Thoughts on the book about A R Rahman

I'm not one of those typical avid readers but once in a while I make an attempt, especially if they are about personalities that have made an impact. You've probably seen this book - A R Rahman: The Musical Storm by Kamini Mathai - in most of the stores in recent weeks. Thought of sharing some of my take-aways ...

Must say that it was quite inspiring ... reminded me of the recent movie Slumdog M ... while I don't want to summarise the story here's what I consider thought provoking, not only for upcoming musicians but for people with passion in any area:
1. Focus and don't let anything slow you down in your pursuit. If you are not learning something new, then practise what you already know.
2. There is light at the end of the tunnel if you are willing to bend your back, listen to and observe others who have more experience. Never give up hope.
3. Take advantage of mentors/well-wishers rather than rejecting assistance coming your way (Ego can make you go the other way!)
4. Don't make money the main yardstick of measuring your success.
5. Manage your life based on some value system of your choice. What's important is to have a value system in your sights in the first place.
6. From a management style perspective: I kinda liked to note that AR gives plenty of opportunity to his musicians/singers to improvise (Must confess that I wasn't always open to giving a free hand to my team during my days as a manager!). He is also not driven by rules and is open to making changes if it meant improving the final result.
7. Last but not the least, staying focussed and open to learning even after achieving a lot.

Well so much for now ... need to run! Merry Christmas and have a Great Year!
Ravi

Launching new classes!

Folks,
Mighty pleased to let you know that in addition to Guitar, Keyboard and Violin classes we're starting Vocal Light Music-Devotional (Mid-Dec '09) and Veena classes (early Jan '10). Those interested should contact me (98452 90272) ASAP for more details.
Cheers,
Ravi

Am back from hybernation!

Sorry for being away for a couple of months. As some of you know I was busy with my other 'project' - shifting and settling in a new home! With most of this behind me, I'm looking forward to more action on the music front!

Stay tuned for updates regarding another get-together of all students. This time we should get to see guitars, keyboards, violins and possibily a young guest drummer to turn up the heat ... what with the cold weather setting in :)

Cheers, Ravi

Having trouble playing a guitar? Try two!

There was a report in Deccan Herald on 27th Aug about Rodney Brannigan ... he had performed in Bangalore a day earlier. My curiosity got the better of me when I saw the picture of him performing with two guitars simultaneously ... hopefully will inspire those that are still learning how to master one :)

Take a look ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5Pm-1KbsrI

Cheers,
Ravi

Launching Violin Classes

Greetings on the happy ocassion of Ganesh Chaturthi! Am very happy to announce the humble launch of Violin Classes (Carnatic) starting Sunday, the 23rd of August. So, finally, the East meets the West! Yes, we're going to see some interesting synergy in the coming months ... between guitars, keyboards and violins.

Ravi

Keyboard classes

We've made a pretty decent start ... the kinds that I like ... slow and steady. Reminds me of the times when a few of us got together and laid out plans to build a new organization or establish a new capability and broke down plans by the Quarter and quite often set monthly goals! No 'number' based goals this time, primarily looking at qualitative goals ... all aimed at making it easier for people to learn and enjoy playing music. Must say it is inspirational to see a little Pranav and a little Nalina letting their fingers dance on the keys and listen with keen interest to what the teacher had to share!

Ravi

Achieving excellence!

Hello Students of the Guitar! (Me included, since I'm still learning new things each day),
I've been in a reflective mood lately and wondering how to effectively communicate the message of how to move up from one level of playing to the next one. What I mean is ... how do you transition from say an imaginary Level 1 to Level 2 and the next and so on ...

It happens when one practises so hard that at any given point in time, one can play a particular piece of music on demand and get it right the first attempt, rather than having to do some trial runs before saying, "Ok, I'm ready now". Yes, I do understand this means more hours and lots of patience doing the same stuff again and again, but that's the kind of dedication that is required to make that leap from one level to another. Any other average attempt will only help you sustain at the same level. So the trick is in aiming to achieve perfection at each stage before attempting to move into the next one. Question is, are you chasing quantity or quality? I guess, being a self-critic also helps in speeding up the learning process ... as long as you don't end up with an inferiority complex :)

Looking forward to your thoughts/comments no matter how trivial. Idea is, if it's a thought or experience that will help someone else, then nothing like sharing it! So go ahead and share!!!

Cheers,
Ravi

An innovative guitar player

Was quite impressed with this gentleman's exploration of sounds. Obviously, he has also used a processor along with his acoustic which you don't see quite often. Enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN-i86wXk48&feature=related

Ravi

Launching Keyboard Classes

Folks,
Delighted to announce the launch of keyboard classes at RaGa. Please pass on the information to anyone who might be interested. Thanks in advance!
BTW: We need to think of another name for the periodic get-to-gethers ... can't call it 'GuitarOtsav', because now, we're going to have keyboard students as well!!! Open to suggestions for a different name for this event.
Cheers,
Ravi

Looking for a keyboard teacher

Folks,
I'm looking to creating a team of teachers for my school. Am immediately looking at engaging a keyboard teacher. Am more keen on talking to someone who is likely to stick around for a while as opposed to doing short term courses. Not to mention that the person has to be passionate about teaching! If you know of someone please ask them to contact me (+91 98452 90272) or send an email (ragasom@gmail.com)

Ravi

'GuitarOtsav' update

Based on the unsolicited feedback that's come in from many, I'm glad to hear that folks who attended the first 'GuitarOtsav' had a good time. It was great to see many of you perform in front of an extended audience and must say that no one showed any signs of 'stage fear' though it was your first venture!

Take a look at some of the pics ... Thanks Neehar!
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/RaGaSoM/DropBox#

Thanks once again for making it a wonderful afternoon! Just can't wait to see the next one taking place sometime in August/September.
Cheers,
Ravi

Countdown to 'Guitarotsav' on May 31!

The countdown has begun and I'm thrilled to see you guys preparing for your first effort in front of an extended audience! It's sure going to be a lot of fun on Sunday afternoon. BTW: If some of your kith and kin who are going to be part of the audience want to perform (using other instruments such as harmonica/flute etc), they can do so. Just let me know ASAP so that the schedule can accomodate the request.

Cheers!
Ravi

End of May - GuitarOtsav!!!

All,

Am planning a get-t0gether of all students so that everyone gets an opportunity to showcase what they've learnt ... play solo or form mini-bands ... choice is yours! Am sure it would be good fun to get to see people from other batches and also exchange notes.

Looking forward to comments on what you think and ideas you may have.

Cheers,
Ravi
PS: This is not a competition to see who the best player is! It's an opportunity to get rid of stage fear as well as learn from other playing styles.

Music School ... vision becoming a reality!

Friends,
I'm happy to announce that I'm starting a music school to make an impact on a larger section of society than I have been doing via my informal guitar coaching sessions. I'm starting some new batches begining week of April 6. In due course of time, the plan is to add on coaching sessions for other instruments besides the guitar...

The location is: # 488, 2nd Floor, 5th Cross, J P Nagar 7th Phase, RBI Layout, Bangalore - 560 078. People who are familiar with the area - 5th Cross is exactly opposite the EverFine Supermarket on Puttenhalli Main Road and it's the 6th or 7th building on the right.

Those interested to join/get more information can give me a buzz on 98452 90272 during normal waking hours :)
Cheers - Ravi