Technology is changing the way we learn everything, including the performing arts.
Today it is possible for anyone to pursue their artistic dreams and gain the knowledge that they need to support this process. E-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) bring in a new wave of possibilities that will inevitably create a generation of musicians, actors and dancers who leverage the power of technology to learn, create and share their passion. 

In an era where Content Is King, the ability to create engagement and present your authentic self is becoming ever more significant. We want to connect with each other and we want to express ourselves to the world. In India alone, the performing arts market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to a whopping $7 billion by 2027. E-Learning platforms like The Pallikoodam have recognised this need and provide accessible and affordable online courses that cater to a growing population of learners aspiring to become artists.

The importance of learning art forms such as music, acting and dance can no longer be debated as they have been proven to boost creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and self-confidence, all of which play a significant role in our overall quality of life. This is supported further by various studies that have depicted the socio-economic effects that art education confers upon society. Studies showing us that low-income students with access to arts education are twice as likely to graduate from college than their peers with no arts education and that students with access to arts education score higher on their college admissions exams overall are just a few of the many examples.

The world is recognising the importance of art and we want more of it. The virtual classroom facilitates this growing desire to learn and it offers many enhancements to the traditional ways in which we approach the performing arts. Through virtual learning, barriers such as geographical limitations, financial constraints, and inconvenient timings are a thing of the past and anyone with a computer or a smartphone can access the resources they need at the touch of a button.

Universal Accessibility & Inclusivity

Access to a physical classroom is highly dependent on where a learner lives and whether they can relocate or commute. This limits aspiring learners who are not in physical proximity to the education providers who teach the art forms they wish to learn.

Virtual learning removes these obstacles, enabling learners from any location or timezone to gain access to their desired subject.  Whether you are from a rural region or a metropolitan area, there is no marginalization in learning opportunities and a person living in the United States who wishes to learn the art of Carnatic Singing can easily gain access to the best teachers that India has to offer with just a few clicks. A great example of this limitless reach is seen in PaatuClass, an online course offered by The Pallikoodam which teaches the fundamentals of singing using the principles of Carnatic music. PaatuClass, taught by the renowned playback singer Ranjith Govind, has captured an audience of learners spanning multiple regions including the US, UK, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Middle East and India.

Virtual classrooms eliminate various logistical challenges for teachers and students alike. Classes can be taken from the comfort of their homes or any other location, and commuting can be avoided altogether. Additionally, education providers are not restricted to any particular location to deliver their content. This freedom enables teachers to provide a wider array of class timings which immensely benefits learners who require a more flexible schedule. This flexibility is especially advantageous for adult learners, working professionals, disabled learners, and even high school students who need to carefully manage the various aspects of their work and personal lives.

The model also provides a more rounded delivery of educational resources that can accommodate different learning styles. Visual learners, auditory learners, and kinesthetic learners are all able to access material that best suits their learning requirements. This is further enhanced by the fact that all virtual classes can be recorded and accessed by learners whenever they have missed a class or need to revisit a concept.

International Collaboration with Global Perspectives

Art is all about collaboration, whether it’s musicians starting a band to create new tunes or actors and writers working on a screenplay, the need to come together and share perspectives is an essential component in performing arts education. Through the virtual classroom, learners have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers from across the globe. They can share ideas in real-time and also get guidance and immediate feedback from their teachers about how they can execute their combined artistic vision.

By removing geographical constraints, virtual learning truly opens doors to limitless permutations and combinations of expression. An Indian Classical vocalist can team up with a rapper in the US to create a melodic fusion that may just become the next viral sensation. Having access to a diversity of viewpoints is essential in any creative pursuit and the global reach facilitated by online learning promises to create inclusive communities connected through the limitless power of technology.

Preparing Artists and Educators for an AI-Driven Digital-first World

Today, the primary medium of broadcasting art and entertainment is the Internet. Every artist has to possess a certain level of technological literacy to reach their target audience. By creating virtual learning environments, learners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with various technological tools that not only facilitate the learning process but also enable them to become effective creators in an ever-changing digital landscape. This is of paramount importance, especially with the rapidly increasing prevalence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

With AI tools for music production, video editing and even dance choreography, it is essential for new-age creators to leverage this technology to improve their productivity, optimize collaborative work and spot any errors they have made in their creative outputs. Learning these skills will play a vital role in the careers of budding artists and the virtual classroom significantly contributes to their development.

The benefits are not limited to the artists alone, teachers of various art forms can use AI tools to analyze a learner’s performance and provide them personalized feedback and recommendations that can optimize their learning and practice. AI can also help automate the repetitive administrative tasks involved in classes, allowing teachers to focus more on interacting with their students and connecting with them on a deeper level. 

A Whole New Level of Connection

When it comes to art, learning is more than just about transferring information, it is about inspiring learners and sparking their imagination. Through virtual classrooms, learners can connect with the artists they revere and learn from their experiences directly. Imagine being in a vocal class where the guest lecturer is Bruno Mars! How Exciting!

There are already various platforms that create such offerings here in India. The Pallikoodam for example has created an exciting new approach to teaching the performing arts. On the platform, learners can enroll in courses created by renowned artists who have made a mark in their respective industries. You can learn singing from the sensational Ranjith Govind, acting from the National Award Winner Lakshmipriyaa Chandramouli and dance from Vithya Arasu, one of the few classical dancers of India who has performed in Hollywood productions.

The courses at The Pallikoodam offer virtual classrooms where learners can interact with these respected artists directly and learn from their years of training and industry experience. All of this is made possible by the limitless connectivity that virtual learning brings to the table.

Conclusion

Virtual classrooms will play a pivotal role in the future of performing arts education. The next generation of artists will push boundaries at a greater rate than ever before with technology on their side. The wave has already begun, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for learners all across the globe.