Soor Sohni

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.