Pandit Ravi Shankar – A great Sitar Player

A source of inspiration – Pandit Ravi Shankar

All great people are source of inspiration for me and pundit Ravi Shankar is among the top of the list.

Often seen with Sitar in his hands, Pandit Ravi Shankar received the title of “A GOD FATHER OF WORLD MUSIC” from George Harrison. He is often described as the best contemporary Indian Classical Music Player. A great artist, a great musician and most of all a great human being, Pandit Ravi Shankar has been an inspiration for all the upcoming talents of the country. His music has power to reach and shake the souls of people.

The number of awards he has earned in his life time is simply out of the world. He was awarded with ‘Bharat Ratna’, ‘Padma Bhusan’, Grammy’s Award, Tagore Award and lot more. Awards which people like me can’t even dream of getting. Though his career started with dance, he later moved into music with the motivation from his music teacher “Allauddin Khan. He become famous for composing and creating Indian Classical Music.

He also recomposed one of most popular Indian Patriotic Song – “ Saare Jahan se Aacha”. After serving in AIR and directing music for few Indian films, he was called to demonstrate Indian Classical Music in New York City.

                   

He took part in music festivals of UNESCO and United Nations.

In his later life he served Indian Classical Music Internationally. He had a big hand in making Indian Classical Music popular world-wide.

He is and he will remain a source of inspiration for most of us. Let’s pay a tribute to him by working little harder in area of our interest. Let the world know us by our work.

If you are looking for Indian Musical Instruments like Sitar, Tabla or Sarod, log on to www.indianity.com

 

Types of musical instruments

Classification of Musical Instruments – Indian Musical Instruments

In childhood, I use to often get confused between the types of musical instruments0. Though now I understand it clearly. Still today I thought of doing its proper classification I just don’t want my kids to get confused in future.

String:

String instruments, as the word suggest have strings in it. Sound depends on the thickness of string as well as length of air column. Below are few of the string instruments

• Guitar

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• Sitar
• Violin
• Sarod
• Sarangi
• Mandolin

Wind or Wood wind:

Sound is produced in wood wind instrument by blowing the air. The shorter the air column will produce high pitch and vice a versa. The sound note depends on amount of air blown and length of air column in instrument. Different types of wind instruments are

• Flute

• Bagpipe
• Saxophone
• Shehnai
• Been

 

Percussion:

Sound note is produced in percussion instrument by striking or beating the surface of instrument. Beating or striking causes the vibration which in turn produces the sound. The sound note depends on the surface of instrument that gets hit by the stick or the hand. Different percussion instruments are:

• Drum
• Congo
• Tabla

• Djembe
• Bongo
• Dhol
• Triangle
• Xylophone

Brass:

As the name suggests, these instruments are not necessarily made from brass. They are called brass instrument because of the nature and texture of sound that gets produced. The principle of producing sound is similar to wood wind instruments. Air column varies with the press valves or slide mechanism.

• Trumpet

• Bugle
• Tuba
• Trombone

Electric Instruments:

They are quite latest in market and have created a sort of revolution. They are quite light weighted instruments and have almost replaced the bulky instruments. They are recently used in play back singing.

• Piano keyboards
• Synthesizers
• Taal Tarang
• Digital Tabla
• Swaramandal

• Swarangini
• Digital Tanpura

Did you enjoyed the post, if yes, do leave the comment. If you are looking for any of the above instruments from India, do make a visit to www.indianity.com

 

Why do woman love guitar players?

Why do woman love guitar players?

When I was a teenage girl, I use to always fancy my man playing guitar. I imagined him playing a guitar for me on our wedding day. It is a fact, I think. We all girls like guitar players. There are many reasons for it.

  –          Girls feel special: Whenever a guy play guitar, girls feel he is just playing for her and that in turn makes her feel special within.

  –          Love for good music: Music attracts people of all age group. Who would not like to hear good music from his/her lover?

  –          Girls like to show off their guys: Yes, it is true. Apart from jewelry, shoes, dress, make up, girls like to show off their guys as well. They like to tell their girl mates that their man has got some extra talent.    

  –          Almost all romantic songs are played with guitar: “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton, “Patience” by Guns N’ Roses, “All I Want Is You” by U2, “And I Love Her” by The Beatles are all played with guitar.

  –          All rock stars play guitars and they want their guy also to be a rock star.

  –          It is a cool and sexy musical instrument. Therefore, they find guys playing them to be cooler and sexier. It is like a wooow factor for girls 

–          Most of the guys usually love cars and gadgets, and guitar

is adorned by man and woman alike. So guys, what you are waiting for. Start taking your guitar lessons to attract girl of your dreams.

