Performing arts get a nod from parents

Quraishi was lucky to have the support of her parents when enrolled at Children’s Academy for Performing Arts (Capa).

KARACHI: Eighteen-year-old Mariam Quraishi “always wanted to learn how to play the violin.” Four years ago, when she was enrolled at Karachi’s Children’s Academy for Performing Arts (Capa), she was lucky to have the support of her parents. Quraishi was able to perform outside Capa after only six months of training.

How encouraging are parents as far as the thought of sending their child to a music school is concerned? Aqueel Premjee, the proprietor of Capa, believes that parents today are more supportive of their children’s wishes to learn music, as compared to their attitudes in the past. “I think parents are interested in music  ... they get involved. Kids who play here tell their friends and they too drag their parents here and get enrolled.”

Although there is a change in parents’ approach towards the performing arts, the general attitude towards theatre remains sceptical for many. Established in 2005 and primarily involved in promoting music and dance, Capa also encouraged theatre in the past. However, the institute faced issues with its theatrical teaching wing, “Within three months, they were more like rehearsals and the children were not interested. Their parents were not eager enough about theatre to promote the idea. So theatre failed to remain a part of Capa.”

Academies such as Capa have also won kudos from parents for instilling creativity in children. Premjee believes in letting the children decide what they want to play instead of imposing a particular song on them, “Nine out of 10 times, a child wants to perform an English song he has seen in a film, from his or her parents or found on YouTube. But most of the times, the inspiration comes from ‘American Idol’.”

The academy offers dance classes, as well as training in learning how to play the violin, guitar, drums, piano, saxophone and xylophone. One hundred and twenty students are currently enrolled in Capa. Every student has to pass a 15-minute singing test before getting in. Premjee believes in producing “complete musicians who can read, hear and improvise music.” He asserts, “A person playing a song should understand music, know the sound and be able to sink their teeth deep into music. So we work on all three, layer by layer.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2010.