EDUCATION

Contemporary Bhutanese Music remains a recent phenomenon. The emergence of the “Rigsar” genre of Bhutanese music is still relatively new, its genesis only a  little more than two decades ago. It was in the early 1980’s that what we consider the modern Bhutanese music era started, with the arrival of electronic instruments and various recording platforms into Bhutan. Although, there is minimal documentation and archives of the early works, much of the early recordings and compositions that are in public domain were predominantly influenced by popular music from the region. 

Early Bhutanese popular music compositions are characterized by influences from Indian Bollywood, Nepali, Tibetan and Chinese music influences - manifesting in melodies, rhythms and lyrics that borrow and reference the above styles.  Some songs were straight copies of the original songs from within the region. 

In this backdrop of the brief history of modern Bhutanese music, BCCM will  provide a space and platform for contemporary Bhutanese musicians to create original works and to find our own voice that connects with the history, poetry, spirituality, culture and traditional music of Bhutan, while simultaneously ‘incorporating the best of contemporary musical styles from around the world.  

 

  1. EDUCATION: To provide a comprehensive, contemporary music education program: enabling aspiring Bhutanese musicians of all ages and backgrounds to acquire the requisite skills and knowledge to create their own original music.  

  2. CREATION: To provide a space for aspiring musicians and producers to hone their skills through collaboration, performance, composition and production.  

  3. ANCIENT TRADITIONS, NEW PATHWAYS: Providing an environment that encourages musicians to develop and refine their own unique voice. Deepening knowledge and appreciation of Bhutan’s beautiful musical heritage, enabling connections and integration of Bhutanese roots with contemporary expressions. 

  4. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION: To equip musicians with technical knowhow in the areas of music notation, audio production and sound technology.

  5. MUSIC EDUCATION ACROSS BHUTAN: Develop linkages between institutions abroad and the Ministry of Education, Bhutan, while creating long term strategies in mainstreaming music education.

  6. PROFESSIONALIZATION:  Advocating for music as a viable and sustainable profession in Bhutan’s economy.