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 [...]

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 [...]

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.

If you ask me “Where can I buy a Quality Esraj or Dilruba?” (as seen on my blogspot blog) Earlier , I would have told everyone : ” Err I don’t Know – Mine is from Raj Musicals in Delhi, so I suppose you can get one there ” But .. I don’t recommend them [...]

Maiya Singh is based in Bangkok, Thailand. He has devoted his life to Kirtan and Music. He has studied under Pt. Rajan and Sajan Mishra (vocal) Pt. Siyaram Tivari (dhrupad) and Ustad Bhai Baljeet Singh (TarShehnai) Check out my youtube channel for samples of Ustadji playing Esraj / TarShehnai .

This is how I understand it simply: A Raag is a set of rules for creating music/melody. The rules of a Raag will determine things like: * which notes to skip and which notes to use – overall * which notes to skip and which notes to use when you’re ascending from low to high [...]

The old site has been pulled down, this new one will be gradually fixed up and dressed up over time. My To-Do List, In Chronological Order: 1.) Make “Learn to play Esraj” Beginner Video packs available – including Basics of Indian Music, How To Tune your instrument, and all the details I would have wanted [...]

A Friend found this beautiful image in an old book on World Music. Starting from left: 1st guy is holding an Esraj. Looks like there are no sympathetics. And there seem to be sound holes on the top section of the sound-box as well. very interesting … 2nd guy’s instrument looks to be a Sitar. [...]

Dilruba is a 200-300 year old stringed instrument that looks like a smaller version of the Sitar, but is played with a bow like a Cello. Another appropriate description is “a Dilruba is Half a Sarangi and Half a Sitar”, as you can see from the videos on this site. An Esraj is essentially the [...]