Dr. Lapynshai Syiem

Designation: Associate Professor

Department: Cultural and Creative Studies

Qualifications:

M. A. (History), Ph. D.

Teaching Experience:

19 years of teaching and research

 

Area of Interest

Music (Khasi Traditional)

Dr. Lapynshai Syiem acquired her Doctoral Degree on the classicism of Khasi Traditional Music, an area hitherto unexplored by any scholar. She is the first Khasi to have passed various music exams from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow, in Indian Classical Music (Vocal). Received many awards, honors and recognition for her excellent" endeavor in the field of Performing Arts since her school days. She has to her credit fourteen volumes of solo audio cassettes of Khasi folk and modern songs.

She is also trying in the best possible way to share and disseminate the concept of Khasi Rhythmic Pattern through various forums and is also nurturing the growth and understanding of Indian Classical Music amongst local boys and girls. Published a book entitled “The Evolution of Khasi Music: A Study of the Classical Content”, published by Regency Publications, New Delhi, 2005. She participated in various State and National level seminars, workshops in the field of performing arts which also  included Lecture cum demonstration on “Khasi Traditional Music” at the Brihaddesi, organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, 2002; at the Kalakshetra, Chennai, 2003; at Shillong, organized by Inter-Cultural Resources, New Delhi, where students from Boston University were the main participants, 2004.Presently she is working and notating the different drum beats found in the different Native States of Khasi –Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.

Dr. Syiem also completed Sangeet Nipun in Indian Classical Music from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapeeth, Lucknow.

Phd Awarded/Supervised: 4 (four) Ph. D. scholars guided and have been awarded degrees.

Publications

  1. The Evolution of Khasi Music: A Study of the Classical Content
  2. My Father Composer: Soulful Melodies

Papers presented in Conferences/Seminars: 1 (one): Gender and Folklore in Northeast India: Beliefs and Practices