PRSSV Institute of Performing Arts and Heritage
Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidyalaya (PRSSV) was established in 1965 in the ancient city of Benares (also known as Varanasi or Kashi) by Pandit Sharda Sahai of the Benares Tabla Gharana and his close circle of musicians. It was set up with the aim of giving people of all walks of life, regardless of their background, a chance to experience and learn the performing arts of India. Pandit Sharda Sahai and ethnomusicologist Dr. Frances Shepherd established PRSSV as a registered charitable trust in the UK in 1987.
The work of the trust focuses on: a) redefining how Indian music and musicians contribute to the musical life of the UK, b) access for students and practitioners of all ages to develop their passion for Indian performing arts and other global music and dance traditions, c) their heritage centre; a living legacy of film, recordings and interviews of Indian music and dance, and d) curating events for spaces ranging from national galleries, arts centres and festivals.
PRSSV is the leading examination board which has for over 30 years been providing graded examinations which support the promotion of Global Music and Dance. The subjects students can get qualifications in are Indian music and dance (both Carnatic and Hindustani subjects) and Steel Pan. This suite of qualifications includes graded qualifications taking a candidate from beginner to advanced level, with performance and teaching qualifications up to Diploma level.
PRSSV is the custodian of the Benares Baaj Story, an extensive archive in West London. This major heritage project charts the history of Tabla in the UK and internationally with a growing collection of material on the Indian performing arts. Educational institutions and students wanting to learn about this heritage of India can have access to this knowledge through this archive.
PRSSV Sangeet College of Music and Dance was established in 1989 in the UK to provide students of all ages and levels with opportunities to develop their Indian music and dance performing skills. Our teaching ethos is “learning through doing”. Our students perform regularly to find new ways of experiencing and making music.