Classical Music and mindfulness

September 19, 2022

The roots of Indian classical music are traceable back to the vedas. The Samvad to be precise. In turns the Vedas are believed to be ancient ways of connecting with the divine spirit or God. In other words, an old spiritual paradigm for men to connect with God and the...

The difficulty in simplicity

September 2, 2022

As I was in the process of imparting music a few weeks ago to a student of mine, we reached a very tricky and rather surprising juncture. I was trying to teach the student a simple phrase in an Aalaap (a creative improvisation within a Raag). The student was trying...

The difficult matter of paying artists

July 23, 2022

Recently, I went through a difficult interaction with one of my clients, a matter that was originally born out of misunderstanding which led to a fair bit of unease on both sides. The matter was centered on money. Basically, the difference of opinion was whether a payment was due or...

Music on stage is magic

July 9, 2022

It was my first ever stage appearance. I was around five or six years old. I distinctly remember the feeling. A microphone was thrust into my face by the soundman, who was completely oblivious to neither my three-and-a-half-foot size nor the feelings trapped inside that little human being. I was...

An event to remember

June 25, 2022

As I saw the logo of my venture, Music Vruksh, projected on to the screen while in the middle of the annual Baithak, an event we conduct for students and music aficionados, I experienced a surreal feeling. The event was presided over by the executive director of World Trade Center,...

Carnatic and Hindustani music are two languages of the divine

June 4, 2022

People have often asked me how I manage to keep integrity to my rendering of Carnatic music without the influence of the Hindustani style and vice versa. And I reply with casual ease, that it’s no different from being able to speak different languages. While we are speaking to someone...

The Singer’s Block

May 21, 2022

I sat today with my electronic Taanpura and Swarmandal, both Indian classical instruments used to accompany vocal music, for my vocal Riyaaz, or practice. Riyaaz is the life breath of every singer, the fuel that keeps the singing going effortlessly. It is more than just practice. It is a philosophy...

EVERYTHING MUSIC TAUGHT ME THAT ISN’T MUSIC

May 7, 2022

I grew up musically inclined, and into a family where many were genetically gifted with musical abilities. However, I can safely look back and say that I did not quite understand the magnitude of grace that had been showered upon me until rather late in life. It had come a...

What if vs what is

April 23, 2022

I was in one of my sessions the other day with a student, a lady who had just commenced learning Vilambit Khayal from me in her Hindustani classical music journey. For the uninitiated, learning Vilambit Khayal or Bada Khayal as it is alternately called, is a mark of progression to...

What if vs what is

April 23, 2022

I was in one of my sessions the other day with a student, a lady who had just commenced learning Vilambit Khayal from me in her Hindustani classical music journey. For the uninitiated, learning Vilambit Khayal or Bada Khayal as it is alternately called, is a mark of progression to...