Interactive Music Workshops & Sitar Lecture-Demonstrations
I bring the depths of Hindustani classical music to students and listeners through live performance and open conversation. Every session is led by a live Tabla artist to provide a complete rhythmic experience.
A wide view of the auditorium at Ramagya School, filled with students during a SPIC MACAY lecture-demonstration. It is always inspiring to perform for such a large and attentive young audience.
Performing at St. Xavier's High School in Gurgaon. The energy and curiosity of students make these educational concerts incredibly fulfilling.
Performing alongside a Tabla artist during a lecture-demonstration. The interplay between Sitar and Tabla is central to a complete Hindustani classical performance, providing the rhythmic foundation.
Explaining a musical concept to the audience while my accompanying Tabla artist looks on. These interactive moments are key to breaking down the complexities of Raag and Taal.
A view from the stage during a workshop in Rajasthan. My aim is to connect with every listener, ensuring they leave with a greater understanding of our rich musical heritage.
Students at St. Xavier's High School in Gurgaon listen with focus during a morning concert. Introducing the nuances of classical music to the next generation is a responsibility I hold dear.
A snippet from a fast-tempo composition in Teentaal, performed at a SPIC MACAY concert in Guwahati. This showcases the dynamic energy that a live Sitar and Tabla duo can create.
A view from behind the stage, capturing the intimate setting of a baithak-style performance. This format allows for close interaction with a discerning audience.
A candid moment of concentration during a performance at Ramagya School. Each note is played with intention, aiming to convey the specific emotion of the Raag.
Focused on the melody during a lecture-demonstration. My Sitar and I are in a deep dialogue, which I then share and explain to the audience.
About Interactive Workshops & Lecture-Demonstrations
For these lecture-demonstrations, we require a carpeted raised platform and a professional PA system with three microphones to ensure the nuances of the Sitar and Tabla are clearly heard. This setup is crucial for creating an intimate baithak style atmosphere, allowing the audience to engage deeply with both the performance and the interactive Q&A session that follows.
Bridging Tradition and Curiosity
My lecture-demonstrations are designed to demystify Indian classical music. I believe that understanding the structure of a Raag or the cycle of a Tala makes the listening experience far richer, especially for young students who may be encountering the Sitar for the first time. By breaking down the music into its essential components, I aim to transform a passive listening experience into an active appreciation of our musical heritage.
The Workshop Experience
Each 90-minute event is split into two distinct parts. The first half is a 45 to 60 minute classical recital where I perform a seasonal or time-specific Raag. This is accompanied by a professional Tabla artist, which is non-negotiable for me, as the interplay between the two instruments is the heart of Hindustani classical music.
The second half is a 30-minute interactive workshop. This is where I open the floor to the audience. We discuss the acoustics of the Sitar, the history of the Imdadkhani Gharana style, and the emotional intent behind the notes. This is not a lecture in the traditional sense; it is a conversation. I encourage students and curious listeners to ask questions, explore the instrument, and understand the discipline behind the art.
Practical Logistics
While I am based in West Patel Nagar, Delhi, I regularly travel across India for institutional events. Whether it is a school auditorium or a university cultural festival, I handle the artistic requirements, including the Sitar and Tabla set. I only ask that the venue provides the necessary audio support and a comfortable, raised seating area to maintain the traditional integrity of the performance.
Dhruv Bedi
Sitar has been my family and my legacy since I was young, and I believe music is meant to be shared. Whether I am performing at a school in Delhi or a festival across the country, my goal is to make the complex beauty of our classical heritage accessible to every listener.
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