Posted on: 31-12-03 13:57:38
Hi All,
Our first guest is Shawn Mativetsky a freelance tabla player and percussionist, living in Montreal, Québec, Canada. He participates regularly in the performance and recording of contemporary and traditional music, of both Western and Indian origin.
In addition to his many accomplishments, one of the recordings (group:Ramasutra, album: The East Infection) that Shawn has worked on, has received a 2001 Juno ( http://www.juno-awards.ca ) nomination in the 'Best alternative album' category.
Shawn is a ganda-band disciple of Pandit Sharda Sahai of the Benares tabla gharana, and has also studied with Bob Becker and Vineet Vyas. Shawn also holds a Master's degree in music from McGill University, where he studied classical percussion.
For more info on Shawn and his work please visit http://www.percussionist.net
The interview will commence on the 2nd of Jan 2004 when Shawn will field our questions. In the meantime if you have any questions for Shawn please do post them.
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Hi Shawn,
Happy 2004!! Thank you for contributing your time to this forum. Since I have already introduced you to the forum and members have hopefully been to your website let me begin by asking you
1) How did you get interested in Indian classical music and at what age? Was your introduction/training in music grounded in Indian music or did your musical exploration/experimentation lead you to this rich heritage? Basically, how did it all start?
2) Apart from Indian classical music you are trained in western classical percussion. You also have a masters degree in music. Can you tell us about the different areas of music that you are involved in?
3) You are a ganda-band disciple of Pandit Sharda Sahai. Can you please explain, to the uninitiated, what it means? Is this an important part of the Indian classical music scene? What type of commitment is required of you in this relationship?
4) Can you tell us a bit about your favorite instrument which I presume is the Tabla. How long have you been playing this instrument. What is the Benaras tabla gharana and how does it differentiate itself from the other gharana's?
Also please explain to us, if you can, your personal/emotional attachment to your art form and by extension your tabla. What kinds of music do you enjoy performing (classical or fusion)?
5) Can you please inform us of your views on the Indian Classical scene in Canada? Is there any part of Canada where Indian Classical music is more popular than in others.
6) How do Canadian audiences react to your music? What mix of audiences are attracted to your performances or form the majority of your audiences? Is fusion of western/Indian music more popular with audiences? What are the occasions and venues of your performances in Canada?
7) I know that there is a lot of hard work and talent involved but how easy or difficult is it to make a living as an musician (Indian Classical Music) in Canada. What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the same?
8) I know that you teach the Tabla and percussion. Can you tell us a little about your teaching methods? What do you require of your students and how intensive are your courses?Do you also teach outside of Montreal? How else are you involved in musical education in Canada?
Though I can think of a lot more questions, I think I'll stop for now. This will also give a chance to the other forum members to post their own questions if they want to.
Shawn, once again on behalf of CanadianDesi I thank you for your participation.
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Hi Shawn,
I've had the opportunity to check out your website am truly impressed. I'm sure mastering any instrument takes a lot of dedication and effort and even doubly so when it belongs to a different culture. Its an honor to have you here with us. I have a few questions of my own...
1) Can you tell us about some of the more interesting experiences you've had while learning the tabla? Were you living in India at the time?
2) I noticed most of your upcoming concerts are in QC. Would you be performing in Toronto any time soon? If yes, please let us know. I (and I'm sure many others here) would be very interested in attending.
3) Who are some of your favorite classical Indian and fusion artists?
Thanks.
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Are you there?
Namaste Shawn:
Naya Saal Ke Avsar Par Hamar Haardik Shubhkaamna
(Happy new year) :-)
This is how I feel about tabla:
Tabla music makes me feel joyful and it is one of my favorite instruments. Whenever I hear Zakir Hussian music, it makes me feel more aware and gives me more confidence. It gives me Peace which is a place where I feel harmony, contentment and joy. It also makes me feel as if you are at one with yourself and the world.
I have started learning Tabla recently and would like to perform with a group. This being said, I have few questions for you.
When did u start learning tabla and how long did it take u to be where u are today?
Secondly - Do you recmommend/require a music backgroud to learn Tabla ?
Thanks - Biju
Namaste Jake and everyone here on Canadian Desi,
I am very happy and honoured that you have asked me to come online to answer your questions. I'm a little overwhelmed by the quantity of questions so far, but I'll do my best to answer them!
Quote:
1) How did you get interested in Indian classical music and at what age? Was your introduction/training in music grounded in Indian music or did your musical exploration/experimentation lead you to this rich heritage? Basically, how did it all start?
