Violin music school opens

LAHORE - After hard rock, disco and other genres of upbeat music youth are again turning to soft and soothing music. There is renewed interest in eastern and western music instruments especially in guitar and violin. Pakistan's first violin music school has opened in the city offering courses ranging from basic to professional learning.
Violinist Ghulam Ali is the moving spirit behind the move to open the music school. Scion of flute player Muhammad Riaz he has been playing violin for over 15 years. He learnt the craft of playing violin from Ustad Riaz Hussain Jaffri. He was the first violinist to get Roll of Honours from Government College University. He won gold medal at All Pakistan Music Conference. He did his four-year graduation in musicology from National College of Arts doing his thesis in 'Violin playing'. He has won the hearts of music lovers by performing across the country and abroad. His video of violin music going on air on different TV channels is the first of its kind in Pakistan.
Ghulam Ali Lahoti Violin Music School and Academy has been established at Siddique Trade Centre. Ghulam Ali talking to The Nation on Thursday said music was not only his passion but also profession. "Violin schools are everywhere in the world. There was no such school here.
"There is renewed interest of people in music instruments. When I announced the opening of music school I have been flooded with inquiries and requests for getting admission. No one could even have imagined the feedback that we have received. I believe winds of change have started to blow and now music teachers can thrive by teaching music," Ali maintained.
He said the music school is offering three-month, six-month and one-year courses in violin music. "I have hired the services of other well-known teachers like Zeeshan Bajwa and Qasim Khan to teach theory.
We have made the syllabus after much deliberation and consultation with experts. Our students will shine and bring accolades for the country," Ali hoped.
Ali has formed a seven-member musical band. Other musicians in the band include cello player, flute player, lead guitarist, base guitarist, acoustic drum player and keyboard player. The band makes its own composition most of which are in minor scale giving mellifluous and soothing effect. "The band is often invited to perform in shows and concerts. People are now tired of upbeat music and bhangra. They want music to sooth their nerves and make them relax," Ali was of the view.
Like many other products Chinese violins have flooded the markets in city. Each Chinese violin cost ranges between Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000. Since the Chinese violins come cheap the violins are no longer locally made. The cost of Italian violin used by professionals is between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000.