Sangeethanubhava , a monthly forum has been formed in Whitefield by a bunch of enthusiasts who wished to build a community space for experiencing Carnatic music. As the area is bereft of music concerts unlike other parts of Bangalore which host music-related events throughout the year, “I began thinking of the ways to create an atmosphere that appreciated music and inspired children to learn,” says Shobana Padmanabhan, mother of a seven-year-old who is keen on pursuing Carnatic vocal.
As it was inconvenient for her son Avyay to travel to South Bangalore every week, his classes sometimes were being conducted over skype. She observed that though Avyay received good lessons, he lacked learning with his peers.
Trying to gather people interested in music together in the area, she posted on a community platform on Facebook. Overwhelmed by the cause, Aswin Subramanian, the admin of the Facebook group “readily offered his studio AacharyaA Music and Arts Conservatory for free for these music interactions.”
Similarly, Carnatic vocalist Phaniraj Shivashankar came forward to take up the responsibility of a mentor. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, author of a music education website has also agreed to help the group whenever he is in town.
As the theme of the meet was Raga Hamsadhwani last month, some kritis in the raga were played out. “I was surprised that nobody could make out the raga. Then the kids were briefed on why they were unable to find out,” explains Shobana. Likewise, “kids here learn by performing what they have been taught, observing the different ways in which established singers render the same song and through lecdems by guests,” she adds. As music classes these days are becoming more and more mechanical, “these nuances of music go unnoticed by the learners of Carnatic music, therefore regular meet-ups like these would not just inspire them to practice but also make the learning process more engaging.”
Students of Carnatic music who have at least learnt till varnam can be a part of this forum. Those interested and reside close to Whitefield can contact 8197646309. The group meets on the last Sunday of every month at 5 p.m. The theme for the coming meet-up on May 27 is Raga Kalyani. To follow updates visit https://www.facebook.com/sangeethanubhava/.
