Vocalist Geetika Varde Qureshi lends a classical touch

Indians and music go hand-in-hand. Finding an Indian who does not enjoy music is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Bathroom singers notwithstanding, most of us have sometime or the other aspired to understand and learn music, but lack of time and opportunity has always come in the way.

Geetika Varde Qureshi, a vetaran vocalist from Jaipur Atrauli gharana, will be conducting a workshop wherein one can touch upon the basics of Hindustani classical music.

“The workshop is an initiative for uninitiated music lovers helping them demystify what they enjoy, but do not understand. It is more of an appreciation course,” says Geetika. The two-day course is designed to combine instruction with demonstration and listening to audio recordings. Participants will also receive written material on the subject.

There are times when we are mesmerised by the sound of an instrument or spellbound by the vocalist’s voice but do not understand the style or raag of the song. “Many people love to hear a taan on an instrument but would not know the difference between a taanpura and veena. This would help them identify various taals and raags. I would also give an overall perspective on some famous gharanas and their styles,” says Geetika.

She says the response till now has been overwhelming. “Not only in India, butwherever I have taken this kind of workshop, people have asked for more. Many participants not only crib about the short duration of the workshop but also want to hear me sing more. But then, in two days I can only touch a part of the great iceberg which is the Indian classical music,” she adds.