About Us
Founded in 1992 in Kolkata. Southern School of Music is one of the oldest institutes for Western classical music in the region.
We offer professional training in piano, violin, guitar, keyboard, vocals, and Tabla.
Our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality music education and inspire a lifelong love for music.
Students regularly perform in our annual concerts, held since 1995.
Music is not just a subject—it’s a lifelong companion that shapes discipline, emotion, and grace. At Southern School of Music, we don't just teach notes, we take care of souls
Sujit Sarkar
Let Numbers Talk
- How we started
History of SSM
This musical institution started in February 1992 in Garia and it is one of the oldest and esteemed institutions in the southern fringes of Kolkata. It started as a centre for learning and appreciating pure western classical music. Mr. Sujit Sarkar, the founder and principal of this institution was one of the dearest pupils of our very own, respected Mr. Sam F Engineer, FTCL (Piano) since the early 70s till his last. This great personality was the man behind the inception of this music school. The school started with around 8 to 10 students, primarily offering practical training in piano under the guidance of Mr. Sujit Sarkar and in violin under the guidance of his younger brother Mr. Gopal Sarkar.
Another respected and great personality, whose name is unforgettable, when we talk about this institution, is Mr. Ananta Makhal. He was an eminent violinist and more famous as a great teacher of the violin, all over India. Mr. Makhal was in charge of the Oxford Mission, Behala. He was the teacher of Mr. Gopal Sarkar. This great musical man has also had immense contributions toward this institution, which has definitely helped us to move forward.
- Towering Figures
Voices That Shaped Us
Till now, many towering figures in their respective fields have helped to nurture the school and contribute to its growth with their solicited presence, moving speeches, and other noteworthy activities. To mention a few apart from Mr. Sam F. Engineer and Mr. Ananta Makhal would be Mr. Abhijit Bandopadhyay, celebrated music composer and lyricist, Rev. Fr. Noel Sen, famous musical personality and the former vicar of the St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mrs. Anita Hazra and Mrs. Fauzia Marikar, both famous piano teachers, Mr. Samir Aich, renowned painter and Mr. Anthony Braganza, regional co-ordinator of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London.
Our Vision
We aspire to nurture a community of passionate learners, where music is not just taught—but experienced as a powerful medium of expression, discipline, and emotional growth.
We envision a future where high-quality music training is not limited by barriers of affordability or accessibility, and where each student, regardless of age or background, can explore their full potential and develop a lifelong relationship with music.
Through consistent dedication and a legacy of rich musical tradition, we aim to cultivate a new generation of musicians, performers, and music lovers who carry forward the spirit of classical music with pride and purpose.
Our Mission
At Southern School of Music, our mission is to make quality Western classical music education accessible to all. We are committed to nurturing musical talent through structured training in piano, violin, guitar, keyboard, vocals, and tabla. By fostering a supportive and inspiring environment, we help students grow both technically and artistically. Through regular performances, especially our long-standing annual concerts, we aim to build confidence and stage experience. Above all, we strive to instill a deep love and appreciation for music that lasts a lifetime.
- Annual Concert
A Stage for Every Student
This institution started its annual cultural programme for the first time, 6 years after its foundation, in 1998 in Madhusudan Mancha, Dhakuria. Since then, our annual cultural programme is being organized every year, for the sole purpose of giving our students a platform, a good audience, and especially a bench of distinguished guests, which include some of the greatest musical and other personalities of the city as well as the country.
The school formed its Cultural Programme Committee in 1998, which bears the responsibility of organizing the annual programme and other cultural meets still today. The committee is headed by Mr. Prabir Sarkar, who has been holding the post of President since its inception. We have many more hearty members who willingly support the total cultural system of this institution.
- Expanding Ourself
Meeting the Rhythm of Growth
Responding to the increasing number of students and their varied requirements, this institution started providing practical training in electronic keyboard and guitar, and also started providing examination facilities, both theory and practical, under the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), London, and Trinity College, London. At present, this institution provides practical training in instruments like Piano, Violin, Electronic Keyboard, and Guitar, under the guidance of trained faculties. Besides, training in Music Theory is also provided. Till now, the institution has arranged for two musical competitions, in 2005 and 2008.
- Celebrating Silver Jubilee
A Milestone of Melody
This institution commemorated its Silver Jubilee in 2017. We believe, we still have quite a long way to go. We wish to march ahead with the objective of providing quality training in Western Classical music at an affordable condition and excel in creating a keen taste for Western Classical music among the people of the present and upcoming generations!
