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While it’s true that artistic talent is innate, it is pertinent to realise that training and grooming polish an artist. Music academies are important for two main reasons: crafting the music skills of novice campaigners and perhaps more importantly engaging the youth in productive activities.

In this context, a venture of Mizmaar guitarist Kashan Admani, drummer Alfred D’mello and guitar instructor Jeremy Kenneth Vas, Spaark (School of Performing Arts and Recording, Karachi) was launched with an intimate gig at a café in Karachi.

The students performed a live set of over an hour, with songs ranging from the ’80s, a few current pop, rock and some Pakistani tracks. The list included covers of 'Girl on Fire' (Alicia Keys), 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' (Nirvana) and 'Nishaan' (Noorie).

Setting up Spaark

So how did the trio come up with the idea of opening an academy? “We thought establishing a music school would be a great service to the community. The venture introduces music to students of all ages interested in learning it for fun or as a career choice,” said Mizmaar guitarist Kashan Admani.

Jeremy Kenneth Vas added, “It’s important for our musicians to set the bar high so that the next generation can take it to the next level.”

“The music scene in Pakistan is currently scattered and as senior musicians we feel that the future for upcoming talent should be more promising. Establishing institutions where music is taught will guarantee talented and technically proficient musicians and ensure the growth and sustainability of the Pakistani music industry in times to come,” said Alfred D’ Mello.

Students speak

Back to the launch and the performers included Sulaiman Uqalli, Danish Ayub, Ahad Hussain, Hassan Shabbir, Malaika Kazi, Shiza Saqib, Samaa Siddiqui, Mahnoor Pirzada, Noor Mandviwalla, Shahzeb Shunaid and Zuraiz.

Malaika Kazi, who performed earlier in Kashan’s Dream Station Studios on a Michael Jackson cover said, “The experience was life-changing. I got to perform with other singers and musicians my age which made me more confident as a singer. It also gave me a chance to be mentored by Sir Jeremy and Sir Alfred.”

Talented guitarist Mahnoor Pirzada showed an inclination towards Western blues, jazz and rock music. She turned out to be an Usman Riaz fan.

Noor Mandviwala voiced her thoughts, “I think Pakistani music is quite unrecognised and that’s sad because it’s unique. It should be more widely appreciated rather than just pop songs on the radio. I listen to everything from old ghazals and qawwalis to modern Pakistani rock songs.”

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine October 18th , 2015

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