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
Monday, February 1, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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
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
Monday, November 9, 2009
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
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
Friday, August 28, 2009
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
Saturday, August 22, 2009
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
Ravi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
