Tuesday, March 11, 2008

A little music in life

Music has been such an integral part of me. I love music ... thanks to my parents who introduced music into my life quite early ... when I barely could talk. OK... that was in the form of lullaby... but based on what my family have to say, I started talking (meaningful sounds / words) when I was about 8 months. By 12 months, I could sing decently for my age. I sang on stage when I was 3.5 yrs for a singing competition. The competition was for the age group 6 - 10 yrs ... but I was enthusiastic and my parents did not want to discourage me and requested the organisers to allow me to sing ... and so I did! Though I did not win any prizes, the judges were impressed with my enthusiam and I was awarded a special prize.

I started training in classical music not to regularly from mom. Soon she realised that formal training was best suited for me coz there would be better commitment from me. At age 10 I started Carnatic classical music. I attempted learning veena and flute for a couple of months ... but soon gave up and just continued vocal. I found a great teacher, who was as much dedicated in teaching as much I was in learning. She was young and friendly ... had been married for 2 years and had a year old son at the time. I was almost part of their family .... the more I discussed / learnt music from her, the more I started appreciating the depth of music. She often encouraged me to go to concert to expand my music knowledge. I continued to learn music for until graduation.

Why all of a sudden am I talking about all this... coz, I talked to my mom last night and she mentioned that she had a special present for Cantaloupe for her birthday this year. Guess what it is ... she has bought a "Shruthi Pettige" (the Tanpura box) for Cantaloupe ... I was so touched, I almost cried. It brought back all the wonderful memories I had with my music teacher and my tanpura. I only hope my daughter shows interest and enthusiam in classical music. She sure enjoys music ... lets see her interest in classical music.

14 comments:

Aryan-Arjun said...

Wow..nice to know about your intereset in music..you could sing song ate 12 months great...CA.
Cantaloupe must have for sure go the genes from you...
AM

Sunita Venkatachalam said...

Aww isn't that sweet of your mom ! So are you planning to take lessons for Cantaloupe? Or send her to some classes if she does show interest?

Cantaloupes.Amma (CA) said...

@Aryan: Predictably I don't remember if I could sing at 12 months ... but one of my uncles has taped me narrating a story ... so perhaps I did sing something.
As for the genes, well BP has a good ear for music,but is not super gifted ... so hoping for some musical genes for Cantaloupe.

@poppins: I think I will start her lessons initially or may be request my BIL. He gives concerts and is a much better singer than I ... but Cantaloupe is too lenient with him ... if she does show some interest then formal training. I think formal training can wait atleast a year or two. I want her to first get a ear for classical music.

K 3 said...

Cantaloupe is lucky! Good luck, hope she has your genes and we have another M.S.Shubhalaxmi in the making! (hmm not sure if your classical training was southern or northern, but either way, hope for the best)

noon said...

WOW CA - you are so lucky. I learnt to play Veena but I wish I had learnt vocal instead. I love singing...I have to hear you sing one day! Am sure C will learn music. I am hoping that for KB as well - except I don't knwo if he will show interest in carnatic music also...B has great music sense much more than me even though I am the one with some formal training...so hopefully KB will have my enthu for carnatic and B's music sense :)

Anonymous said...

Hi,came here through karmickids.This was a touching story. I wish I had taken classical dancing more seriouly when I had the chance. I hope Cantaloupe loves singing as much as you do.

Cantaloupes.Amma (CA) said...

@Noon: Wow ... veena is a lovely instrument. Good luck with KB's musical insterest.

@homecooked: Welcome ! Its never too late ... if you really love dance, take it up now :)

Bee said...

came thru ur post..just wanted to say...i have forever wanted to learn Odissi...or Kathak...but never got a chance...man!...i wish I had...i'm happy ur daughter will be able to learn music frm a young age!..its great!....btw...great blog!

Cantaloupes.Amma (CA) said...

@bee: Thanks for visiting.
The twirls in Kathak and the mudras of Odissi dance are so graceful ... any chance of learning the same now?

mnamma said...

Excellent! A very thoughtful gift from your Mom! It would be nice if Cantaloupe has a similar interest in music. Are you planning to send her to music classes here?

Cantaloupes.Amma (CA) said...

@mnamma: I think its too early for formal training ... plan to start with the basics at home.Depending upon her interest will decide on the right time for formal training.
Good to see you back.

Mohan K.V said...

Nice :-)

Pixie said...

Sigh... I never did take classical singing seriously even though I attended lessons for almost 5 yrs!
Paid more attention to Bharatanatyam...
Cantaloupe is sure lucky!! :-)

Cantaloupes.Amma (CA) said...

@Pixie: So you learnt dance ... who was your teacher? I have exactly the opposite regret of yours... I discontinued dance after learning for 5 yrs or so ... wish I had continued it!

 

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