The central idea of this research project is rooted in the experience of its initiators that Indian music offers educators a vast range of simple as well as profound musical concepts, oral means of transmission, and effective learning techniques. It enables educators to make music together with children and young people including those with special needs irrespective of their personal affinity with Indian cultural traditions.

To avail of the opportunities offered by Sam, Reflection, Gathering Together! it matters little whether or not a particular group of learners has already benefitted from musical training. The musical programmes currently being developed in collaboration with Indian musicians, educators and institutions are easily accessible to all in and outside India.

The strength of this approach lies in the intrinsic value of making, thinking and experiencing music in a uniquely Indian way: Today as in the remote past, Indian music easily transcends all geographical, cultural, linguistic and religious boundaries. It constitutes a joyful practice of collective "music making for all" and therefore deserves to be better known. In spite of a widespread tendency to mystify its basic principles, it needs by no means be a stranger to lovers, learners and practitioners of Western music and helps to complement other teaching methods where printed editions would otherwise constitute the sole means of making and teaching music.