Music for life
As we gear up for our first event, the Ustad Amir Khan Music festival, I find myself contemplating the impact of classical music on our lives. What is it that draws you in and keeps you there, not for mere minutes or hours, but for years, decades and perhaps, even lifetimes?
As a child, I grew up with Carnatic music around me, all the time â within the home and outside. Singing or listening to light music or film music was not encouraged. We attended several concerts as a family, had impromptu singing sessions at home and there was always one or more siblings in music classes over the course of the week. Classical music was deemed so important that my mother would trudge from home to music class, toting a coffee thermos and dinner, so my older sister could head there directly after school or college, refresh herself and continue with music lessons before coming home at night. This was  almost a daily occurrence. My sister, having shown passion for music from a tender age of four, was the musical focus of the family. I was too busy with school and other extra-curricular activities to pursue music fully and would show up for classes when I could. I benefited from crash courses prior to concerts where I accompanied my sisters. I sometimes wonder what it mightâve been to have had that dedication from a young age and how that might have shaped me as a musician today.
As an adult, with a masters and a high tech job under my belt, I arrived in California, with intimate familiarity of Carnatic music, but neither the rigor nor proficiency. I found myself wanting to learn an art form from scratch. My introduction to Hindustani music began with Dr. Lakshmi Ganesh Tiwari. The creative expression of Hindustani music was a big draw and I was hooked!
The first time I listened to Shubhangi Sakhalkar was about 18 years ago. She was relatively new to the Bay Area. She sang the most delightful Nand in her unique voice and style. I did not know the rag then but it was the most beautiful rendition Iâd heard. Both my husband and I fell in love with her music and style. It became my mission in life to become her student! Remember though, it was way before FB and Google and there was no way to find âmutual friendsâ or âpeople you may knowâ. Eventually, I found a common friend to introduce me to Shubhangi who graciously accepted me as her student! Having come from a family who emphasized the value of music, it was perfectly natural for me to have to work hard for it â long commutes, un-learning habits, adjusting to rhythmic cycles completely different from Carnatic music (perhaps the most challenging of all), spending time on riyaz despite tight schedules and various life events. Music was a constant through it all - my guru's word was final. Â
Classes with Shubhangi are therapeutic, to say the least. She gently guides you through your journey, nudging you to treat notes as affectionately as people, and urges you to maintain discipline both while performing and during riyaz. An important thing sheâs taught me to appreciate in life and music are the pauses. âPauses are very important â they are as important as the phrases themselvesâ, she often says. As I grew as a musician, the fast patterns and challenging bandishes became less attractive. Slowing down and pausing became more important and deeply satisfying. The appreciation for how subtly a note is delivered became key rather than just a novel phrase. I, along with many of her students, are indebted to Shubhangi for the wealth of guidance that she gives so generously.
As we grew together as a musical family, we began discussing how we could preserve and nurture the pure form of Hindustani classical music. Our post-class discussions centered around nurturing local performers through a day-long festival, similar to the ones held in India. This idea began to take shape and we formed a non-profit called Intonation Foundation â Intonation denoting âpitchâ. The first event hosted by the foundation was then born â the Ustad Amir Khan Music Festival, honoring the legendary musician, whose music and authenticity shone like a beacon, and continues to inspire artists to follow in his path.Â
We are excited and eager to listen to the artists at the festival and look forward to sharing it with you!
Pssst! Have you bought your tickets yet?!
-Revathi