Associate Professor – Music Center of Excellence ALAAP (Academy of Living Arts, Aesthetics & Performance), Guru Nanak Dev Global University (GNDGU)
Profile
Dr. Harleen Kaur is an accomplished music educator, performer, researcher, and cultural ambassador with over fifteen years of distinguished experience in higher education, music pedagogy, performance training, and cultural preservation. As an Associate Professor of Music at the Center of Excellence ALAAP, she contributes to the university’s vision of promoting Punjabi heritage, Indian classical traditions, and contemporary performing arts through academic excellence and artistic innovation. Her expertise spans Gurmat Sangeet, Punjabi folk music, Hindustani classical vocal music, Sufi music, ghazals, light music, and contemporary vocal forms. Over the course of her career, she has mentored more than one thousand students, preparing them for university youth festivals, national competitions, television platforms, cultural showcases, and professional performance careers. Combining academic scholarship with practical performance experience, she is dedicated to nurturing artistic excellence while preserving the rich musical traditions of Punjab and India.
Current Position
Associate Professor – Music, Center of Excellence, ALAAP, GNDGU Responsibilities include designing and delivering courses in vocal music, instrumental music, and music theory; developing curriculum, teaching resources, and certification programs; conducting practical training sessions, workshops, masterclasses, and performances; mentoring students for academic, cultural, and professional excellence; promoting interdisciplinary collaborations in the performing arts; and contributing to research, publications, and cultural outreach initiatives.
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D. in Music — Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
M.Phil. in Music — Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
M.A. (Vocal Music), Gold Medalist — Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Academic & Professional Experience
Associate Professor – Music — Guru Nanak Dev Global University (GNDGU) (2026 – Present)
Music Teacher & Performance Mentor — Surleen Academy (June 2025) — Advanced training in music theory, vocal techniques, instrumental music, competition preparation, and stage performance.
Assistant Professor – Department of Music (Vocal) — Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Chandigarh (July 2023 – May 2025)
Assistant Professor – Department of Music (Vocal) — Khalsa College, Amritsar (July 2007 – August 2021)
Part-Time Music Teacher — Miri Piri Academy, Amritsar (2006 – 2020) — Trained students from India, the United States, Canada, and Europe in Indian music traditions and performance practices.
Areas of Specialization
- Gurmat Sangeet
- Punjabi Folk Music
- Hindustani Classical Vocal Music
- Sufi Music
- Ghazal Singing
- Light Music
- Bollywood Music
- Voice Culture & Performance Training
- Music Theory & Pedagogy
- Cultural Heritage Preservation
Musical Expertise
Gurmat Sangeet: Deep understanding of Sikh devotional music traditions, raag-based compositions, and spiritual aesthetics.
Punjabi Folk Music: Authentic folk traditions, cultural performance practices, and heritage preservation, with extensive experience across ceremonial and traditional forms (Suhag, Ghorhian, Sehra, Lorian, Jaggo), folk and romantic traditions (Mahiya, Tappe, Jindua, Heer-Ranjha, Mirza-Sahiban), devotional and spiritual music (Gurbani Kirtan, Dhadi Varaan, Sufi Kafi, Qawwali), and narrative ballads (Vaars, Qisse, Dastaan traditions).
Hindustani Classical Music: Advanced training in raag, taal, voice culture, improvisation, and performance methodology.
Sufi Music: Interpretation of devotional and mystical traditions through expressive, emotionally engaging performance.
Light Music, Geet & Ghazal: Lyrical expression, poetic interpretation, and semi-classical vocal styles.
Contemporary & Bollywood Music: Integration of classical foundations with modern performance practices and audience engagement.
Instruments Taught
- Sitar
- Harmonium
- Tabla
- Surmandal
- Santoor
- Electronic Keyboard
Teaching & Mentorship
Dr. Kaur has prepared students for university youth festivals, inter-college competitions, state-level cultural events, national youth festivals, television talent shows, digital media platforms, cultural exchange programs, and academic performances and concerts. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes musical excellence, creativity and self-expression, cultural awareness, discipline and professionalism, heritage preservation, and stage confidence and presentation skills.
Research Interests
- Gurmat Sangeet Studies
- Punjabi Folk Music Preservation
- Hindustani Classical Music Pedagogy
- Sufi and Devotional Music Traditions
- Music and Cultural Heritage
- Classical Foundations in Contemporary Music
- Music Education and Curriculum Development
Publications
Four research papers published in Swar Sindhu, a UGC CARE-listed national peer-reviewed journal (ISSN 2320-7175).
Professional Development
- UGC-Sponsored Refresher Course in Visual & Performing Arts
- National Music Education Conference
- Teaching Music with Technology Workshop
- Innovative Teaching Methods for Music Educators
Media & Professional Engagements
Dr. Kaur has maintained an active presence across television, radio, film, cultural institutions, and academic platforms, contributing significantly to the promotion of Indian and Punjabi musical traditions.
Television Appearances: Top Finalist – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Punjabi; Top Finalist – Awaaz Punjab Di (MH1); Top Finalist – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (Zee TV)
Jury & Judging Assignments: Jury Member – Punjabian Di Dadagiri (Zee Punjabi); Guest Judge – Voice of Punjab (PTC Punjabi); Guest Judge – Little Champs (Zee Punjabi); judge and evaluator at numerous university, inter-university, and cultural youth festivals, and at the live finales of multiple reality shows across Punjab.
Radio & Broadcast: Approved Artist – All India Radio; Gold Medalist – Akashvani Folk & Ghazal Competitions; featured performer on radio and cultural broadcast platforms.
Playback Singing & Music Releases: Playback Singer – “Rabb Jaane” (Punjabi film Muklawa); multiple commercial song releases with renowned artists, with extensive studio recording and live performance experience.
Awards & Honors
Indo Global Super Women Achiever Award, Kuala Lumpur (2023) · Gold Medal – All India Radio Folk & Ghazal Competition · First Prize – All India Radio Folk Song & Ghazal Competition · Best Punjabi Folk Singer Award · Kala Rattan Samman · Women’s Achiever Award. She is also the recipient of numerous recognitions from cultural, educational, literary, and heritage organizations for her contributions to music education, performance, and the preservation of Punjabi cultural traditions.
Languages
- Punjabi
- Hindi
- English
- Urdu
Teaching Philosophy
“Music education is a journey that extends beyond technical proficiency. It nurtures creativity, discipline, cultural understanding, and lifelong appreciation for the arts. My objective as an educator is to create an inclusive and inspiring learning environment where students develop confidence, artistic excellence, and a deep connection with musical heritage while preparing for success on academic, professional, and global platforms.” — Dr. Harleen Kaur