Sitar Riyaz and Practice Sessions
Music is a sadhana, a lifelong discipline. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at my daily riyaz, the creative studio process, and the quiet moments where I connect with the sitar.
A little sneak peek into my Riyaz session of Raag Tilak Kamod. The peaceful vibe and natural reverb of a good space really bring the music to life.
Raag Jog can be both fun and very serious. This is a small "Jod" portion of this mystical raaga that I recorded during a practice session.
Sharing a piece of my heart. This photograph captures the essence of a musical journey filled with passion, dedication, and countless hours of sadhana.
After a little break, I felt like picking up my Sitar and recording a bit of Raag Bihag for you. This is a new take, but it still holds that old-school tonality that I love.
I hope this short clip of Raag Maanj Khamaj adds a burst of energy and fills your heart with warmth and joy.
"Dekhecho ki taake," one of my favorite Bengali melodies of all time by the legendary Subhamita Banerjee. It is a joy to interpret such beautiful songs on the sitar.
Let the soothing strains of Raag Kedar escort you into a sanctuary of peace. This celestial raaga awakens a profound stillness, depth, and yearning.
One of my favorite early afternoon melodies, Raag Shudh Sarang. I hope you enjoy this slow tempo composition based on this beautiful raaga.
A couple of years ago, we had the pleasure of recording Raag Bageshree for a special project. Here is a brief snippet from that memorable session, accompanied by the talented Mahavir on tabla.
A small snippet from a recording session for Namma Music. I had the opportunity to record Raagas Charukeshi, Hemant, and Mishra Kafi for the album.
About The Sadhana: Practice, Riyaz, and Studio Sessions
Practice is rarely about hitting a perfect note every single time. It is about the consistency of effort and the physical weight, or 'vazan,' that you apply to the strings to achieve the right tone. When you watch these clips, you are seeing the raw process—the trial, the error, and the eventual realization of a raga—that happens long before the stage lights go on.
The Discipline of Riyaz
Riyaz is not merely repetitive exercise; it is an active conversation with the instrument. In my studio, I focus on the essential foundations of Tantrakari and Gayaki. Whether I am working through the intricate structures of Raag Jog or exploring the morning melodies of Raag Shudh Sarang, my goal remains the same: ensuring that every stroke carries the intended emotional weight.
Beyond the Performance
Many people only see the final, polished result on stage. However, the true story of my music lives here, in the quiet moments of recording and the honest, unedited sessions at the Pink Lotus Academia. This is where I experiment with new sounds and refine the techniques I teach in my workshops.
Learning the Craft
I believe that anyone can learn to play if they are willing to put in the time. My teaching methodology is built directly from these practice habits. When we work together in class, we do not just learn to play songs; we learn how to focus the mind and how to listen to the raga. If you are interested in developing your own discipline, I invite you to join me for a session where we can discuss how to build your foundations correctly from day one.
Soumitra Thakur
I am Soumitra Thakur, and for me, the sitar is how I breathe. I believe that true mastery comes from the quiet, disciplined hours spent in practice, far away from the applause of a concert hall. I invite you to see that side of my work here.
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