RaGaJam - 11 April 2010

Time flies ... it's already been a couple of weeks and it's only now that I'm getting down to writing a few words about the get-together we had! Though we missed a few performances, we got to see close to 30! Thank God, we decided to switch the venue to the Elita Clubhouse as opposed to the terrace at RaGa.

For those who missed the event, here's what happened in a nutshell. We kicked off with an invocation by Spoorthi's students Veeraja, Raksha Ravi and Raksha Vijay. And then it was the turn of Smt Meena's Veena students, Shuba and Gayathri. The Veena by itself sounds great, but a little bit of chorus via the amps seemed to make the notes sound out of the world! Next time round, I'm looking forward to a combination of Veena, Keys, Guitars and Drums :)

Dishana kicked off the solo performances by the junior guitarists. Was great to see all these upcoming students playing their pieces for the first time in front of an audience of over 150. Was inspiring to see them come in one by one ... Shidharth, Praanjal, Ayaan ... and letting their little fingers do all the singing!

The keyboardists, not to be outdone, kicked off with a wonderful performance by little Nalina followed by Sneha, Aakanksha and Praachi. Archana and Kishan became the first ever wife-husband team to perform at RaGaJam with their keyboard-guitar combine!

A musical event without some percussion ? We had Nicky, a guest drummer who not only combined with her sister, Rhea and friend Prathiba on guitars, but also gave a thundering solo performance on her Yamaha kit. I'm sure this all-girl-band must have inspired many in the audience.

Signing off, I must say that this event would not have been possible without the support and passion of many friends and kin who rolled up their sleeves and helped with all the logisitics. Looking forward to the next one ...

PS: Still collating pictures from people who took them. Here's a bunch to which I will keep adding ... http://picasaweb.google.com/RaGaSoM/RaGaJam#. Hope to add some videos also ...

Next Music Meet on 11th April

After toying with some dates, finally have hit the nail on this one. I've already sent out an email to all with some details. Looking forward to some great participation. It's probably going to be a stress buster for some of you who would have just finished your exams! So let's give it all we have and make it even more lively than the last one.
Cheers,
Ravi

The next Music Meet

Appologies for the delay in getting this going ... really finding it a challenge to find a date that works ... looks like many of the folks who are keen on participating are busy with their exam preparations and so I'm thinking of finding a time slot say maybe in March. That would give time for teams to practice as well. All the very best to everyone who is preparing and remember - music is a good stress buster so you do have a good excuse to practise during your breaks! Better than TV, I guess :)
Meanwhile, do share your thoughts on naming these Music Meets ... we can't call them GuitarOtsavs anymore with other instruments and Bhavageethe students joining in!
Take care,
Ravi

Should I buy an acoustic or electric guitar ?

This is a question I keep getting asked by a number of first-time-buyers. Hence, I thought it would be a good idea to share my personal views on this and hope it helps others in taking a decision that suits them.
It's in the early stages that we're learning the very basics starting from holding a guitar to practising hour after hour to get our fingers trained. Just imagine if you're doing it on an electric. You not only need to plug it in into an amp but also have to contend with the noises produced by you touching other strings accidently. Not to mention the initial upfront investment you would need to make. Even if you do so, its' quite possible that in the best case scenario where you do become an awesome player (I believe in being optimistic!), you are more than likely to end up after a year or so, wanting to get a better guitar!
I could go on in this vein, but I hope you are by now getting the prespective I subscribe to. However, for the die hard sort of fan of electrics ... maybe you could consider an electric-acoustic solution. And who knows, even if you decide to invest in a true-blood electric guitar, you may end up keeping the acoustic one as well. End of the day, it's your call! Bottom line is to think of what is good for you rather than doing what a friend or neighbour did :) Most people like to listen to what you are playing rather than taking pictures of you posing with an expensive instrument!
Caution: This does not mean that you should buy the cheapest brand in town and end up with something that is difficult to play or maintain.
Cheers,
Ravi

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