Shivannand Maharaj
Penal
Summary
Dynamic Lecturer with 15 years of successful Indian Classical Music teaching and performance experience. Known for interesting lectures with helpful supporting materials and detail-oriented classroom management. Dedicated to individual student success and comprehensive understanding.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Fulltime Lecturer - Indian Classical Music
DCFA - UWI, St. Augustine
01.2017 - Current
Lecturer in Indian Classical Music (Theory and Practical) in areas of History, Vocal and Instrumental music. Leader of Indian Classical Ensemble at The University of the West Indies. Students of Ensemble were able to successfully perform various genres for periodic music recitals
- Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Used PowerPoint and Google Classroom technology to give presentations to student classrooms.
- Managed large class sizes effectively, maintaining an orderly learning environment conducive to student success.
- Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to institution's research work.
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
Director of Indian Classical Ensemble
DCFA - UWI, St Augustine
01.2014 - Current
- Typically, 20-30 students were taught to perform Indian Classical genres ranging from Classical, Bollywood to Folk music.
- They are able to not only give performances within the University, but also in other distinguished music festival events around the country.
- Ensemble students were of local and international students, bringing together a mixing towards creating unique musical expressions.
- Instruments taught included: Harmonium, Tabla, Violin, Santoor, Sitar, Bansuri, Dholak, Oboe, Steelpan and Sarod
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Fulltime Senior Lecturer
Academy For The Performing Arts (APA)
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Taught world music and Indian Classical Violin.
- Managed to engage over 30 students to perform each semester for in house recitals.
- Spearheaded drafting certificate in Indian Classical Violin.
- Gave motivational sessions to students for their general progress.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and case studies into lectures.
- Delivered higher-level undergraduate and graduate courses via classroom, online and hybrid methodologies to satisfy course curricula and meet student needs.
Music & English Teacher
Barrackpore West Secondary School
01.1995 - 01.2014
- Students taught English and Literature.
- Trained students in musical instruments voluntarily for preparation for annual music festivals at this Institution.
- Trained 120 students annually to pass their English A CXC examination at this Institution.
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
Education
PhD Mechatronics - Music Education
University of Trinidad & Tobago
Tamana, Trinidad01.2024
Certificate (University Teaching & Learning) Post Graduate Course - Tertiary Teaching Techniques.
UWI, St Augustine
St. Augustine01.2019
M.A. Music - Masters Degree - Indian Classical Music
Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, India
Allahabad, India01.2012
B.A. Music - Bachelors Degree - Indian Classical Music
Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, India
Allahabad, India01.2010
B.A. Music - Bachelors Degree - Indian Classical Music
Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, Delhi
Lucknow, India01.2010
B.A. Music (Sangeet Kalanidhi) - Masters Degree - Indian Classical Violin
Bharatiya Vidya Sansthaan (BVS)
San Juan, Trinidad01.2003
B.A. English (Eng Major/Mus Minor) - Bachelors Degree - English
University of The West Indies, St. Augustine
St. Augustine01.1994
Skills
- Exceptional teaching skills in Indian Classical Music
- Performer: Violin, Vocal, Harmonium, Tabla, Santoor
- Strong Communication Skills
- Class Instruction
- Understanding of learning styles
- Curriculum Development
- Ability to motivate students
Affiliations
- Bluebird Events - West Indies Music Coordinator - Agra India
- Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation (MGICC) - Chaguanas
- Bharitya Vidhya Sansthhaan (Institute of Indian Knowledge) - San Juan
- Houston Tabla Ensemble - Texas USA
- National Council for Indian Culture - Chaguanas Trinidad
- Svar Saadhna Organisation - California USA
Performances
- Divali Nagar performances, Trinidad, 11/2023
- Divali Nagar performances, USA, 11/2023
- Taj Mahotsav Music Festival, Agra India, 02/2020
- Maha Kumbh Mela - Prayagraj - Allahabad, India, 01/2019
- UTT Vocal & Violin recital - SAPA - Academy for the Performing Arts, 12/2015
- Sarod Concert Recital - Department of Creative & Festival Arts - University of the West Indies, St Augustine, 11/2015
