Avid learners: Children at the music school

This sure is music to the ears. A couple in the city runs a unique music school to help poor children who can't afford to enrol at expensive music classes.

Musicians Timothy K Thomas (28) and his wife Anita Alice Benjamin teach music free of cost to 200 students.

Their friends have also pitched in for this venture, where economically weak and orphaned children are given music lessons. 

Besides this, children with special needs are also taught music.

Helping hand

"I'm trying to give, what I didn't get in my childhood," said Timothy, "Teaching music is the way I have found to serve society."

This music school for the needy is run by Friendship Foundation, started by the couple.

Besides this, they run Ashalaya, a school for special children.

Though basic education up to Class X is imparted to the economically weaker sections, music is top priority in this school at Geddalahalli, near Hennur Bande.

While,Timothy teaches western music on keyboard, guitar and drums, his friends teach classical Indian instruments like violin and classical keyboard.

Anita Benjamin and Timothy Thomas

Friends chip in

Anita is a special educator for about 36 mentally challenged students in Ashalaya, a residential school for special and needy children.

"My friends also help me in realising this dream of mine," said Timothy, adding, "many students who want to learn music and cannot afford it, are helped by our schools."

A passion

Timothy and Anita came together through music. They met when they were participating in a choir. After marriage, they decided to use their musical talent for a cause. And the music school was born.

The couple raises funds for the school through music choirs in various parts of the country.

While Timothy plays keyboards, guitar and drums, Anita sings.

Shows for funds

To ensure smooth running of the music school in terms of funds, Timothy performs about three shows a week, all over south India, including cities like Bangalore and Chennai.

They run their music school with whatever they earn through these choirs.

After successfully running the school for four years, the couple plans to expand it in the days ahead.
"Sometimes we have to face financial problems," said Anita Benjamin.

"But since we have started this, we will take if forward as we have 36 mentally challenged children and 25 day scholars in our school."