Playing Sitar

Dr Sudeep Rai | Sitar Maestro | Various Creative Assignments

What is Playing Sitar?

There are many nuances of a Career in Playing Sitar. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Playing Sitar, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Playing Sitar. The most authoritative source of information on Playing Sitar is someone with real experience in it.

With 19 years & 7 months of professional experience, Sitar Maestro Dr Sudeep Rai understands Playing Sitar. Sitar Maestro Dr Sudeep Rai defines Playing Sitar as:

Sitar is a plucked stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music where it has been ubiquitous since the middle ages. It derives its resonance from sympathetic strings a long hollow neck and a gourd resonating chamber, used throughout the indian subcontinent the sitar became known in the western world in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

How Sitar Maestro Dr Sudeep Rai got into Playing Sitar?

I started playing Sitar at the age of 12 and was trained by Sitar Maestro Padmabhushan Pt. Debu Chaudhuri. I have been performing at various National and International events since last 20 years.

Sitar Maestro Dr Sudeep Rai's Talk on Playing Sitar

The Passionate Journey of a Sitar Player Music has an unparalleled ability to transcend boundaries, connect souls, and evoke emotions. Among the many instruments that embody this transcendent power is the sitar, a string instrument that has captivated musicians and audiences alike for centuries. Dr. Sudeep Rai, an accomplished sitar player and teacher, offers insight into a career that is as much about learning and growth as it is about passion. His journey reflects the intense commitment required to master the sitar and navigate the challenges involved in this beautiful art form. What Is Playing Sitar Playing the sitar involves mastering an intricate blend of technique, creativity, and emotional expression. The sitar, characterized by its long neck and resonant sound, allows musicians to explore musical ragas, which are melodic frameworks in Indian classical music. Dr. Rai describes sitar playing as a spontaneous art form that relies heavily on the performer's imagination—each raga unfolds uniquely during a performance, allowing for personal interpretation and artistic flair. This approach not only showcases the player's skill but also creates an emotional encounter between the musician and the audience. Education Basic Music Knowledge A foundational understanding of music is crucial for anyone embarking on the journey to learn the sitar. Dr. Rai emphasizes that having a basic sense of music and rhythm is essential, as it enables students to engage more deeply with their instrument. For instance, he notes that students should begin with fundamental exercises, such as learning the notes (sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni, sa) and progressing towards more complex ragas. Without this foundational knowledge, the vast landscape of music may appear daunting, making it challenging to navigate through nuances of performance and improvisation. Guru at Initial Stage The role of a guru is paramount when beginning the study of sitar. Dr. Rai recalls how his own teacher, Padmabhushan Pandit Debu Chaudhary, introduced him to the world of ragas and their complexities. A good guru fosters patience and an understanding of the craft in their students, emphasizing that the process of learning music is lifelong. As Dr. Rai points out, many students mistakenly believe they achieve perfection too early and cease their training. This mentorship not only cultivates skill but also instills values essential in the art of music. Aesthetic Sense An aesthetic sense enriches the learning experience and deepens a student's connection to music. Dr. Rai observes that students who possess a sensitivity toward the sweetness and beauty of music are more likely to excel. This artistic appreciation motivates musicians to explore the emotional depths of ragas. For example, when engaging with a raga, having a keen aesthetic sense enables a player to convey the intended mood and emotion, resulting in a more profound connection with the audience and creating a memorable performance. Skills Imagination & Creativity Imagination and creativity are indispensable skills for a sitar player. Dr. Rai emphasizes that each performance is a unique unfolding of musical ideas, with no written script to guide the way. This lack of a predetermined path invites musicians to explore and reinvent ragas in their own style. During performances, the interplay of improvisation and structured musical elements calls for a vivid imagination—an artist must evoke rhythm, melody, and emotion spontaneously. This creativity nourishes both the artist and the audience, allowing for a dynamic musical interaction that thrives on novelty. Listening Listening attentively is a cornerstone skill in mastering the sitar. Dr. Rai highlights how he and his students frequently absorb their guru's performances, immersing themselves in the nuances of various ragas. This habit of deep listening