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Performing art courses at LAC have no syllabi

By Ali Usman

LAHORE: Despite tall claims of boosting performing arts, the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts (AAPA) at the Lahore Arts Council (LAC) has yet to outline curriculae for short courses being offered at the academy.

Built on October 7, 2002, the academy was designed to promote education in all fields of the performing arts. Presently, the academy offers 14 short courses for learning the tabla, harmonium, flute, guitar, ceramics, calligraphy, photography, drawing, sculpture, dance, vocal, violin and sitar. A short course in child art is reserved for those between the ages of three and 11 years. Each course is three months long and has its own teacher. New students can join classes at any time.

Yet none of the courses has a syllabus. Some students have complained about not receiving a certificate at the end of the course.

Others, requesting not to be named, said the academy was not doing well since class schedules were not being followed. They said that approved curriculae would have given the courses credibility, yet the academy had failed to address this issue over the last five years.

According to classical singers and musicians, the academy was wasting funds on these short courses, since none had succeeded in producing a single artist.

Classical vocalist Ustad Pervaiz Paris said: “It is regrettable that music courses are being conducted in the absence of syllabus or curriculum. People with a strong music background should be appointed to teach.” On condition of anonymity, a famous classical singer said the LAC was damaging the music industry. LAC Deputy Director (programmes) Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi confirmed that none of the short courses followed a syllabus. “In these courses, teachers teach students orally. After obtaining certificates, students can go on to gain admission in degree courses.”

New LAC Executive Director Khalid Masood Chaudhry was not available for comment.

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