If you looking for coolest and cheapest guitar with home delivery, log on to http://www.indianity.com/musical-instruments/string-instruments.html

Lord Krishna and Indian Flutes

Lord Krishna and Indian Flutes  

Flute is one of my favourite musical instruments. Being an Indian, I have heard a lot many stories of Lord Krishna attracting gopies (fellow girl mates) by playing flute. All gopies including his favourite ‘Radha’ (Girl friend) use to dance on the flute played by Lord Krishna. Though Lord Krishna and his girl friend ‘Radha’ never got married on earth but still their love affair is world famous. They are soul mates and it is said that their love is divine. It is said that – “they are husband and wife in heaven”. Till date, I consider myself to be ‘Radha’ of my life partner. Infact, all Indian boys and girls in love consider themselves to be the shadow of Radha-Krishna.

Flute is a wind instrument and is also called as “wood wind”. The flute played by Lord Krishna is called as bamboo flute. The quality of bamboo determines the quality of flute which is mainly found in South India. There are two Indian Flutes – one has six finger holes and is used predominately in Hindustani Music of North India. This flute is called Basuri and that is the reason, Lord Krishna is also called as Basuriwala. While the South Indian Flute is called ‘Venu’ and is used mainly in ‘Carnatic Music’. Venu Flute has eight figure holes and is most popularly used in India these days.

If you are looking for cheap Indian Flutes, please log on to http://www.indianity.com/musical-instruments/wind-instruments.html

Holding Violin for the first time

Holding Violin for the first timeFinally I am getting a chance to learn playing Violin. I am so very happy about it. It was my long cherished dream. Violin has attracted me since childhood. Tomorrow is my first session of Violin,therefore, I feel I should at least know how to hold the Violin in my hand. Right posture will result in ease of playing and faster learning, I believe.

From the people I have seen playing and from some internet sources, I have gathered information on how to hold a violin

1. First thing, one should sit straight and make sure your foot is fixed flat in ground.

2. Hold violin horizontally on the left collar bone.
3. Rest your chin on chin rest.

4. Keep your head tilted on left side so that chin rest runs along your jaw and ends at your chin.

5. Place the violin in the centre, so that it makes the straight line from nose.

6. Violin should be held straight. The strings of violin should be parallel to ground.

7. Left hand should be placed at the end of the Violin’s neck, before the struts.

8. Hold the neck between your left thumb and forefinger.

9. Only your forefinger should touch onto top of the neck.

10. A straight line should be formed between the left wrist and forearms

11. Last thing is to hold the bow from its end with right thumb and fingers

Uff, finally I was able to hold the violin as per the above steps. I am juggling between my fingers,violin, bow, collar bone and chin. I think it will get better with practise. I am positive. Try holding Violin with above mentioned steps and share your opinion.

After researching I got to know the cheapest source to buy violin online – www.indianity.com. You can also visit them if you are looking for one.

Buddha – Spiritual Teacher.

Indian Weddings – What makes them special?

Top 5 reasons to admire Indian Weddings

I love attending Indian Weddings. They have altogether a different aura. What really make them special?  Apart from rituals and ceremonies, it is the dance, music and fun involved that makes Indian Wedding really admirable. Guests are treated like God. They are delighted in all possible ways.   Preparation for the wedding starts at least six months before.

Punjabi Dhol: Indian Wedding without Punjabi dhol is incomplete. Dhol has to be played and the attendees have to dance. Indians, just cannot stop themselves from dancing on the beats of Punjabi Dhol. You will find people of all age groups dancing together on the beats of dhol.

Jewelry: All women in the house love to show off their jewelry during weddings. Women will wear the most expensive and most beautiful sets in wedding It is sort of trend. Not to forget, even tons of jewelry is given to the bride in wedding.

Dresses: Dresses has to be extravagant. Men and women will wear the most designer dresses. A lot of hand and machine work is involved in coming with master pieces.

Food: Food is the most important part of Indian Weddings. Food has to be the great. Guests are delighted with special delicacies from all over the world. The variety and taste will surely force you to over-eat.

Decoration and lightings: It is a like the talk of town. During weddings you will often hear people talking decoration and hospitality. Decoration and lightings has to be larger than life.

If want to know more about India and Indian products, log on to http://www.indianity.com

7 benefits of learning and playing musical instrument

Reasons to make your kid learn playing musical instruments

Music does wonders on me. I am passionate about playing music. I always thank my parents for making me learn guitar. It is treasure which will be with me till my lifetime. Playing guitar has benefited me a lot, below are my view points on benefits of playing guitar.

Increase memory:

It has been proved scientifically that learning and playing music improves your memory. You have to remember beats, notes as well as lyrics while playing any instrument.

Sharpen your concentration:

Playing a musical instrument requires concentration. You have to concentrate on lot of things to come up with a great composition.

