Folk Singing

Harsh Sharma | Singer | Various Stage Shows

What is Folk Singing?

Folk Singing is a great Career option. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Folk Singing, while one should first understand What is a Career in Folk Singing. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about Folk Singing from non professionals.

Singer Harsh Sharma has 4 years & 3 months of professional experience in Folk Singing. Singer Harsh Sharma describes Folk Singing as:

Folk music includes both traditional music and the genre that evolved from it during the 20th century folk revival. India has a very rich tradition of folk music. The extreme cultural diversity creates endless varieties of folk styles. Each region has its own particular style.

How Singer Harsh Sharma got into Folk Singing?

I did my schooling from KK International School and Bachelors in Arts from MM Modi College, Patiala. I have been involved in different singing assignments since 2015.

Singer Harsh Sharma's Talk on Folk Singing

Embracing the Art of Folk Singing: A Journey of Passion and Expression Folk singing is more than just a musical genre; it serves as a profound form of expression rooted in culture and community. This career involves delivering stories, emotions, and traditions through melody and lyrics that resonate with audiences on a personal level. As shared by Asha, a professional folk singer from Punjab, embracing the rich heritage of folk singing has several enriching facets. Her journey through challenges and triumphs paints a vivid picture of how folk singing transcends mere performance to become a life-defining vocation. What Is Folk Singing Folk singing is a traditional music genre deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of a community. It reflects the experiences, struggles, and celebrations of people, often passed down through generations. By adopting folk singing as a career, artists become the custodians of their cultural narratives. For instance, Asha emphasizes how she connects with her Punjabi roots, using music to promote her language and culture, illustrating the deeply personal nature of this art form. Education in Folk Singing Basics of Music The foundation of any successful musical career rests on a firm understanding of music theory and principles. The basics of music, including rhythm, melody, and harmony, equip singers with the necessary tools to create and perform. Asha notes that mastering these fundamentals is essential for expressing oneself effectively through song. For aspiring singers, this can mean investing time in lessons or self-study to ensure a solid grounding in music fundamentals. Instrument Knowledge Knowledge of musical instruments is critical in folk singing. Understanding how to play an instrument such as the harmonium, guitar, or tabla enriches a singer’s performance and enhances creativity. Asha reflects on her early education, where she learned the intricacies of the harmonium, which allowed her to accompany her singing and develop a deeper connection with her music. Such skills not only expand a performer’s musical range but also add authenticity to their performances. Music Genres Familiarity with various music genres can greatly enhance a folk singer's versatility. While folk singing itself is a specific style, knowing elements from other musical categories—like pop, classical, or devotional music—can broaden a singer's appeal. Asha emphasizes the diversity within Indian music, illustrating how understanding multiple genres has helped her incorporate different styles into her folk repertoire, making her performances more engaging and accessible to a wider audience. Poetry At the heart of folk music often lies poetry, which provides both the lyrical and emotional substance to the songs. Understanding poetic forms and traditions plays a significant role in crafting meaningful songs. Asha's experiences in translating the essence of her homeland's traditions into poetic expression highlight the importance of poetic knowledge in folk singing. This skill not only enriches her lyrics but also connects deeply with listeners who resonate with the themes expressed. Skills Essential for Folk Singing Pronunciation Clear and articulate pronunciation is vital for a folk singer as it ensures that the lyrics resonate with the audience. Pronunciation affects the emotional transmission of the song’s message and enhances the listener’s experience. As Asha explains, paying attention to the nuances of her native Punjabi language has allowed her to connect more authentically with her audience, making the lyrics come alive. Practice No successful artist can overlook the importance of continuous practice. For singers, regular vocal exercises and rehearsals are crucial for honing their craft. Asha’s dedication to her practice routines, including daily vocal warm-ups, showcases her commitment to perfecting her art. This consistent effort not only improves her vocal technique but also builds her confidence in performance settings. Patience The journey of becoming a successful folk singer is laden with obstacles, and patience is an invaluable virtue. Asha acknowledges that while talent is important, enduring difficult times without immediate success has taught her resilience. Her patience during tough phases in her career has proven essential in maintaining her passion and ultimately thriving in the competitive landscape of folk music. Listening Active listening skills, both to one’s own voice and to other musicians, are crucial in the arts. Listening allows singers to adapt their styles, absorb influences, and refine their performances. Asha highlights that learning from both established artists and peers has enriched her musical journey, encouraging a collaborative spirit within the folk music community. Networking Building a network is vital for artists