Vision:
            The department seeks to impart music education of high quality in order to foster a creative, competitive, and a productive learning spirit among the students.  
Mission:

Faculty

All members have master’s level music degrees. Miss Peseye holds a Ph.D. degree.  The existing faculty is adequate and competent to teach music courses as well as specialized studies in piano, organ, and voice at the bachelor level and in certain areas, master’s and doctorate level courses.
Learning Resources

            The department strives to impart music knowledge through use of appropriate and adequate teaching aids.  An inventory of resources available is listed below:
Equipment

Enhancement of the learning resources

The recent purchase of a computer and printer has improved the teaching and learning processes.  The construction of risers (estimated at over Rs. 40,000) for choir/ensemble have been a great asset to concert performances.  Purchase of the new Viscount digital organ (estimated at over 11 lakhs) which is the first among the NE states, has also greatly enhanced the department’s resources.
Modern teaching methods

Since it’s understood that teaching music requires a different dynamic from a mere lecture method, use of pianos and tape players are a regular activity.  Some classes are taught using the OHP and LCD.  Students are taught to use the computer for accessing class assignment materials some of which have been downloaded from the internet by teachers.

Participation of teachers in academic and personal counseling of students

            Music is a subject where teachers and students are always in close contact.  Feedback on a student’s progress is given on a regular basis.  The department recently started recording details of the senior students.  Their contact numbers, addresses have all been recorded for future follow-ups.
Details of faculty development programmes

            A year ago, Mr. Kughaho Chishi got admission to enter the doctoral program at an institution in the USA.  His proposed study in advanced conducting will be a great asset to the department.

Participation of teachers in academic activities other than teaching and research
            The teachers are always involved in other academic programs of the college such as the literary week and holding seminars on music topics in neighboring villages as well as in other remotes areas.  The faculty is also represented in committees appointed by concerned departments of the state government for drafting music curriculum for schools and colleges.          
Thrust areas of the department in research activities:

The thrust area of the department comprises of the collection and transcription of ethnic folk songs and tunes of Naga tribes and their development.  This also includes the collection, preservation, and development of ethnic musical instruments.

Participation in extension activities

Every year, a few piano students sit for graded piano exams conducted by the Associated Board of Royal Schools and Trinity College of Music London.  In the past two years, students have also appeared in violin and guitar exams.

 Significant achievements of the department/faculty/students

2005: Mr. Chishi was the recipient for the Governor’s music award and also the Classic Club, Kohima music award.
2007: A tribute concert was given in honour of Mrs. Margaret Shishak by the music alumni of the College.
2007: Dr. Peseye was the recipient for the Governor’s music award.
2007: Mr. Tzudir was the recipient for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar given by the Sangeet Natak Akedemi.
The department continues to strive to impart a music education which fosters a creative, competitive, and a productive learning spirit among the students.  Here are some highlights of the department activities during the present academic year.

July 2009: saw us giving admission to 54 candidates to take music as an elective subject in the B.A. program.  This has proven to be quite a Herculean task for the lecturers.

November: Mrs. Margaret Shishak, Director of Music was in Mumbai to participate in a music program at St. Peter’s Church, Bandra.

December: The Patkai Chorale gave their annual Christmas concert on the 13th on the college campus and a repeat performance on the 16th at the State Academy Hall, Kohima.  Both concerts were well accepted by the public.

January 2010: Miss Ajeen Longchari, an alumnus of the college with a master’s degree in voice pedagogy from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kentucky, USA, gave a voice recital on the 31st on the college campus.

March:  The Patkai Chorale gave a concert at the North East Spring Festival 2010 held at the NEZCC campus on the 9th.  The concert was very well attended.

April: Marouan Benandallah, an international concert pianist from France gave a piano recital in the college auditorium on the 3rd.  His India tour was sponsored by the French Embassy and his trip to Nagaland by co-sponsored by the Department and the Music Task Force of Nagaland.  The concert was an eye opener for many who were not aware of the height of excellence a musician should aspire should one like to become a performing artist.

Involvement of students in academic/co-curricular

Music students are always engaged in musical performances (i.e. concerts, weddings, worship services, functions) either on campus or off campus.  Some of them are in NSS, Blue Ribbon Club, or Red Cross Society.

Innovations and best practices initiated/adopted
Our students always get hands-on training related to their subject matter.  For instance, they get to conduct congregational singing in services as well as teach and conduct choral ensembles.  Some students are also encouraged to teach piano, guitar, or violin to fellow students whereby they get vital teaching experience as well as some pocket money.  The students are given individual attention regularly.

Development and extension

The department plans to introduce the B.A. degree in music which will include courses in performance such as voice, classical guitar, piano, violin, and organ.  Orchestral instruments like brass, percussion, and woodwinds could be added in the future as teachers become available.  However, proper infrastructure is required before degree courses could be taught. Thus, the Margaret Shishak School of Music building project, estimated at 7 crore rupees is our immediate concern.  Funds are being solicited from various individuals and organizations, including the North East Council.

The department is also striving to become a research centre.  To this end, contacts are being made with various departments such as the Ministry of Arts and Culture, New Delhi for recognition and financial assistance for researches done by the students.