Heard this on youtube a week ago from a Dharna sung by Sant Sujan Singh ji . ( 4:14 onwards ) Apparently the tune’s originally from an old hindi film. I like it , so I tried playing it.

I first heard this Rajasthani Folk tune sung on SaReGaMaPa 2007 by Raja Hassan. Fantastic Tune, and Fantastic singing. Here’s what I could manage to play after re-listening to it just twice. I added my own random alaaps and mistakes Personally I’m happier with the Audio recording in my previous post, but this still feels [...]

The basic structure of the system I will be using to serve online workshops has been put in place. No obligations. Learn what you want, when you want, if you want. But please carefully read through the “learn-online” page at the top first. There are 3 free lessons up for beginners who have some experience [...]

I bought a RiyazStudio license over the weekend. I think it’s definitely worth it. The best thing is that it feels alive compared to the physical Tanpura and Tabla boxes. The Tanpura sounds very realistic. The Shruti-box type drone helps add to the atmosphere. Tabla accompaniment works great as expected. It’s a great tool for [...]

Jackson from the USA got in touch with me 2 days ago through Youtube. He mentioned a software program called RiyazStudio. What is it ? It’s a software version of the tanpura box and tabla box most people use to practice Indian Classical Music. Having RiyazStudio is like having both the Tanpura and Tabla boxes [...]

I’ve been working on different bowing exercises for a few weeks now. Recorded myself playing Raag Sarang recently. This composition is the one I was taught (By Ustadji Maiya Singh) about 4 years ago for the Shabad Aisi Hoi Paree I think it’s a bit too rushed. Tried again with Raag Tilang after a couple [...]

Kirtan Program at my place in Bangkok, Thailand 15 Jan 2009 Bhai Sahib Gurmit Singh Shaant Ustadji Maiya Singh on Esraj Bhai Manjit Singh on tabla – he’s using the big tabla that sounds like a Phakavaj, but a regular Duggi. in 3 variants of Raag Basant and 3 different Taals: Panj Taal 15bt, Ik [...]

Expected Results for this workshop:
Tune your instrument so switching scales is easy.
Train yourself to be able to play from any SA setting – without re-tuning your instrument.
Improve your note-matching skills , for accompaniment.

Interested in trying to make your own Esraj / Dilruba ? Instructions by Mr. Dennis Havlena. Be sure to check out his Youtube videos and subscribe to his channel. Once you’re looking at the instructions there one point to keep in mind: My personal opinion is that, a lighter, less dense bridge would help give [...]

Update: Audio Recorded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – for the 300 Saal Guru De Naal program. Shabad: Tu Thakur Tum Pai Ardaas Didi (*is a casual title given to females you consider your sister) Arungeet Kaur is singing. We were blessed to have Sahib Singh, KL Malaysia Wale, on tabla. Several people told me he’s [...]

I’ve shared this with a few friends some time ago on instant-messenger/facebook. New Style – but Ancient Looking – Stringed Instruments by Peter Biffin of Australia. I am blown away.   The “Tarhu” sounds like a Cello/Violin/Esraj all in one. Maybe I’m just a little over-excited about this at the moment, but I currently think [...]

From the Classical bit: When we all jammed together:

If you will be in Bangkok this weekend and are interested in Music Ustadji will be performing on Saturday August 9th: East Meets West – Fusion Music Concert to Celebrate the Anniversary of India’s Independence.

Practice session for an upcoming program. – These files are actually just for me to learn the compositions. I was told that I am not allowed to share these – but replied with a ” sorry Didi, not possible – I’m putting these up. ” So here they are. (ends abruptly just before Didi’s son [...]

Awesome Jam Session in Malaysia Wadbhag Singh Ji singing In some tracks- Hargopal Singh Ji is on Tabla, in others , I am. Kindly forgive my tabla playing – “tripped” too many times. Also Please pardon any mistakes and “commentary” – It was an extremely casual practice session which just happened to be recorded. It [...]