seeking to expand their reach. Engaging with other musicians, industry professionals, and audiences can open doors to opportunities and collaborations. Asha’s experiences suggest that attending folk music festivals and events has significantly helped her in establishing valuable connections, enhancing both her exposure and professional growth. Positive Attitude Maintaining a positive attitude is essential in navigating the ups and downs of a performing career. Asha’s cheerful approach has helped her not only overcome setbacks but also attract a loyal audience who appreciates her energy and enthusiasm. This positivity is contagious, inspiring others in her community while reaffirming her love for folk singing. Positives of Being a Folk Singer Unique Identity One of the most rewarding aspects of being a folk singer is the ability to carve out a unique identity. Folk music allows artists to express personal stories anchored in cultural heritage. Asha proudly showcases her Punjabi identity through her music, imbuing her performances with authenticity that resonates with her audience. Glamorous Lifestyle While the life of a professional singer can be demanding, it also offers moments of glamour and excitement. Performing on stage, dressing for concerts, and traveling to various locations brings a thrill that few other professions can match. Asha reflects on the joy of interacting with fans, experiencing new cultures, and sharing her music with diverse audiences as highlights of her career. Self Expression Folk singing serves as a powerful tool for self-expression. It provides a platform to convey emotions, share personal narratives, and connect with others on a deep level. Asha describes how her songs are an extension of her thoughts and feelings, allowing her to communicate with people beyond words. Bringing Positivity Through her music, Asha aims to spread positivity and inspire her listeners. Folk songs often carry messages of hope, resilience, and community spirit, providing comfort and encouragement to those who hear them. This significant role of delivering uplifting content adds meaningful value to Asha’s career, aligning her work with her personal beliefs. Challenges of Being a Folk Singer Choice of Song The selection of the right songs poses a challenge for many folk singers. Choosing pieces that not only resonate with their artistic perspective but also appeal to the audience is a delicate balance to strike. Asha notes that her experience selecting material has taught her the importance of considering audience preferences while remaining true to her artistic vision. High Competition The world of folk singing is rife with competition, as many talented artists vie for attention and recognition. Standing out in a crowded field requires distinctiveness and creativity. Asha’s journey underscores the importance of continuous growth and innovation, encouraging artists to differentiate themselves while honing their unique styles. Initial Investment Launching a career in folk singing may require significant initial investments, from musical training to promotion and equipment. Asha indicates that while the costs can be daunting, the long-term rewards of following one’s passion often outweigh the financial hurdles. Smart planning and budgeting can enable aspiring singers to navigate these early challenges effectively. Criticism Facing criticism is an inevitable aspect of any performance-based career. Constructive feedback can be beneficial, but negative remarks can be discouraging. Asha acknowledges her fear of criticism but emphasizes the importance of learning from feedback and using it as a tool for improvement rather than letting it deter her artistic journey. A Day of Folk Singing A day in the life of a folk singer like Asha is a blend of practice, performance, and connection. It typically begins with early morning vocal exercises, followed by rehearsals with her band. As the day progresses, she might attend meetings with producers or promoters to discuss upcoming performances and strategy. Community engagement also plays a pivotal role in her day; whether it’s connecting with fans through social media or collaborating with other artists, building relationships is essential. As evening approaches, Asha may perform at a local venue, where she connects with her audience through the stories and emotions of her songs. Conclusion The career of a folk singer is a rich tapestry woven with passion, culture, and resilience. Asha's story epitomizes the joys and struggles that define this vocation and highlights music's unique power to unite people. As she navigates the challenges of her profession, her journey serves as a beacon for aspiring artists who seek to share their voices and cultural narratives through music. In a world where connections and expressions often transcend language, folk singing remains a glorious avenue for artistry and storytelling.

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How to get into

Folk Singing?

If you are want to get into Folk Singing, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Folk Singing is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Folk Singing, what education and skills you need to succeed in Folk Singing, and what positives and challenges you will face in Folk Singing.

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Links for this Talk

Singer Harsh Sharma's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/harshsharma

LifePage Career Talk on Folk Singing

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/folk-singing

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20180118-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkDdWtDGpak

(Folk Singing, Harsh Sharma, Various Stage Shows, Punjabi Songs, Folk Music, Singing, Music, Music Video, Ganna)

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