helps musicians execute pieces in their purest form and understand the subtleties that make each raga unique. Dr. Rai’s approach underscores an essential principle in music education: learning goes beyond technique; it requires attentive listening to fully grasp the essence of musical expression. Patience Patience is an invaluable trait in the journey of learning the sitar. In sharing his experiences, Dr. Rai stresses that mastery cannot be rushed; developing proficiency takes time and sustained effort. For example, he recalls how his own lessons were focused on a single raga over many years, reflecting the traditional guru-shishya parampara. In a world increasingly dominated by instant gratification, the discipline required for sitar playing serves as a reminder of the value of patience and dedication in achieving artistic goals. Positives Recognition One of the compelling aspects of pursuing the sitar is the recognition that artists often receive. Dr. Rai shares that with dedication and perseverance, musicians can gain acclaim both locally and internationally. This recognition not only elevates their artistic careers but also fosters pride and fulfillment within their personal journeys. Performing across various countries can further enhance a musician's standing, providing opportunities to connect with diverse audiences and cultures. Literary Growth The intertwining of music and literature offers another enriching dimension for sitar players. Dr. Rai notes the synergy between these art forms, where creativity in music often mirrors literary expression. This relationship fosters a broader appreciation for Indian classical music and its roots in storytelling. Engaging with poetry and literature can deepen musicians' emotional interpretations of ragas, allowing for a more profound artistic output. Overall Personality Growth Learning to play the sitar contributes significantly to personal development. Dr. Rai observes that music can enhance one's growth, subtly influencing character traits such as discipline, focus, and sensitivity. Music education cultivates talents in students that extend beyond technical skills, encouraging them to become well-rounded individuals. As a result, learning the sitar doesn't just shape musicians; it also shapes thoughtful, articulate, and empathetic members of society. Vast Career Opportunities The sitar offers numerous career pathways beyond performance. Dr. Rai illustrates that musicians can thrive as composers, sound recordists, music analysts, or column writers, broadening their experiences and income potential. Engaging with music provides flexibility and opportunities, catering to those with various interests in the field. This diverse range of options means an artist can find their niche, whether through performing, teaching, or collaborating with other creative disciplines. Challenges Finding Right Guru The quest for finding the right guru can be daunting, though not impossible. Dr. Rai acknowledges the importance of a skilled mentor in nurturing a student's abilities. A good relationship with a guru can significantly influence a student’s journey, as the right guidance can make all the difference in mastering intricate concepts and techniques. Being fortunate enough to encounter the right teacher can set the course for a prosperous musical path, highlighting the importance of perseverance in this search. Expensive Learning The learning curve for sitar can be accompanied by financial challenges. Dr. Rai points out that investing in a quality sitar and regular lessons can be expensive. The financial costs associated with acquiring an instrument and ongoing lessons may deter some aspiring musicians. However, he emphasizes that this investment is often worthwhile, as the rewards of learning music can lead to personal transformation and professional opportunities that outweigh initial costs. A Day Of Playing Sitar A typical day in the life of a sitar player begins with aspirations and rituals that inspire creativity. Dr. Rai shares that his day often begins with morning puja, dedicating time to reflect and center himself before diving into teaching students. The joy of sharing his knowledge is part of his everyday routine, interspersed with personal practice to prepare for upcoming performances. Engaging in this cyclic process of teaching and learning ensures that Dr. Rai remains deeply connected to his instrument and artistic journey, exemplifying the inherent symbiosis between teaching and learning in the field of music. In conclusion, the world of sitar playing is one filled with passion, dedication, and continuous learning. The experiences and insights shared by Dr. Sudeep Rai not only highlight the beauty and depth of this musical journey but also inspire new generations to embark on their own. Embracing the challenges and delights of learning the sitar can lead to personal growth and opportunity, enriching both players and those around them. Whether as a performer or teacher, the journey through music is undeniably rewarding, echoing the notion that the pursuit of art is a lifelong adventure.

