This is the only way to imbibe the fineries into one's
instincts, the subconscious recording of internal music creation of
finest Indian form.The vidyarthi requires continuous feedback from
the guru till perfection of the notes, grammar & the nature of the
raga. Each raga has its own nature & signature, apart from the notes that
it contains. The grammar preserves this to most extent; the
actual
rendering has to be captivated from guru to shishya for initital
beginning.The student then extends the same through basic rules,
nature & imagination. Riyaz is Persian word corresponding to English “practice,” or the
French “repetition.” As in any classical tradition, it is the essential
foundation without which the student will never improve. During
these sessions, Guru focuses on the basics of how to properly do
riyaz. Through rigorous, extended practice sessions the student is
taught discipline and dedication. Sargam and other exercises
strengthen both the right and left hands and dramatically improve
tonal clarity. Every student will leave these sessions with a
renewed sense of how to practice properly at home and with a
firmer foundation for future learning challenges. A shibir is much more than a workshop; it is a learning experience
both essential and unforgettable for any student of Indian classical
music. The students spend three uninterrupted days with the
guru. The world is left behind for a concentrated focus on music. Musicians of all levels are present, yet each student comes away
with an uncanny sense that the lessons were contoured to their
specific musical and spiritual needs. The learning becomes slightly more sequestered. The students will
eat at least one meal together every day, as even mundane things
become a part of the learning process. At most shibirs there are
three levels of students, roughly beginner, intermediate and
advanced (sometimes with a special group of very advanced
students) who will normally work on one theme raga. Occasionally
the shibir will be conducted as a “guru purnima” and each student
or small group of students will prepare a raga specially selected for
them to perform for the Guru. The highlights are impromptu performances by the guru that reach
beyond even Guru's own mastery in the concert hall. The shibir
will have a profound and lasting effect on the student's
appreciation for and understanding of this music. The chilla varies in length, from three days to a week, and
maximal isolation from outside distractions is essential. Its
anticipated benefits for the student are far beyond what they are
from a shibir. The student can expect their understanding and
playing to move up one entire level in just a few days. This
concentrated learning is accomplished through a narrow focus on
playing fundamentals. Long, often repetitive sessions drill the
students. These group sessions put the students' physical, mental
and spiritual endurance to an extreme test. Sargam is, as always,
the foundation. Sargam sessions can be complemented by a palta,
bandish and taans in a given raga. Perhaps the one thing that most
sets the chilla apart from other group sessions is the extent to
which every aspect of the students' day is channeled into a
focused rhythm that illuminates the meaningful interplay, and
hoped for unity between life and music.
