimum age is 7. There is no upper age limit.
Can I take the SRMIST grade exams without learning at AIMA?
Yes. The exams are open to all students. Music academies, institutes and private teachers can register and send their students. Write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com to register.
Can my music academy or I, as a private teacher, register students?
Yes. AIMA welcomes other music academies, institutes and private teachers to enter their students for the SRMIST grade exams. Write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com during the registration window.
Does AIMA offer training for the grade exams?
Yes. AIMA trains students in all six disciplines at its four Chennai campuses and live online, one-to-one or in groups, starting with a free trial class. AIMA’s vocal course has 8 levels that match the 8 SRMIST grades.
What is the Diploma in Music Teacher Training (DMTT)?
The DMTT is an SRMIST-certified diploma that trains musicians to teach music. It is the successor to Achaarya Nipuna, the teacher training program conceived by Padma Bhushan Dr T V Gopalakrishnan.
Is there sponsorship for the DMTT?
Yes. AIMA’s Living in Arts Foundation (LiAF) funds underprivileged candidates to complete the DMTT. Write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com to ask about eligibility.
Where can I find the syllabus and fees?
The grade exam page and the DMTT page give the full syllabus, fees and procedures for each program.
Last updated: October 2026
Related pages
Questions about SRMIST programs?
Write to infosrmist@tvgaima.com to register students, ask about the DMTT or LiAF sponsorship, or check exam dates. To train at AIMA, start with a free trial class.
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.
Campuses
Thoraipakkam
Kriyates Complex, 361, Madha Koil St, Vivekananda Nagar, Thoraipakkam, Chennai 600097
+91 95662 03821
Pallikaranai
323-B, Kamakoti Nagar, 1st Main Road, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600100
+91 89392 26222
Velachery
Cambridge Montessori Pre-School and Daycare, 6, 4th Main Rd, Vijaya Nagar, Velachery, Chennai 600042
+91 95662 03821
Sholinganallur
Clubhouse, TNHB 1500 Flats, TNHB Main Rd, Sholinganallur, Chennai 600119
+91 95662 03821
Courses