In April, 1999, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi blessed the launch of the Music Academy in Togliatti, Russia. Its mission was to spread Indian Classical Music on the territory of CIS countries.
In July 1, 1999, the Music Academy was opened and started with teaching 10-15 people. All the teachers of the Academy have studied in Indian Sahaja Yoga Music Academy. Indian Music made the advancement of Sahaja Yoga easier finding the shortest way to the hearts of seekers. Sahaja Music Groups were formed in many Russian cities. Today about 65 people study in the Academy every month.
In 2007, Shri Mataji gave Togliatti Music Academy an International status.
Within the period of ten years of the existence of the Academy more than 800 people of the age from 10 to 65 were taught in it. The graduators of the Academy formed about 30-35 Sahaja Yoga music groups in different cities of Russia and CIS.
The International Music Academy has its own web-site which helps to enrol Sahaja Yogis for studying Indian classic art in the Academy.
The classes of the Music Academy are the following:
- Classical vocal (singing Ragas)
- Singing Bhajans (vocal)
- Performing Bhajans (Harmonium)
- Performing Ragas (Harmonium)
- Performing Ragas (Santur)
- Performing Ragas (Sarod)
- Performing Ragas (Slide-Guitar)
- Playing the Tabla
- Playing the Dholak
- Instrumental Ragas on any music instrument (if the student knows already how to play on it): Electronic keyboard, Violin, Flute, Oboe, etc.
- Classical dancing in the style of Kuchipudi
Right now, on the land which was bought and blessed by Shri Mataji in 2006, Russian Sahaja Yogis are constructing a building where the International Academy of Indian Classic Music and Art will be located.
The plate blessed by Shri Mataji which will be put on the constructed building of the Music Academy.