The Bernardi Music Group (https://bernardimusicgroup.com/) and Global Assamese Engagement Initiative (https://accb.org.uk/vision/#) offers an opportunity to deliver the inaugural edition of an international music education programme in India. For details see the programme and the longer term vision at https://assam-programme-bernardi-music-school.netlify.app/

This initiative was born from a deeply personal inspiration. In one of his last interviews, Zubeen Garg — Assam's most beloved singer and cultural icon — expressed a lifelong wish to have studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music in London. Moved by this, Mondweep Chakravorty, an Assamese professional based in London, asked: what could be done to honour that spirit and bring world-class conservatoire training to Assam and the North East of India? Through extraordinary alignment — with Bernardi Music Group, the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music, the Zubeen Garg Trust, and the Shillong Chamber Choir — the answer took shape as this project. The Zubeen Garg Trust and the Alliance for Community Capacity Building in NE India have offered their valued support and engagement to this vision.

This project aims to establish a National Music Conservatoire (NMC) in Assam, bridging the gap in professional music education in India. Bernardi Music Group (BMG) proposes to take a lead in shaping the conservatoire alongside local partners.

Our mission is to create a cross-cultural "virtuous circle" where Indian students — with a focus on Assam and North East India — gain access to world-class training from UK institutions.

Strategic Vision

Validation & Certification: NMC will accredit the inaugural curriculum. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance detailing their individual experience and achievement, signed by UK faculty.

Formal Establishment: During the inaugural week, we will formally sign agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between Indian and UK partners.

Long-term Academic Pathway (Trinity Laban): We intend to formally align NMC's curriculum with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance — creating accredited pathways to postgraduate and PhD degrees for students trained in the Assam region.

Yehudi Menuhin School Partnership: We will invite participants to the Yehudi Menuhin School to extend BMG's existing relationship, with the aspiration of bringing the world's foremost specialist music organisation to North East India.

Strategic Vision: "The Seven Sisters Uniqueness"

Our vision extends beyond standard conservatoire training. We aim to create a globally unique musical identity by leveraging the rich Western classical and choral traditions of the North East hill states, fusing them with the musical heritage of Assam. This distinct "Seven Sisters" pedagogy will attract international attention by offering a sound that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The programme is modelled on the training environment of internationally leading music institutions, while remaining accessible and supportive for developing artists.

Students will receive expert tuition from some of the UK's most respected performers and teachers, carefully matched to their skills and musical goals.

Programme includes:

Individual instrument lessons

Ensemble and Chamber Music Coaching

Daily rehearsals and workshops

Performance preparation and interpretation training

Performance is at the heart of the Bernardi Music Group philosophy. Throughout the programme, students will gain invaluable experience performing on stage alongside professional musicians and the international faculty.

Participants will become part of a growing international music education network — with future opportunities for overseas training programmes, exchanges, and continued development.