Our Team

Dr Frances Shepherd
Former Lecturer in Music and Education, an ethnomusicologist and Indian performing arts specialist. Co-founded the PRSSV exam board with Pt. Sharda Sahai in 1989 having run the PRSSV examinations centre in Benares (1976-79) for Prayag Sangeet Samiti examinations.

PRSSV is the leading examination board which has for over 30 years been providing graded examinations which support the promotion of World Music and Dance. The subjects students can get qualifications in are Indian classical music (both Carnatic and Hindustani subjects) and Steel Pan. This suite of qualifications includes graded qualifications taking a candidate from beginner to advanced level, with performance and teaching qualifications up to Diploma level.

PRSSV is the custodian of the Benares Baaj Archive in West London. This is a major heritage project that charts the history of Tabla in the UK and has a growing collection of material on the Indian Performing Arts. Educational institutions and students wanting to learn about this heritage of India can have access to this knowledge through this archive.

PRSSV Sangeet College Institute of Music and Dance provides students of all ages opportunities to develop their music and dance knowledge, their performing arts skills, and through that to find new ways of experiencing and making music. We have over 250 students every week receiving professional tuition in Indian instruments and dance both in the community and in schools. Our teaching ethos is “learning through doing” and so our students perform regularly. For more information on classes and other activities please visit www.prssv.org

History

The PRSSV exam board was set up in 1987 to provide accredited qualifications for world music and dance traditions. Our syllabuses are developed in consultation with master musicians and dancers and are true to the uniqueness of a particular culture while taking into account the different social and cultural conditions of the West.

The aim of our exams is to:

  • Inspire achievements in music among students of all ages and levels.
  • Provide recognition for different musical cultures.
  • Provide recognition for teachers.
In December 1987, there were 15 candidates who were examined by an examiner from India. Today there are approximately 1000 candidates appearing annually in approved examination centres and partner institutions in London and other cities of the UK. The examiners are mainly UK based.

In 2006 PRSSV started its international wing to cater for teachers and students in Europe and then in 2010 in Australia and North America.

In 2013 the first batch of Heritage Skills candidates completed their training.