I’m referring to this Instagram post https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZFkXBqIBoU/?igsh=MWt1N25kZXNmbHpmdQ==

This artist has spoken about gatekeeping problem in Hindustani classical music. While I agree and acknowledge that owing to this gatekeeping problem we have lost some brilliant minds who could have potentially taken the legacy forward… but they have come to dislike the concept as a whole because of the dos and don’ts prevalent.

But I also believe what is seen as “gatekeeping” has also successfully kept mediocrity at bay. I’m a sitar player myself and I’m a little skeptical of putting my work out on social media… not because I’m self-critical but because I know I don’t play up to the standards I’ve set for myself. My feed is full of players who are terrible or average at best but put out video after video, proudly showing off their callouses and other markers that they’re musicians. But their “performances” are noisy, only playing the jhaala or a trending film song at best. There’s no meend nor alaap which is a true litmus test of your ability to wield the instrument. My teacher would often reprimand me saying speed is no stand in for skill, nor is the constant chikari punctuating your alaap. She never gatekeeps… it’s her way of gently sifting the wheat from the chaff.

I see comments full of “you gave my life purpose” or “how soothing” to a post that’s clearly below average. I’m wondering if mediocrity is now the new standard… and if artists who are truly gifted and hardworking will never receive recognition because the average is applauded! What do you think?

Love the strange melody that is Madhuvanti :)

Hello everyone! My name is Itay, I’m 24, and I started playing the sitar about eight months ago after I fell in love with Indian Classical Music. I’ve been making pretty good progress so far. My main musical background is as a pianist and singer-songwriter, and my first album is coming out in about two months.

I’m planning to spend around a month and a half in either Kolkata or Varanasi to get a sense of what studying sitar there is really like. I’m hoping to find a good teacher and a nice place to stay, with the idea of coming back later for a longer and more serious period of study.

I’d love to find someone around my age who speaks English and is in a similar position - coming to India to seriously study sitar or Hindustani classical music - so we could go through some of the experience together, share information, practice, explore the music scene, and maybe even find accommodation nearby.

Also, if anyone here knows a great sitar teacher in Kolkata or Varanasi who is open to teaching an international student intensively for a month or so, I’d really appreciate any recommendations. In terms of style, I’m especially interested in the Maihar tradition and particularly drawn to Nikhil Banerjee’s playing. also love Budhaditya Mukherjee**.**

Feel free to message me!

I am looking for a guru to learn Dhrupad style sitar, and was wondering if anyone has any leads? Thank you!

I am 32 years old. I love listening to instruments like Sitar and Violin. But now I want to learn how to play them . Is it too late ??

I want to learn this as a therapy also. I want to put my mind at ease through music.

Hello, I'm working on a Sitar Tuner app for iPhone. I just want to collect a little feedback and make any tweaks before launching it. I would really appreciate if a few of you would sign up as beta testers. If you leave your email up via this form, I'll send you a link to test it out later this week. Thank you sitar players and students!

Hi

I am keen to know what is an ideal syllabus or course coverage that happens in 2 years.

Im learning the Instrument for 2 years and hence wanted to see if my progress is slow or my pace is good

PS i understand everyone is on their own journey but checking on a peer group is something that can help me