ABOUTC.H.E.T.A.N.A.
Communication to Hasten Educational, Technological, Artistic and National Advancement
Foundation
Pope John Paul II blessed the foundation stone of Chetana - the art-cultural-educational program on February 7, 1986
Takeoff
In 1991, Chetana Music Academy commenced with Fr. John Edapally CMI as its prime director. Within three years, the academy got recognition as London's Trinity's music examination centre. Now more than 400 students are trained here and take exams for the Trinity music certificate.
Strength
The students are mainly trained in Piano, Electronic Keyboard, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Drums, and Tabala. They are also given training in Western and Carnatic Vocals. The academy has special classrooms and a library that allow you the space to learn music as well as get training in instruments. You can find vintage audio-video cassettes, CDs, music magazines, and journals at Chetana.
For the people of Thrissur, Chetana equals their world of music. Chetana has this kinship with Chetana Music Academy that has been for the past 30 years. Situated at the heart of the city, located at Kuriakose Alias Service Society, Chetana Academy has gifted many singers, musicians, to the world of Film and Indian music. From Stephen Devassy to actor-singer Aparna Balamurali, they are all trained at Chetana Music Academy. Also, Chetana is one of the centres in Kerala that hold the music entrance exams for London's Trinity College. Chetana's director Fr Thomas Chakalamattath is a well known musician who has a special membership at Trinity College. A mega musical event titled MUSICOPHILIA has been organized by our academy which includes National Level Competition, Workshops, Seminars, Alumni Performance and also cultural extravaganza by Chetana Students.
Gifting Musicians to the World
In the last 30 years, Chetana has gifted several talented musicians to the world of music. There are centres for Trinity examination in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. If over 5,000 students write the Trinity exam yearly, at Chetana it never exceeds 500. But then Chetana is known more for the students who pass out from the academy.
There are plans to start a National Music Conservatory organised by the former students of the academy.
There are plans to start a National Music Conservatory organised by the former students of the academy.
Grand Piano to Drums
For an academy that started with a keyboard, two tabalas and two violins, there are myriad musical instruments available now. Now they have 29 pianos including 2 grand pianos, 11 Upright Pianos, 16 electrical pianos, 50 electronic keyboards, violin, guitar, 4 drum sets & Congas, . Japan's Yamaha Company presented the academy with a C7 Grand Piano. Another treasure is a Czechoslovakian-made Bohemia Grand Piano from Singapore that came in 2005. The 180-year-old German-made Upright Piano from North India is also invaluable for the academy. This is made by German company MF Racheal's. A piano used by the queen of Denmark is also part of their collection. "As used by HM Queen Ingrid of Denmark" is inscribed on that piano. They are also using the drums purchased from Singapore in 1994 for training.