My Gurus and the Rampur Senia Gharana
Music is a sadhana, a lifelong path I walk with the guidance of my Gurus. This lineage is the heart of my identity, and these memories are the foundation of everything I play.
A tribute to my Guru, the Late Shri Arup Banerjee. As years pass, I feel his presence all the more. He planned to teach me Gats in Raag Kafi with the Sum on all nine swaras. I could only learn five. Here is one of them.
Our Gharana is one of Alaap, but Guruji, Pandit Santosh Banerjee, never compromised on Taiyari (readiness). Here is his voice, singing sargam at 300 BPM, expecting us to play it with crystal clarity.
The audio clips I have of my Guru, Late Shri Arup Banerjee, bring out feelings that are not possible to express in words. I don't know if they make me sad or happy, but I am relieved I can get back to them whenever I want.
On his 92nd birth anniversary, I share the golden words of my Guruji, Prof. Santosh Banerjee. He explains a rarely heard aspect of Alaap, stating that contrary to popular belief, Alaap has its own tempo.
A portrait of my first Guru, the Late Shri Arup Banerjee (1957-2018), a brilliant musician and composer.
A cherished memory with my Guru, Late Shri Arup Banerjee, in Germany. He was not just a teacher but a mentor and a guide.
Another memory from my time with my Guru in Germany. These moments of travel and conversation were as much a part of my learning as the formal lessons.
My Guru, Late Shri Arup Banerjee, with his Guru. This picture represents the sacred chain of the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
About My Gurus & The Rampur Senia Gharana
Everything I teach is grounded in the Dhrupad baaj and Alaap techniques my Gurus, Late Shri Arup Banerjee and Prof. Santosh Banerjee, instilled in me. When you learn with me, you are not just getting a teacher; you are entering a tradition where we focus on swaron ka gyaan and discipline before moving to technique or performance. This means we prioritize sound quality and clarity over speed from your very first session.
The Rampur Senia Gharana is not just a style of music; it is a way of life. My Gurus taught me that sitar is a living entity, and understanding its 'voice' takes years of disciplined riyaz. When we start classes, whether in Gurgaon or online, we don't look for shortcuts.
What you can expect in our sessions
We begin by building a strong foundation. For beginners, this means focusing on:
- Swaron ka gyaan: Understanding the notes deeply rather than just playing them.
- Traditional Technique: Proper posture, holding the Tumba, and fret alignment which are crucial for the Dhrupad baaj style.
- Alaap & Sargam: We learn to control the movement of notes, ensuring every glide and gamak is deliberate.
For those who are already playing, we dive into raga philosophy and improvisation. My goal is not just to teach you a composition, but to help you find your own musical voice within the grammar of our tradition. We will explore Ragas like Yaman, Bhairav, and Kafi, focusing on the nuances of Alaap, Jor, and Jhaala.
Learning in the Guru-Shishya tradition requires patience and a willingness to explore the depths of sound. If you are ready to treat your music as a sadhana, come join me. Galti maaf if I am too strict with the basics, but this is the only way to play with true crystal clarity.
Shubhrodeep Pathak
I am Shubhrodeep, and for me, the sitar is a constant conversation with my teachers. I do not believe in quick fixes; I teach the way I learned, focusing on the discipline of the Rampur Senia Gharana. If you are looking for a deep, traditional approach to music, we will get along well.
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