Posted on: 06-01-04 13:21:29
Hi Garvo,
That's a great idea. Actually Shawn had already suggested it to me...but with so many things going on I did not get around to bringing it up with you. Also As we get more guests, in my opinion, it will be a really interesting section to have. The aim will be to spread awareness of our cultural heritage and history, from the canadian perspective and also promote local talent.
So after each interview we could take the relevant and more interesting points of the discussion and post them in a read only interviews section. However, I think we should still have this section available since it encourages more interaction with members and every one is free to ask their questions.
To tell you the truth I am seriously considering learning the Tabla after reading Shawns answers. Musical knowledge, especially classical music knowledge is something I would like to learn more of especially after this interview. I hope for the same reaction from others, if not now, atleast as time goes on.
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Jake,
We will keep this thread open for discussions and question/answers, the interviews section will be a separate one.
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A Proud Indian Canadian
Quote:
Orginally posted by Garvo Gujarati
jake3d, biju and BL
Thanks for asking good questions. This gives almost all insight of an Indian Classicial Music for a newbie like me! Unfortunately at this age it is too late to learn Tabla
Just kidding - computer is my first love and so I would like to JUST listen MUSIC - that'a all
shawnm,
It's great thing for CanadianDesi to have you. Thanks a lot! Special thanks to Jake for brining you on this board.
It is really nice set of questions and answers. I am thinking to start a new section on this site as "Interviews" and we can put this question answers there. If possible we can have some photos (Provided by you) and some more relevant information.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks.
Dear Garvo,
Thank you very much. I'm very happy to be participating in the forums here. I have pictures scanned into JPG format, so whenever you want something, just let me know and I'll e-mail it to you. Or, if you visit my web site, there's two hi-res pictures in the 'Press' section.
About tabla, it's never too late to start! Of course, it's great to start at a young age, but I have seen students up to about 60 years old. But like you said, you would like to just listen - musicians need an audience. So we need more people like you!
Take care,
Shawn,
A few last questions from me.
1) When it comes to learning the tabla, what are the main challenges that you see faced by students? How do they manage to overcome the same and how do you help them n this regard?
2) As a child , unfortunately Indian classical music did not hold much appeal for me, any advice about introducing youngsters to ICM? I have 2 chldren (under 6) and would like to introduce them to ICM
3)With regards to promoting the Indian Classical Music Scene, how can we as a community help? As you may know we at Canadian desi are broadening the scope of our activities to tackle more community based issues. What would be your advice to us about promoting the indian classical music scene in Canada?
4) Any further thoughts on the indian classical music scene in canada, and a list of any of your upcoming concerts, that you would like to share?
Shawn, I must say that you have exceeded my expectations with your insightful and informative answers. I do hope you will continue to frequent this forum even after this interview. Thanks a lot for your valuable time.
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Hi everyone,
Quote:
1) When it comes to learning the tabla, what are the main challenges that you see faced by students? How do they manage to overcome the same and how do you help them n this regard?
The tabla is a very difficult instrument, so it requires a lot of patience. Everyone seems to want to play fast rolls right away, like they've heard on recordings, but that takes years and years. It's actually a bit unfortunate that that's what people's impression of tabla is - fast stuff. It's really a lot more than that, and it's not just about speed, but sound and depth of tone.
Generally, what is difficult at the start is producing the first resonant sounds. Speed isn't a concern at all at this point.
I always tell students to be patient, that this takes years, not days or weeks. Even the most 'beginner' exercises are practiced by professionals as well. So, it's about constantly building up your technique and repertoire. There's a constant improvement over time, through regular practice. The student has to think of their practice as a long term investment.
The individual difficulties and solutions are different for each student, so I can't really go into that here.
Quote:
2) As a child , unfortunately Indian classical music did not hold much appeal for me, any advice about introducing youngsters to ICM? I have 2 chldren (under 6) and would like to introduce them to ICM
Hmm.. This is an interesting point. I would say that if you want your children to learn an instrument, then they should take lessons. They might not appreciate it at that young age, but they will later, once they become more mature, and advance in their knowledge of the music.
Also, I have too often seen an interested child start lessons and then quit because \"it's too hard\". When I was young, I tried to quit drum lessons, but my parents wouldn't let me - and now, I'm glad they didn't! I also have a friend who was \"forced\" to study violin and practice daily thoughout his youth. He now has a Masters degree in music and is a professional classical music composer!
So... what might seem like a chore when the child is young often changes to a love for music later on. Of course, not everyone is destined to be a musician, but at least they will have a better insight and appreciation for music in general.
If the goal is not to learn an instrument, but to just appreciate the music, then go to places where the music is being performed. Restaurants, house concerts, etc... And, play the music in your house as well. It's just through exposure that people get to know any sort of music. The thing about ICM is - without any knowledge of the theory, you're missing a lot of information as a listener. The music still 'sounds nice', but a lot of the raga exploration and rhytmic interplay won't be perceived.
Quote:
3)With regards to promoting the Indian Classical Music Scene, how can we as a community help? As you may know we at Canadian desi are broadening the scope of our activities to tackle more community based issues. What would be your advice to us about promoting the indian classical music scene in Canada?
Some of the larger cities in Canada have community cultural organisations who sponsor concerts every couple of months. They spend thousands of dollars to present artists from India, which is great. But, how about spending a few hundred dollars and having a concert of local artists on occasion? Also, local artists are readily available for small gatherings. I love playing in house concerts - 20 to 40 people in close proximity, perfoming acoustically. It's really the best way to present ICM.
Sometimes a local artist will make a personal investment and rent a hall to put on their own concert. But... the great majority of the audience is not of Indian origin!
So, the support is needed on two fronts - sponsoring concerts, and personal attendance of concerts.
Something else that would be nice could be a scholarship fund to send advanced students out of country to visit a master for period of time.
Quote:
4) Any further thoughts on the indian classical music scene in canada, and a list of any of your upcoming concerts, that you would like to share?
I played recently with a sitarist at a party in the Indian community. Many of the attendees were shocked to see two Westerners perfoming ICM at a professional level, meanwhile no one in their entourage played any classical music at all. I think it made them think carefully about what's lacking in terms of promoting Indian arts within the Indian community. Here were two Westerners completely dedicating their life, time, and money to learn this art form ... while they had practically forgotten all about it. It's very sad, but hopefully this story will serve as a wake up call for the community to not forget its artistic heritage. India is not just about good food, right?
For concerts, please see my web site
Take care,
