Imagine a professional life that means taking a walk through Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit with Pearl Jam to snack on, Beatles for company on your armchair and heavenly Nirvana at the end of each day. For trainers at the School of Symphony (SOS), a leading Delhi-based music institute that's all set to launch branches in Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune, this fantasy is a daily reality.


The two-in-ones

The founding five at SOS double up as pros with another career option in their pocket, though it's music that plays muse. Meet the team: Shivam is director-cum-software-engineer, Guru is the drummer in a doc's coat, Viren is a pilot-turned-vocalist, Peter is a school teacher who takes guitar lessons, and Nishant quit college to pursue his passion full-time.


Express expertise

In  this age of fast food and speed sleep, who has the time to yawn through lengthy sessions that stretch over months? The youngsters at SOS understand the pulse of the present, and believe in quick learning through lively, charged classes that focus on one-on-one interaction. "Other institutes elongate the process to earn more, but we can't stand the boredom that our students would have to endure. It's a challenge we all enjoy!" smiles Nishant, lead guitarist. 


Doorie sahi jaaye na

The excitement lures the students all the way from Panipat and Meerut. "We travel from the other end of the city, but the music makes it all worth it," says Mukesh. Addressing the issue, however, SOS has begun conducting classes in various parts of the city, including at colleges and corporate offices.


Age difference.  Whazzat?

Among the 500 students, the oldest is 60 years old, and the youngest is just two-and-a-half. "Once, a five-year-old mentally challenged boy was here to learn to the keyboard. It took me an hour to teach him what I otherwise teach in a minute. But his satisfied smile was a reward better than any other," recounts 24 year-old Shivam, the brain behind SOS.


Funny bunnies

Ask them who the mischief maker around them is, and "Viren" they scream. "Kya yaar, tum log to mujhe badnaam kar doge..." Viren grins.


Jugalbandi ho jaaye!

If you thought Western classical was a genre far too serious to accommodate cheer, you are wrong. The jugalbandi jams between teachers and students, stir up loads of cheer, while triggering competition. Last year's best performer, drummer Niharika, walked away with funky music gear.

Once in a while, they conduct open public sessions titled, Indulge. These are for music enthusiasts to jam and discuss their favourite fixation.


Band bajega 
 
Between their busy schedules, the gang manages to practice a couple of original tracks they've composed as part of the work they do for their band, Mehar. Before their album hits the shelves, they perform for us, exclusively.
Feel like strumming up a storm? Join the bandwagon at www.schoolofsymphony.com