Most recently, I recorded an interview and short performance piece for the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix as a part of their “Treasures of the Past” series. It will be showcased as part of their display of instruments from the subcontinent as well as in their monthly newsletter to all MIM members.
How do you separate yourself as the student, from the instructor, from the director to being a performer in your own right?
It’s not easy – I try to separate these roles to some degree and am constantly working on this, as well as devoting more space to developing myself as a performer. Being the director of SPK Academy is a full-time job in itself. It might compromise my development as a performer to some degree, but it is also a huge blessing to be constantly connected to Ustadji and the music. I am living and breathing music, and I am constantly inspired and motivated to be a better person and musician as a result.
What is your message for other aspiring female musicians and music students?
I think it is important not to feel that there are any restrictions. I have drawn inspiration from seeing other female musicians—Kaushiki Chakraborthy, Anoushka Shankar, Anupama Bhagwat, Roopa Panesar—all showing that it is possible to be a professional musician in their own right without compromising on their family life. If you have the desire, dedication, and the right guru, it is possible.
And even for those who don’t make it a career, it is still possible to find balance and support each other to reach whatever goals we have from learning music. The female students of SPK Academy, who are of all ages, occupations, and backgrounds, are a constant source of inspiration for me.
What are the main lessons you have learned as you have grown as a performer?
When we hear Ustadji perform, we hear perfection. And for many of us, in our minds, that’s what a performer needs to be. I have come to a realization that when we play Ustadji’s music, we play it with our own voice and that deserves to be heard. And not only must we play it, but we have to feel it. Otherwise, you are not representing the music, you’re just reciting his words. You have to understand this concept when performing.
What has music taught you about life?
Music is life’s biggest blessing. Nothing else gets you closer to fully understanding yourself. Ustadji always says whatever you are feeling, that is what your music is expressing. If I am feeling joy, my music is joyous. Playing is almost like sitting in front of a mirror—it has helped me become better acquainted with myself, who I am, what I want from life, and my aspirations. It has made me the person I am today. In life, we have to find our voice, and music helps us find our voice.
What is your favorite raag?
All of them are beautiful. Whatever I hear Ustadji play I fall in love with, but Raag Yaman is an all-time favorite.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Ustadji. Aside from him, all of my knowledge of music is driven by Ustadji. We have huge respect and admiration for the music of Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, and Ustad Amir Khan, and for what they have been able to inspire Ustadji to do. I am also personally very fond of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s music.
What is your message to SPK Academy students?
To SPK students, actually all students of music – do it! Embrace the music and do it! That is the hardest part of being a musician, believing in the music, in the journey, in your guru/Ustad. It’s not as easy as going and getting a degree, finding a job, and starting a 9 to 5. It’s something you have to surrender yourself to and immerse yourself in. It’s easy to say but to actually do, it’s so difficult. It’s so easy to get swayed, discouraged, and demotivated. But don’t – if you’re doing it because you love it, keep doing it. Follow your heart and your heart will lead you in the right direction.
Interview conducted and written up by Alpa Shah, SPK Academy Student
Source:https://www.spkacademy.org/blog/spotlight-on-seema-gulati-sitar