Inside the Music Room: Sitar Techniques & Raga Theory
Welcome to my creative space. Here, I break down the mechanics behind the music—from the deep resonance of the Surbahar to the rapid rhythmic intensity of 'Jhaala.' 🔱🎶
An exploration of Raga Shyam Kalyan on the majestic Surbahar, the 'father of the sitar.' This video demonstrates the 'Ati Drut Jod' and 'Jhala' phases, where I push the boundaries of the raga with fast-paced improvisation.
What is 'Jhaala'? It's the fast-paced conclusion of a classical piece, where rhythm overtakes melody. This video breaks down the rapid 'Da chik chik chik' right-hand strokes that create this exciting climax.
Sharing some raga therapy with you, featuring Raga Yaman Kalyan on the Surbahar. This was the first sargam my guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar, taught me, and its meditative quality is perfect for beginners and seasoned listeners alike.
The sitar is my voice, allowing me to have a divine conversation. Here is a short clip of me playing Raga Kausi Kanada, a beautiful and contemplative evening raga.
A live recital of Raga Puriya Kalyan, an evening raga, performed in Kolkata. The slow, unfolding melody is perfect for meditation and purifying the mind.
A performance of Raga Khamaj in Rupak taal. This showcases the beauty of traditional Indian instruments, with a playful and romantic raga accompanied by the tabla.
A full performance of Raga Puriya Kalyan. This video allows you to immerse yourself in the structure of a classical raga, from the slow 'alaap' to the rhythmic 'gat.'
For World Mental Health Day, I shared the soothing notes of Raga Tilak Kamod from my music room. This raga is known for its calming and peaceful qualities.
A clip of a 'sawaal-jawab' or musical conversation with Gurdain Singh on tabla and Maestro M. Balachandra on Mrudangam in London. This call-and-response is a thrilling and spontaneous part of Indian classical music.
A reflection on my first-ever sitar recital in the UK. This video captures the gratitude I feel for the sold-out crowd and the beautiful energy we shared.
About From the Music Room
When you step into my music room, you aren't just learning notes; you’re understanding the 'Surbahar'—the bass sitar that resonates at a frequency designed to calm the mind. In these sessions, I pull back the curtain on techniques like the 'Jhaala,' the rapid rhythmic interplay that defines the climax of a Raga. This isn't just theory; it’s the practical foundation of the sound baths and meditation experiences I bring to your events.
The journey of the Sitar is built on a legacy of family, spanning generations of the Rikhi Ram family. When I teach or perform, I’m not just playing music; I am channeling the wisdom of my Guruji, Pt. Ravi Shankar.
The Anatomy of a Performance
My music room is where the technical meets the spiritual. A classical Raga performance typically moves through three distinct phases:
- Alap: The slow, meditative introduction where I explore the Raga’s notes, setting the mood. This is where I often use the Surbahar to really ground the audience.
- Jod: The pulse begins. Here, I start a rhythmic exploration without a fixed cycle, building the energy.
- Jhala: The climax. This is where melody meets pure rhythm. By striking the 'chikari' (rhythm strings) rapidly in a 16-beat cycle, I create that 'Da chik chik chik' sound that defines the finale. It’s high-energy, it’s intense, and it’s pure madness.
Sawaal-Jawaab: A Musical Conversation
One of the most exciting aspects of my live shows is the 'Sawaal-Jawaab'—the call-and-response between the sitar and the tabla or mrudangam. It’s a literal conversation where we challenge each other, improvise, and build a spontaneous dialogue.
Whether I’m performing a meditative set in a candle-lit hall in Kolkata or a high-octane fusion set in London, the technical foundation remains the same. I fuse these traditional pillars—Raga structure, rhythm, and improvisation—with modern sound design to create something that feels timeless yet current. If you are curious about how these elements come together for a private event or corporate wellness session, let’s chat. It’s all about creating that 'Indian music renaissance' together. 🌎✨
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