MUMBAI, 21 MAY, 2013 - FremantleMedia and KarmYog Education Network today announced a partnership for Indian Idol Academy, a first of its kind performing arts academy for young learners. The immersive learning course is designed to draw on the assets of Indian Idol, and the methods of the show?s masters and past alumni along with experts, celebrities and educators to prepare and develop aspiring singers for their futures in the performing arts.

The first Indian Idol Academy centers will launch in September 2013, as a part of a nationwide plan for centers in multiple cities across India including Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai. The coursework offers a variety of practical workshops including an orientation and induction program for one and all, followed by intermediate and advanced-level talent development programs for promising singers.

Indian Idol Academy will look to use immersive content, effective technology and engaging activities to offer multi-dimensional learning experiences that improve the course participants? overall star quality and ready them for future live performances, competitions and auditions. Students will be taken through a curriculum of interactive exercises that focus on vocal improvement, personality development, stage presence, performance and communication skills, as well as lessons in lifestyle.

Gautam Talwar, VP, Business Development, FremantleMedia, Asia said, "Indian Idol Academy is inspired by the real-life stories of Indian Idol. This pioneering training and development programme will not only assist and groom young singers to cultivate their love of performing, but also instill in them the skills, confidence and self-belief to continue on their path to stardom. Under the guidance of the masters of Indian Idol and our industry and the time-tested learning methods from KarmYog, the Academy graduates will be fully prepared for a life on the stage."

Chuck Schreiner, Managing Director of KarmYog Education Network said, "We are using the path-breaking OmniDELTM approach to learning, developed by KEN founder sourabh J. sarkar, and creating performing arts learning programs that will help every young person discover the magic of singing and shine as performers in every stage of life. Leveraging interactive multimedia and technology in ways that have never been done before, the Idol Academy programs will engage the learners in every dimension. We are confident that youngsters and their families will be excited about this new dimension of the Indian Idol brand."

The past six seasons of Indian Idol have enjoyed a succession of strong ratings on Sony TV, and a brand new Indian Idol Junior series with participants aged 5 - 15 years old, is set to launch on the channel in June 2013.