Better time management and coordination skills:

Timing has to be maintained while playing music. Right beat played at right time creates the right music. Proper coordination is required between fingers and instruments to produce the sound which is soothing to ears, mind and soul.

Keeps you stress free:

Music has magical powers which can help us to remain stress free. Playing music in times of stress can help you feel better and lighter.

Improves listening ability

While playing music, you are listening as well. You are listening to the beats you have just played and at the same time you are concentrating on next beat to be played. If you are learning music, you have an eye for good music and sound.

Reduce stage fear:

If you are good player, you automatically feel confident to face crowd. You are often asked to play in front of public which in turn reduces your stage fear to large extent.

Team skills:

Music is generally played in team. You have to work in a team to come up with a great composition.

Everyone loves music; everyone has a story to tell about music. Share how music has benefited you in life. If you are looking for musical instruments in reasonable price, log on to www.indianity.com

Top 5 Digital Musical Instruments for Indian Music

Electronic Musical Instrument – Way for future

Electronic Musical Instruments are indeed way for future. Vocalist and other band players while composing music album, require different type of music instruments. It is not always possible to get every player for all musical instruments. Digital musical instruments become handy during such times. Electronic Musical instrument are revolution in itself. All you need to do is adjust the settings i.e. pitch, frequency and notes to play wonderful music.

Digital Tanpura

Digital Tabla

Digi Veena

Digital Swaramandal

Digital Shruti Box

Raagini and Radel are the two pioneer brands that have got innovation in Indian musical industry. Digital Musical Instruments are less bulky, produces great sound quality, come in sleek, neat and clean design and affordable price. They are not only easy to carry but can also take the form of various musical instruments. For example, a taal tarang is can do the job of table, dholak as well as pakhawaj.

If you are looking for one great piece of digital musical instrument in cheap price, log on to www.indianity.com

Top 4 models of harmoniums by indianity.com

Harmoniums – The best Indian Musical Instrument

I have a special attachment with Harmoniums as musical instrument. Since childhood, I have been hearing the music played from Harmoniums during my school player as well as worship places. Also called as pump organ, it is one of the most popular Musical Instrument from Indian Subcontinent. Usually made from teak wood or pine wood in Kolkata, India. Most Qawwalis are sung with Harmonium as only musical instrument. Even the world famous musician “Rahat Fateh Ali Khan” uses Harmonium during stage performance. If you are planning to purchase harmonium, below are the top 4 models:

9 stopper Harmonium:

This beautiful musical instrument made up of teak wood offers you horizontal reed board 9 stoppers and is 3 ½ octaves. Start your musical voyage with this beauty.

Black Harmonium – 6 stopper

The intricately crafted harmonium is made of teak wood with double bellows. It has full vertical reed board and is 3 ½ octaves with base male as well as palitana made reed.

Standard Harmonium with Carry Bag

Carry your 3 ¼ octaves, 8 knobs harmonium in its own carry bag. It offers two sets of reeds comes with double bellows, 9 stoppers and comes in folding pattern. Carved out of teak wood, this is what every professional harmonium player longs for.

5 Stopper Harmonium – Small Size Harmonium

This kail wood, 2 ½ octaves standard harmonium with regular size keys, double bellows with bass male reeds and four bass knobs is light weight. Enjoy your melodious journey with it.

If you are looking for Harmonium or Indian Pump Organ in affordable price, log on www.indianity.com

Top Six Percussion Instruments played in India

Indian Musical Instrument – Percussion Set

I like the sound of percussion instrument played in background of most Indian songs. It gives a great rhythm and melody to music. Percussion instrument plays a key role in Indian Music.

They are played by touch of the player. Percussion instruments are commonly referred as “the heartbeat” of the music world because it plays the crucial or important role in the music world. Below are the top percussion instruments:

Damroo:

The Damroo is the first instrument for the humanity which is given by the Lord (Shiva). This percussion instrument is also called as the monkey talking drum.

Bongo:

The bongo is the percussion instrument which creates the sound by a vibration of the stretched membrane. These are also known as the folk drums of Cuba.

Ghungroo:

This is the oldest and very popular percussion instrument in the world. The ghungroo takes superb control over rhythm.

Tabla:

The Tabla is often used in the Hindustani classical music. It is similar to the Afro-cuban relatives bongos. It consist the pair of hand drums.

Khanjeera:

The Khanjeera is the south Indian frame drum which is mostly used in the carnatic music as a supporting instrument for the mridangam.

Kartaal:

The percussion instrument kartaal means for palm of hand. This is played in the manner of a tambourine by being touched against the palm of the hand.

If you are looking for percussion instruments or any other Indian Musical Instrument, log on to www.indianity.com