To equip students with the required knowledge and skills to become versatile and distinctive musicians in diverse musical arenas through the integration of Western and Indian musical concepts and practices while preserving and promoting the indigenous music of Northeast India. Through the initiative of Dr. Helen Giri, the Department of Music was started in the year 2007 with a Master of Arts in Music. In the year 2011, the Bachelor of Arts in Music was introduced. Apart from the regular programme and activities, the Department also conducts numerous interactive sessions and workshops with acclaimed local and international musicians. The Department has three regular musical performances titled ‘Ha Jylli Ki Khriang’, ‘Music by the Lake’, and ‘AMusiCafé’. Under the banner of the Department, the faculty members and students have performed in diverse state and global stages; Mei Ramew Festival, Monolith Festival, Global ISAI, being a few. The Department was initiated with 11 students and 130 have graduated and are working in music schools and studios across India, while some have opted to be full-time musicians, music entrepreneurs and music faculty members in government institutions. The Department prides itself in being able to produce students who are well-placed in their respective fields. The Department carries out the following projects and activities:

• A MusiCafé – Musical performances in different cafes in Shillong
• Music by the Lake – Musical performances at Ward’s Lake
• Ha Jylli Ki Khriang – Annual Music Concert
• Interactive Sessions
• Workshops
• Field Trips