MUMBAI: Abbey Road Institute (ARI) Mumbai, housed within Bay Owl Studios, is opening its doors for an interactive Open House bringing together aspiring music creators, industry professionals, and mentors under one roof. Ahead of the event, Radioandmusic caught up with multi-genre producer Karan Kanchan and Varun Parikh, CEO of Abbey Road Institute Mumbai, to discuss what attendees can expect, why formal education matters in today’s music industry, and how ARI is preparing the next generation of creators.
What excites you the most about coming together for this Open House?
Karan: “Being associated with Abbey Road Institute is a big deal for me personally. When I was starting off, I didn’t have many options. It’s super exciting to see institutes and infrastructure for music education growing with such quality in Mumbai. To be a part of this Open House is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Varun: “What excites me is the collision of real-world studio energy with structured learning. Hosting the Open House at our campus inside Bay Owl Studios means attendees don’t just hear about a career in music—they feel it. Add in the perspective of a top producer such as Karan, and you get a 360º view of how ideas become records: from creative spark to technical execution to release strategy.”
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As creators, how do you view the blend of industry experience and formal music education?
Karan: “Being well-versed with your tools as an artist is very important. Creativity and your style are things you can explore on your own—but the process speeds up when you know exactly what to do with your tools.”
Varun: “My own path reinforced a simple truth: the classroom isn’t enough. I did a programme years ago where I never even entered a studio. All my foundational literacy—signal flow, critical listening, practical techniques—came only when I started working in studios under deadlines. At ARI, students stress-test their skills in production suites and a tech lab from day one, guided by active professionals. That balance is what turns interest into employable confidence.”
What should young artists expect from this Open House?
Karan: “I’ve organised a lot of producer meet-ups in Mumbai, and anyone who has attended knows how chill and conversational I like to keep it. The session will be very straightforward—I’m ready to share all that I can if it helps someone.”
Varun: “Expect an honest, inside look at how we teach and how you’ll grow here. From studio tours and hands-on demonstrations to meeting faculty and learning practical portfolio tips, you’ll get to experience the culture of Abbey Road Institute: supportive, demanding, and collaborative.”
India’s music scene is evolving every year. How do you see Abbey Road Institute preparing creators for the future?
Karan: “An institute gives you strong basics and shows you how to adapt to the changing environment. Guidance and mentorship from professionals will always help.”
Varun: “We prepare for change by teaching what doesn’t change, while integrating what does. Fundamentals like sound theory, gain staging, mic technique, and editing remain anchors. Around that, we constantly update with hybrid workflows, spatial audio, distribution strategy, and creator-business literacy. Because we’re embedded in a working studio and a global Abbey Road network, our students graduate fluent in both craft and context.”
One takeaway you’d like attendees to leave with?
Karan: “As much as you learn—be it online, mentorship, or anything—at the end, it’s only your dedication that will see you through to your goals.”
Varun: “That making great music is a team sport, and your team can start here. Bring curiosity and work ethic—we’ll match it with world-class mentorship, facilities, and a clear path to industry-ready outcomes.”
The Abbey Road Institute Mumbai Open House promises more than just a peek into music education—it offers young creators the chance to step into a professional studio environment, interact with seasoned mentors, and envision a realistic pathway to a career in music. As Karan sums it up, “To be part of this is something I’m really looking forward to,” while Varun adds, “Finish more music, collaborate more often, and keep your fundamentals sharp.” For aspiring artists, this Open House could be the spark that transforms passion into profession.
