Sree Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram

Sree Swathi Thirunal College of Music is a music college located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It was founded in 1939 by Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last reigning King of Travancore, and was initially named 'The Music Academy.' In 1962, it was renamed Swathi Thirunal College of Music, with the aim of popularizing the kritis of Maharaja Sree Swathi Thirunal. The institution was originally administered by the Travancore royal family. Muthiah Bhagavatar served as its first Principal, followed by other eminent musicians such as Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, G. N. Balasubrahmaniam, and others. The college initially offered a three-year certificate course called 'Gayaka and Gayika' before introducing the four-year 'Ganabhooshanam and Ganapraveen' Diploma courses. In 1999, the college became affiliated with the University of Kerala, leading to the introduction of a Bachelor in Performing Arts course. It later introduced eight new courses as part of a continuing education programme. Notable alumni include Dr. K.J. Yesudas, Neyyatinkara Vasudevan, M. G. Radhakrishnan, and Dr. Sreedev Rajagopalan, among others.