Playing Sitar

Vishal Mishra | Sitar Artist | Several Musical Assignments

What is Playing Sitar?

You may be curious about 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. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about Playing Sitar from non professionals.

Sitar Artist Vishal Mishra has 18 years & 3 months of professional experience in Playing Sitar. Sitar Artist Vishal Mishra outlines Playing Sitar as:

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

How Sitar Artist Vishal Mishra got into Playing Sitar?

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

Sitar Artist Vishal Mishra's Talk on Playing Sitar

The Journey of a Sitarist: Vishal Mishra's Musical Odyssey Vishal Mishra’s life story is a harmonious tapestry woven through generations of musical heritage. As the seventh generation in a family of musicians, his upbringing was deeply immersed in traditional Indian classical music. Starting his sitar training almost from the moment he was born, Vishal's journey into the world of melodies is both inspiring and enlightening. This article will delve into the intricacies of being a sitarist as shared by Vishal, discussing the essential education, skills, positives, challenges, and a typical day in the life of someone who plays this beautiful instrument. What Is Playing Sitar? Playing the sitar is an art form that encapsulates the rich tradition of Indian classical music. This esteemed instrument, recognized globally, is celebrated for its unique sound and complex techniques. With a history linked to legendary figures such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, the sitar has come to symbolize the depth and emotion of Indian music. As Vishal describes, his journey began within a familial musical legacy, which set the foundation for his professional path as a sitarist. Proficiency in this craft not only demands technical skill but also a profound understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the sitar. Education Sitar Basics Understanding the sitar starts with its fundamental components and terminology. Vishal highlights that sitars can have various string configurations, typically featuring between six to seven main strings, influenced by the styles of legendary players like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan. Moreover, aspiring sitarists must learn about the instrument's physical structure, including the number of frets. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to delve into the world of sitar playing, as it helps develop a solid groundwork for more advanced techniques. Music Grammar Just as English has grammatical rules, Indian music possesses its own intricacies often referred to as "music grammar." Vishal articulates that mastering the rules of raag—specific melodies defined by mood and time of day—is essential for authentic performance. For instance, the Bhairav raag, which is best performed in the morning, and Yaman, which resonates beautifully in the evening, each require a nuanced understanding of timing and expression. This adherence to musical grammar not only enriches a sitarist's performance but also deepens their appreciation of the music itself. Understanding Legends A sitarist's education wouldn't be complete without immersion in the styles of legendary players. Vishal emphasizes the importance of observing how these masters performed, noting the different techniques employed by each. By studying their artistry—such as the unique gaikeyan of Ustad Vilayat Khan—young musicians can develop their style and technique, learning the subtleties that differentiate a skilled sitarist from an average player. Skills Observation Observation is a vital skill for any aspiring sitarist. Vishal explains that one must learn by watching others, absorbing various techniques and styles. This act of careful observation helps budding musicians grasp the intricacies of sitar playing that cannot always be conveyed through verbal instruction. By being attuned to the nuances of performance, they can continually refine their own skills over time. Practice The cornerstone of becoming a proficient sitarist is dedicated practice. Vishal insists that relentless practice shapes one’s capabilities, enabling musicians to translate technical knowledge into artistic expression. He encourages sitarists to adhere strictly to the teachings of their gurus, continually trying to improve through consistent, focused practice. Such commitment not only fosters technical proficiency but also encourages personal growth within their musical journey. Tuning Your Instrument Equally important as playing is the skill of tuning the sitar. A well-tuned instrument is essential for an exceptional performance. Vishal warns that performing on an out-of-tune sitar not only compromises sound quality but can hinder the entire performance experience. He stresses that sitarists must make tuning a priority in their preparation, ensuring that their instrument resonates harmoniously with other musicians or within a solo setting. Positives Inner Peace One of the most rewarding aspects of playing the sitar, as shared by Vishal, is the profound sense of inner peace it brings. Music acts as a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life, offering a powerful outlet for expression and emotional release. Whenever he faces challenges, he finds solace in strumming the strings of his sitar, allowing the music to calm his mind and spirit. This personal revelation exemplifies the therapeutic nature of music and highlights its role in promoting well-being. Fame Another positive facet of pursuing a career in sitar playing is the potential for fame and recognition. Vishal notes that as a sitarist, one gradually garners attention from peers and music enthusiasts alike. Playing at concerts and sharing one’s passion for music opens doors to new connections, enriching one’s life through meaningful interactions. Achieving fame in the realm of sitar not only fuels an artist’s passion but also serves as validation for their dedication and hard work. Challenges Hard Practice Despite its rewards, being a sitarist comes with its challenges, particularly the rigorous practice it demands. Vishal describes sitar playing as one of the most difficult musical disciplines, emphasizing the physical strain associated with pressing the strings and executing complicated techniques. This arduous training can lead to discomfort and injuries, compelling musicians to muster resilience and dedication as they advance in their craft. Luck Another challenge that sitarists face is the element of luck in gaining recognition. Vishal points out that the competitive landscape, filled with established legends and seasoned artists, can make it difficult for emerging talents to secure performance opportunities. Additionally, the lack of platforms for young artists to showcase their skills often leads to uncertainty about their future in the music industry. As a result, many aspiring sitarists must navigate an unpredictable path toward success. A Day Of Playing Sitar A typical day in the life of a sitar artist can vary greatly depending on performance schedules. Vishal shares that on regular days, he rises early at 6 a.m. for dedicated practice, honing his skills before teaching students. His afternoons are often filled with personal commitments or research, such as watching videos of classical performances to gain insights from the legends he admires. As evening approaches, you may find him preparing for a concert or reflecting on his daily progress, making it clear that every day is an opportunity to learn and grow as a sitarist. The journey of becoming a proficient sitarist is rich and multifaceted, steeped in tradition and fueled by passion. Vishal Mishra’s insights illuminate the beauty of this timeless art form, showcasing its ability to bring inner peace, fame, and a connection to an illustrious lineage of musicians. As aspiring artists follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, the sitar will continue to resonate across generations, evoking emotions and stories through its enchanting melodies.

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Links for this Talk

Sitar Artist Vishal Mishra's LifePage:

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

LifePage Career Talk on Playing Sitar

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/playing-sitar-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20161220-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db5KWufo8qk

(Playing Sitar, Vishal Mishra, Several Musical Assignments, Music, Sitar Artist, Classical Music, Playing Musical Instrument)

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