Install the LifePage App to:

(for Free) Watch Sitar Maestro Dr Sudeep Rai’s full Playing Sitar Career Talk

₹ Do a Self Assessment on Playing Sitar to calculate your Dream Index, which is defined as:

According to Dr Sudeep Rai your chances of success in Playing Sitar is __%

Access your personalized Dream Index Report which will have all your Dream Indices sorted in descending order.

How to get into

Playing Sitar?

If you are want to get into Playing Sitar, 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 Playing Sitar 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 Playing Sitar, what education and skills you need to succeed in Playing Sitar, and what positives and challenges you will face in Playing Sitar.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Playing Sitar.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Sitar Maestro Dr Sudeep Rai's LifePage:

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

LifePage Career Talk on Playing Sitar

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/playing-sitar

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171231-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzQ0BnwJzkQ

(Playing Sitar, Dr Sudeep Rai, Various Creative Assignments, Teaching Sitar, Music, Music Instrument, Classical Music, Hindustani Musical Instrument, Instrumentalist)

Similar Talks

Playing Guitar

Aditi Dhand
Guitarist | Various Creative Assignments

[ 13 years & 11 months Experience ]

The guitar is a musical instrument classified as a fretted string instrument with anywhere from four to 18 strings, usually having six. The sound is projected either acoustically, using a hollow wooden or plastic and wood box (for an acoustic guitar), or through electrical amplifier and a speaker (for an electric guitar). It is typically played by strumming or plucking the strings with the fingers, thumb or fingernails of the right hand or with a pick while fretting (or pressing against the frets) the strings with the fingers of the left hand.

"I started playing Guitar when I was in class 10th and I am mostly self taught. I have played at various shows and festivals in Dehradun as well as outside, to name a few like Big Binge Festival, Dehradun and the Rajpur Nature Festival. I am also a singer and song writer."

Drumming

Srividya Kotnala
Drummer | Womania Band, Dehradun

[ 0 years & 7 months Experience ]

Drums are the musical instruments which give beats to a song. The playing of these drums is known as drumming.

"I am 12 years old and a student of Class 8 at Pine Hall School, Dehradun. I am also a student at the Saptak Institute of Performing Arts, Dehradun where I learn dancing, vocal singing and drumming. I have been the drummer for Womania Band since six months."

Acpad Playing

Amaan Shah
Acpad Player | Various Creative Assignments

[ 3 years & 9 months Experience ]

An Acpad player is a person who can program different beats on acpad and play those while performing on guitar.

"After doing my schooling from Scholars Home, I did my graduation from Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun. After that did a course in EDM Production from Beat Factory, Andheri and have been a Musician ever since. I am the only Asian Acpad Player on Youtube with 71000+ subscribers."

Playing Guitar

Rijo Cherian
Guitarist | Kartavya Band, Indus Fleet & Corsair

[ 13 years Experience ]

A guitarist or a guitar player is a person who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of guitar family instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars and bass guitars.

"After doing my B Com & M Com from DAV College, I did Hotel Management from AIHM, PTU. I have been awarded the Best Guitarist Award in 2014. I also participated in a few reality shows on MTV and an International Gig in Bangkok. I am a Music Teacher at Hope Town and a guitarist with bands like Corsair, Indus Fleet and Kartavya."

Playing Keyboard

Deepika Panthri
Keyboard Player | Womania Band

[ 3 years & 6 months Experience ]

A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Keyboard are widely used in almost all genres of music.

"I have worked with Axis bank but later on, I left my job to pursue my passion and started learning Keyboard and I have been associated with Womania Band as a Keyboard Player since 2015."

Playing Guitar

Ali Armaan Zainvi
Guitarist | Various Creative Assignments

[ 8 years Experience ]

A guitarist is a person who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of guitar family instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars.