I started off my musical voyage studing Western percussion at the age of 7. Later on, when I was about 17, I heard tabla for the first time on a fusion recording. I was immediately intrigued, and did research to find out about this special instrument. Soon after, I bought my first pair of tabla and found a teacher in Montreal. Because of the tabla, I discovered Indian classical music, and since then, I've been hooked!
Quote:
2) Apart from Indian classical music you are trained in western classical percussion. You also have a masters degree in music. Can you tell us about the different areas of music that you are involved in?
Western classical music includes such things as playing with an orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo. Including instruments such as marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, timpani, snare drum, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, etc... The list really goes on and on. In terms of music, I've performed early music (renaissance, middle ages, baroque), orchestral music, and contemporary music. Outside of the Western tradition, I've also had some experience with salsa, latin jazz, flamenco, and Scottish pipe drumming.
Quote:
3) You are a ganda-band disciple of Pandit Sharda Sahai. Can you please explain, to the uninitiated, what it means? Is this an important part of the Indian classical music scene? What type of commitment is required of you in this relationship?
I have to admit that in the modern music system, the tradition of guru-shishya-parampara (guru-disciple-tradition) is in the decline. But, still, I feel that it is of value in preserving a stylistic lineage (gharana). You can explain the difference between a student and a disciple in a couple of ways. On the surface, both may appear to be identical. However, there is a difference in the relationship with the guru. A student will go for a lesson (1-2 hours), and then go home, while a disciple will visit with the guru (or live with the guru) for extended periods of time, much like a member of the family. By becoming a disciple, I joined the family of the Benares gharana, and all the other disciples of my Guruji are like brothers and sisters. There is a real sense of family and community.
Note, though, that Guruji treats his students and disciples alike with complete generousity.
In terms of commitment, I have to practice, practice, practice! I am expected to perform at a certain level and to not disgrace my Guruji or the gharana.
Quote:
4) Can you tell us a bit about your favorite instrument which I presume is the Tabla. How long have you been playing this instrument. What is the Benaras tabla gharana and how does it differentiate itself from the other gharana's?
Also please explain to us, if you can, your personal/emotional attachment to your art form and by extension your tabla. What kinds of music do you enjoy performing (classical or fusion)?
Yes, the tabla is definitely my favourite instrument. It has such a unique and rich sound and repertoire. While I have performed tabla in various fusions, and contemporary music, my favourite place to play tabla is within the context of Indian classical music. It is there that the tabla is used to the fullest extent and can truly shine.
With regards to the Benares gharana, there are differences with other gharanas in terms of some techniques, and in repertoire. There are, however, many similarities between gharanas, especially nowadays when most tabla players have most definitely been educated or influenced by tabla players of various gharanas. To get into more detail, I would have to get into some details of music theory, which require at least an intermediate knowledge of Indian classical music theory...
Quote:
5) Can you please inform us of your views on the Indian Classical scene in Canada? Is there any part of Canada where Indian Classical music is more popular than in others.
The Canadian ICM (Indian classical music) scene is quite small. The largest community is probably in Toronto, followed by Vancouver, and then Montreal. There seems to be a new audience in the process of forming, and I believe that the ICM scene is slowly growing in Canada. It is important to acknowledge that a large part of this growth is due to the introduction of this music to Western audiences.
There is one thing that troubles me about the Canadian ICM scene: it seems that promoters are mainly interested in presenting international talent (from India), and not local talent (from Canada). Of course, the true Pandits and Ustads of ICM come from India and Pakistan, BUT I think that local audiences have to support and encourage the local musicians who have taken up this art form as well. There is a serious lack in this regard.
Quote:
6) How do Canadian audiences react to your music? What mix of audiences are attracted to your performances or form the majority of your audiences? Is fusion of western/Indian music more popular with audiences? What are the occasions and venues of your performances in Canada?
I think that if I had to invent an approximate statistic, I'd say that to date, the audiences have been about 75% of Western origin, and about 25% of south Asian origin. These numbers are at the same time encouraging (with regards to the size of the Western audience), and discouraging (with regards to the small size of the Indian audiences). This has been my experience here in Montreal, in any case.
The music seems to be well received in all settings - Indian classical, Western contemporary classical, and fusions. Remember that most audiences are at a concert because they want to hear that kind of music. In terms of venues, it's quite varied: universities, churches, restaurants, festivals, and concert halls.
Quote:
7) I know that there is a lot of hard work and talent involved but how easy or difficult is it to make a living as an musician (Indian Classical Music) in Canada. What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the same?
