“Sitar 101″ by Vatsal R. Dave is an introductory guide designed to immerse beginners and enthusiasts in the intricate and enchanting world of Indian classical music, with a focus on the Indian instrument — sitar. The book begins by setting the stage with a deep dive into the fundamental principles of Indian classical music, emphasizing hands-on practice from the outset. Dave stresses the importance of playing and experiencing music firsthand, rather than just theoretical learning.
The book is structured to facilitate practical learning, starting with basic concepts such as the seven notes of the octave and their Western equivalents. It explains music notation specific to Hindustani classical music and introduces the reader to the two predominant styles of sitar playing, developed by Ustad Vilayat Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar. Dave also covers the standard sitar tuning, basic strokes (mizrab patterns), and exercises to develop two-hand coordination.
Sitar 101” aims to make the learning process engaging and accessible, encouraging readers to explore and practice alankars (musical ornamental exercises) and various rhythmic patterns. With a blend of historical context, technical instruction, and practical exercises, this book serves as a comprehensive primer for anyone eager to delve into the world of sitar and Indian classical music.