- "Raagmaala 108" - B.V.S. San Juan, Trinidad, 06/29/2014
- Lead Musician - BVS "Ram Vaman Gaman" Shadow Ballet - San Juan, Trinidad, 09/2013
- Music Arranger and Performer for Official State Visits of Chinese President & US Vice President Hon. Joe Biden to Trinidad 2013, 05/2013
- Violinist - State Visit of Hon President Jonathan Goodluck of Nigeria, Piarco Airport, 07/2012
- Violin accompaniment for National Steel Symphony Orchestra Concert, NAPA Port of Spain, 07/2012
- Singer & Violinist - Performances on All India Radio Studios, New Delhi, 01/2011
- Violinist for World Renowned Anup Jalota - Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname Tour, 08/2011
- Lead Musician - Government Entourage to Florida - Signature Grande Hall, Miami, 07/2010
- Quawalli Festival - The Coliseum - Houston Texas, 04/2007
- Hamonium & Violin - NCIC Cultural Exchange Program - Grenada & Jamaica, 2003
- Violin & Vocals - Nrityanjali Dance Ballet - Martinique & Guadelopue, 2001, 2003
- Sarangi Player - V.S.Naipaul's Movie - Mystic Masseur - Chaguarama, 1999
- Vocals & Mandolin - Indo Cultural Festival - Themesters Hall, Toronto, 1998
Leadership Experience
- Volunteered musical performances at Concert held in honour of Tabla Maestro Prof. Nishikant Barodekar (India) held at Clarke Road Penal, 05/2024
- Organised Sarangi lecture demonstration at DCFA with Maestro Pankaj Mishra (Canada)., 09/2022
- Arranged Tabla and Sarangi workshops with International Maestros Pt Kumar Bose and Pankaj Mishra (both of India), 07/2019
- Music Tutor & Performer in the following areas: Vocals, Harmonium, Keyboard, Violin, Tabla, Sitar, Sarangi, Sarod, Mandolin, Steelpan, Santoor & Hawaiian Guitar for various religious and cultural groups across the country.
- Introduced new style and technique of Violin playing in Trinidad - Gayaki-Ang Karnatak Style.
- Trained hundreds of youths during the period 1995 - 2010 in various instruments to become recording artistes & stage performers.
- Organised Workshops & Lecture Demonstrations, 07/2013, Shiv Sangeet School of Music Hall, Penal
- Free Concerts for Schools and Charitable Organisations (Rotary Club, Raj Yoga Society, etc)
- Chief Judge - Madhur Awaaz TV Series, 05/2013 - 07/2013
Broadcast/ Recordings
- CD Recordings: Immortal Melodies (Vocal), Rainbow Melodies (Instrumental), Violin Voices (Instrumental), Bhajan Amritam (Vocal)
- DVD Recording: Sounds of the Earth
- Inerviews and Performances: Radio Heritage Interview on Prof L. G. Tewari of Sonoma State University USA, All India Radio, New Delhi India, Jamaica Radio Network, Martinique Summer
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 02/15/72
- Nationality: Trinidadian
Awards
- Sangeet Manch Award, Pracheen Kala Kendra - Chandigarh India, 2020
- Shawl of Honor, Prayag Sangeet Samitti (New Delhi Institute), 2019
- National Award - Hummingbird Gold Medal Recipient - Music, 2013
- Shastriya Sangeet Award, All India Radio, New Delhi, 2011
- Rotary Club Award, 2009
- Mere Desh Award - For Music & Culture, 2003
- Golden Award Winner of 'Tarana' TV6 1st Prize: Motor Vehicle, 2000
- Tagore Award - Caribbean Studies Thesis , Faculty of Arts U.W.I., 1995
References
- Satanand Sharma, Lecturer - Department of Creative & Festival Arts - UWI, 776-8756
- Romeo Gunness, Principal - Debe High Secondary School, 776-9301
- Pt Rickhie Maharaj, Priest - Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, 647-4552
Hobbies and Interests
- Music Research in Robotics and Music Education
- North Indian Notation Systems
- Rare Musical Instruments
- Music Aesthetics
- North & South Indian Raaga Systems
Timeline
Fulltime Lecturer - Indian Classical Music
DCFA - UWI, St. Augustine
01.2017 - Current
Director of Indian Classical Ensemble
DCFA - UWI, St Augustine
01.2014 - Current
Fulltime Senior Lecturer
Academy For The Performing Arts (APA)
01.2014 - 01.2017
Music & English Teacher
Barrackpore West Secondary School
01.1995 - 01.2014
PhD Mechatronics - Music Education
University of Trinidad & Tobago
Certificate (University Teaching & Learning) Post Graduate Course - Tertiary Teaching Techniques.
UWI, St Augustine
M.A. Music - Masters Degree - Indian Classical Music
Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, India
B.A. Music - Bachelors Degree - Indian Classical Music
Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, India
B.A. Music - Bachelors Degree - Indian Classical Music
Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, Delhi
B.A. Music (Sangeet Kalanidhi) - Masters Degree - Indian Classical Violin
Bharatiya Vidya Sansthaan (BVS)
B.A. English (Eng Major/Mus Minor) - Bachelors Degree - English
University of The West Indies, St. Augustine
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