Read on Twitter
So, my first Twitter thread. And an unexpected choice of topic.
From learning Carnatic classical vocal as a child, to now picking it up as an adult through Violin, the journey of growing up and realizing what learning music really means to you.
A thread..
From learning Carnatic classical vocal as a child, to now picking it up as an adult through Violin, the journey of growing up and realizing what learning music really means to you.
A thread..
I learnt Carnatic classical vocal music when I was a child. Unwillingly on most days. Then I became "cool". Stopped listening to classical, because hey, Pink Floyd and stuff. What if someone saw my playlist? What will they think? Thankfully though, the inevitable happened...
I grew up.
At some point in my twenties, I picked up the book, The Music Room by Namita Devidayal and nostalgia hit like a snowstorm.
If you haven't read it, do read this book. It's the best tribute to Indian music gurus. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6240326-the-music-room
At some point in my twenties, I picked up the book, The Music Room by Namita Devidayal and nostalgia hit like a snowstorm.
If you haven't read it, do read this book. It's the best tribute to Indian music gurus. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6240326-the-music-room
Every few years, I go back to that book and relive the memories of learning music. Till finally, my soul gave way and two months back, I joined Carnatic violin classes. It's funny how life comes a full circle. From being told to practice by my mom to now dying to sit and play.
It's also funny how memory works. Things I thought I had forgotten, just keep swarming back to me. A lost tune, a lost note, a raga I had hidden away somewhere, the count of taalam. I began enjoying it so much, that I started looking forward to my class every week.
The best part for me though, is still rediscovering some ragams. For example, Kalyani. For the uninitiated, a raga is a scale. And Kalyani is a scale that deserves a crown. I didn't even learn too much, just a beginner's geetham. But every time I hear it, I think about the Ma.
Who on earth thought of putting that beautiful Ma in that ragam? And why did I not appreciate this as a child? All day, I find myself humming, trying to find ways of making the Ma sound better.
If you want to know why I am so obsessed, this is a good starting point.
Or this:
Anyway, my point is, this journey of going back to classical music has been so fulfilling that it fills up my heart with sheer joy. And I cannot wait to keep learning. That's all I had to share! :)
Also, big big h/t to @krishashok . I kind of got started on violin because of his soundcloud. You inspired me :)
