A class is held outdoors

It is a truth nationally acknowledged that the Northeast is a hotbed of eager and talented musicians. Such that practically every family in a place like Shillong has at least one member who is a proficient pianist, guitarist or vocalist. Thanks to a close association with the Church, there is also a host of choir and gospel groups, who bring the city alive especially during the Christmas season. "In fact, I am told that if one can't play a musical instrument, finding a life partner becomes very difficult," says Shubho Bhattacharjee, who started The Centre of Excellence in Indian and Western Music (CEIWM) in the Meghalaya capital, with another branch seven hours away, in the remote town of Turo.