"After completing my schooling from St Josephs Academy I went to LA to learn Contemporary Music. I am also learning Indian Classical Music. I have worked on various assignments including composing music for Discovery Channel."

Playing Tabla

Rajesh Mishra
Music Artist | Various Creative Music Assignments

[ 37 years Experience ]

Tabla is a South Asian membranophone percussion instrument, consisting of a pair of drums, used in traditional, classical, popular and folk music. It has been an important instrument in Hindustani classical music.

"I belong to Banaras Gharana, got my training from Pt Manu Lal Mishra Ji from Banaras Gharana. I have been playing tabla since 1980."

Playing Guitar

Bhavya Raj
Guitarist | Various Assignments

[ 11 years & 10 months Experience ]

A guitarist is a person who plays the guitar on variety of guitar family instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars

"After doing my schooling from City Montessori Lucknow, I did Bachelor of Commerce from Lucknow University and then did a course in Audio and Music Theory Production from Kuala Lumpur. I have worked in various creative assignments including a few celebrities like Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Farhan Akhtar and Grammy award winner Dave Mustaine."

Playing Tabla

Anirudh Mishra
Tabla Artist | Several Musical Assignments

[ 6 years & 2 months Experience ]

Tabla is an Indian classical instrument. Tabla is relatively similar to drum and it’s a most common accompanying instrument which you can play as solo, accompanying with dance, instruments and vocal.

"Being from a music family, I started playing Tabla at the age of 8 and Professionally, I am playing Tabla since 2012."

Playing Sitar

Vishal Mishra
Sitar Artist | Several Musical Assignments

[ 18 years & 3 months Experience ]

Playing Sitar is classical Indian music instrument. Its One of the most renowned Indian musical instrument.

"I started playing sitar at the age of 12. I am also a vocalist. Professionally, I started playing sitar in 2000."

Playing Veena

Pt. Siddhartha Banerjee
Music Guru | Sharda Music Foundation

[ 23 years Experience ]

The veena, comprises a family of chordophone instruments of the Indian subcontinent. Ancient musical instruments evolved into many variations, such as lutes, zithers and arched harps. The many regional designs have different names such as the Rudra veena, the Saraswati veena, the Vichitra veena and others. Siddha Veena is a stringed musical instrument its sound resembles that of Vichitra Veena, Sitar and Sarod, though with its own special character.It is a highly modified Slide Guita and the instrument is made of teak wood which is joint less. It has 21 strings 4 melody, 3 drone, 2 chikaris and 12 tarab (sympathetic strings).

"After doing my schooling from BTIC Varanasi, I did BA in English Literature from Harishchandra PG College. My musical Journey started at the age 3, I m fourth generation musician in my family. My first teacher was my mother Vidhushi Jaya Banerjee, later I was trained by Dr. Shivnath Bhatacharya and Narendra Chakravarty. My first stage performance was at the age of 11, since then I have performed various shows worldwide. In 2018, I got Doctorate in Music (Sidha Veena)."

Playing Bass Guitar

Shakumbhari Kotnala
Bass Guitarist | Womenia Band

[ 3 years Experience ]

Generally 3 types of guitar are played in a particular band, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and base guitar. The bass guitar (also known as electric bass, or bass) is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb, by plucking, slapping, popping, strumming, tapping, thumping, or picking with a plectrum, often known as a pick. A bass guitarist plays guitar with the beats of the drum.

"After completing my education, I did NTT and then started my career as a teacher. But after few years I realised that I am more interested in music so I started learning Bass Guitar and joined Womenia Band in 2016."

Playing Sitar

Agni Verma
Sitarist | Mussoorie International School

[ 20 years Experience ]

The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument used in Hindustani classical music. The instrument is believed to have been derived from the veena. It became popular through the works of Pandit Ravi Shankar.

"I have been playing Sitar since the age of 10. Currently, I am a Sitar teacher at the Mussoorie International School since 2007. My name is instituted in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing sitar non-stop for 60 hours. I am a recipient of numerous awards and have performed live at many music festivals and events."