I don't really think that it's possible to make a living as a purely Indian classical musician in Canada, except for the rare few who have managed to do so. You have to be open to other styles of music. So, I would say that that's the key - keep an open mind and be flexible.
Of course, before you can make any money with music, and this goes for ANY instrument, you have to spend years practicing and studying with a qualified teacher.
Quote:
8) I know that you teach the Tabla and percussion. Can you tell us a little about your teaching methods? What do you require of your students and how intensive are your courses?Do you also teach outside of Montreal? How else are you involved in musical education in Canada?
I teach mainly in the Montreal area, though I have done some classes in Ontario as well. My tabla lessons are done privately, one-on-one. I teach in the same way that I was taught, through the oral tradition. I try to teach at a pace that is appropriate for the particular student. Each has their own goals with regards to tabla, and are in different phases of their lives and professions; so they will have differering amounts of time for lessons and for practice.
I expect that students will practice daily (or as close to daily as possible), and arrive to lessons with the previous material under their belt. Over time, the material must be memorized. Aside from private lessons, I've given workshops and demonstrations at various schools and universities in Quebec and Ontario. In terms of Western percussion, I teach privately, and at a local music conservatory.
Take care,
Shawn Mativetsky
www.percussionist.net
Quote:
Orginally posted by BlueLobster
Hi Shawn,
I've had the opportunity to check out your website am truly impressed. I'm sure mastering any instrument takes a lot of dedication and effort and even doubly so when it belongs to a different culture. Its an honor to have you here with us. I have a few questions of my own...
1) Can you tell us about some of the more interesting experiences you've had while learning the tabla? Were you living in India at the time?
2) I noticed most of your upcoming concerts are in QC. Would you be performing in Toronto any time soon? If yes, please let us know. I (and I'm sure many others here) would be very interested in attending.
3) Who are some of your favorite classical Indian and fusion artists?
Thanks.
Hi Blue Lobster,
Thanks for the kind words. To answer your questions:
1) There are always interesting experiences with tabla. I'd have to say that some of the best was my recent time with Guruji in Miami and in London. Whenever he travels, students come from far and wide to study and this creates a small community of tabla players. We all practice together and discuss all things tabla-related. Here in Montreal, there aren't many tabla players, so there's a small isolation element. At these special group events, it's really great to be among other tabla players with similar interests.
2) As far as I know, I have no concerts coming up in Toronto. I might have a couple in Ottawa, though. I'll keep everyone posted (I get the impression that most of the Canadian Desi community is from Toronto).
3) In terms of favourite artists, I could never just say one artist, but here's a short list:
Tabla: Pandit Sharda Sahai, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Pandit Shamta Prasad, Pandit Kumar Bose
Sitar: Pandit Nikhil Bannerjee, Ustad Vilayat Khan
Mohan Veena: Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
Bansuri: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Santoor: Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma
The above are all performers of Indian classical music. In terms of fusion, I don't listen to fusion very often, but I have liked some music of Trilok Gurtu and Talvin Singh. Some of Tabla Beat Science music is ok as well. The American composer, Payton MacDonald, has written some very nice Western contemporary pieces for tabla also.
Take care,
Shawn Mativetsky
www.percussionist.net
Quote:
Orginally posted by bijunsandy
This is how I feel about tabla:
Tabla music makes me feel joyful and it is one of my favorite instruments. Whenever I hear Zakir Hussian music, it makes me feel more aware and gives me more confidence. It gives me Peace which is a place where I feel harmony, contentment and joy. It also makes me feel as if you are at one with yourself and the world.
I have started learning Tabla recently and would like to perform with a group. This being said, I have few questions for you.
When did u start learning tabla and how long did it take u to be where u are today?
Secondly - Do you recmommend/require a music backgroud to learn Tabla ?
Thanks - Biju
Dear Biju,
Yes, I definitely agree. The sound of tabla is indeed something special.
I started learning tabla about 11 years ago. So, it took 11 years to be where I am today. I was also helped by 21 years of percussion experience; this definitely helped to accelerate the learning process. You need to be patient. It will be a number of years before you will be able to perform in concert.
If you have a music background, then great, it'll certainly help you to grasp some of the musical concepts and rhythms. However, it's not necessary at all. Any musician has to start SOMEWHERE. For some people tabla is their first instrument. That's a very normal thing.
You're in Montreal? Who is your tabla teacher?
Take care,
Shawn Mativetsky
http://www.percussionist.net" rel="nofollow">LINK
