Creating a Legacy
The Philomena Thumboochetty Music Academy is an institution built to honour the legacy of the late Indian Fiddler Queen, Smt. Philomena Thumboochetty.
Staying true to our inspiration, we create a holistic environment steeped in musical learning within a music school dedicated to giving a privileged music education nestled in the heart of Bangalore.
Teachers of international repute at the Philomena Thumboochetty Music Academy identify with the rigorous work ethic of polishing young musicians to reveal brilliant performers, composers and connoisseurs of Western Art music.
Our teaching curriculum is research and practical based ensuring that the skills acquired at The Philomena Thumboochetty Music Academy are relevant, up to date with music industry standards, sound in technique and most of all aiming for excellence every step of the way.
Smt. Philomena Thumboochetty
Virtuoso violinist and Bangalore's legend who drew praise from Yehudi Menuhin himeslf
Our story begins in Mysore with its rich heritage of arts intertwined within the state. It is no wonder that Philomena was inspired to take on a path that women in those days rarely tread. Philomena was lucky to have parents who encouraged her to study subjects that interested her.
Only 6 years old, she found her natural talent in music, playing the violin. Philomena was keen on perfecting her skills at a very young age; this prompted her parents to send her away to Calcutta to further her studies in Music.
At the tender age of 16, she auditioned and got into the Paris Conservatoire after completing her Fellowship from the Trinity College of London (FTCL) with honours from Trinity. Philomena was the first and the youngest Indian to study there. After which, she worked under the guidance of the Romanian violinist George Enesco.
Philomena Thumboochetty had an extraordinary opportunity to perform at the Aeolian Hall on the jubilee year, the historic day being 11th April 1935. Many important persons of the world saw her perform in her red, gold and green sari, including Their Majesties, the King and the Queen of England. This concert gave her recognition as a celebrity. The following year, Philomena performed in the presence of the Maharaja of Mysore.
These are only the highlights of her prolific musical journey that she lived. She put Bangalore on the world map for producing one of the best Indian female violinists of all time. She continued her musical journey by passing on her knowledge to Indian students and giving recitals throughout her life. She has been an inspiration to all the 21st-century Indians pursuing Western Classical Music.
Purpose and Intentions
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To offer an industrially relevant learning program of international standard for music students who want to pursue a serious career in music
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To provide a parallel school for music studies for young musicians to thrive and be ready integrate into a career of music seamlessly
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To create and sustain an accessible scholastic platform for young and aspiring Indian violin students in particular
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To provide support to showcase worthy violin students to the world so that they may gather encouragement and patronage in their music careers
Alexa Young,
Music industry expert
“This is not like any other music school I know of in Bangalore. It is a novel concept that I am so happy to see it grow"
Lisa Driver,
Country Ambassador
“Ms. Philomena Thumboochetty was an important ambassador on the international stage who brought pride to India. This is institute is the beginning of something meaningful "
Morgan James,
Double Bass teacher
“It is such an honour to be a part of this genuine institute wanting to preserve western art music and build young musicians by providing them the best"