About Us
102 Years of Artistic Heritage
Founded 1924 · Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi · Affiliated with Prayag Samiti, Trinity London, ABRSM & Rockschool
Our Founding Story
Saraswati Music College was founded in 1924 in Lahore by Shri Bansilal Kapoor, himself a devoted student of the legendary master Pandit Maniram Ji. From its very first days, the college committed itself to preserving and propagating the classical traditions of Indian music and performing arts — making it accessible to serious learners of all backgrounds.
After the partition of India in 1947, the college was relocated to New Delhi, where it re-established itself in Safdarjung Enclave. Far from diminishing the institution, the move to Delhi placed Saraswati Music College at the heart of the nation's capital — and it has flourished here for more than seven decades since.
Today, the college stands as one of India's oldest and most respected performing arts conservatories, with a living tradition that connects the classical masters of the past with the artists of the future.
Mission & Philosophy
Our philosophy is simple: great artistry is cultivated through rigorous practice, inspiring mentorship, and a deep respect for tradition. We believe that music, dance and the performing arts are not merely skills — they are languages through which human beings express the fullest range of their inner life.
We welcome students of all ages, all backgrounds, and all levels of prior experience. Our guiding principle is that every serious learner deserves access to the highest quality teaching.
Affiliations & Certifications
Prayag Sangeet Samiti
Examinations up to MA Music (Sangeet Praveen) — India's premier classical music examination body.
Trinity College London
Internationally recognised music grades and diplomas for Western instruments and vocals.
ABRSM
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music — world-leading music assessment.
Rockschool London
UK-based grades for contemporary guitar, bass, drums and popular music.
Notable Alumni
Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj
Classical Vocalist — Padma Vibhushan (India's 2nd highest civilian honour)
One of India's most beloved Hindustani classical vocalists, associated with Saraswati Music College in the early years of his career.
O.P. Nayyar
Music Director — Bollywood Golden Era (1950s–1970s)
Legendary music director whose compositions defined an era of Indian popular music, with roots at Saraswati Music College.
Landmark Moments
Grand annual showcase featuring student performances across all departments — vocal, instrumental, dance and acting. Ove…
An evening celebrating the fusion of Indian classical and contemporary music, featuring SMC faculty and senior students.
Biannual external examinations for Western music students. Students prepare from beginner through to diploma level.
Devotional Kathak performance by the dance department, presented at Triveni Kala Sangam.
The President of India attended SMC's annual celebration, acknowledging the college's contribution to cultural education…
Saraswati Music College hosted one of the first Western band performances in India — Boney M performed at a historic SMC…
Facilities
Audio & Video Studios
Professional recording and video facilities at Katharas Studios — available to advanced students.
Acoustic Practice Rooms
Soundproofed, air-conditioned practice rooms (Jamm Pads) available for individual and group rehearsal.
Rehearsal Spaces
Dedicated spaces for ensemble practice, dance rehearsal and performance preparation.
Art Gallery
On-campus gallery displaying student and faculty artworks, integrated into our holistic arts philosophy.
Join a 102-Year Tradition of Excellence
Enroll in a program that has shaped India's finest artists for a century. All ages, all skill levels, all programs.