Q69

Namaste Guruji. My question is abt teaching sitar to children (below 10). What are the special points that need be considered vis-a- vis teaching older/ adults? Thanks and regards.

Before responding to this question, I would like to make some observations as a
preamble.
It is a well-known fact that every child requires / should have, an outlet to express his
/ her emotions. As a follow up of this dictum, it is the duty of parents to ensure that
the child has such opportunities.
With regard to specific question about teaching sitar, I assume that concerned parents
would have ascertained that their child has an aptitude for music and in that
instrumental music and in that sitar music.
a) It would be advisable to acquire a small size sitar to fit into the body length of
the child so that he / she does not have to carry a heavier instrument and stress his /
her – especially left hand, upto the frets difficult for him / her to reach.
b) A child of 10, I assume may be with persuasion – would adjust to the baithak
required, holding the sitar at 45 degree angle and placement of both the hands (picture
in trainer’s manual)
c) Depending upon the capability of the child simple sargam should be taught to
start with. Each note should be played 4 times (da – ra – da – ra etc.), similarly all the
notes going up the scale and coming down the scale.
In response to the question, I would like to advise as follows.
1) It would be easily agreed that the level of talim should be in keeping with
capability of the student. This dictum would apply to all ages and not necessarily to
children below 10.
2) It would be useful to ensure that the concerned student should have a
reasonably good sitar which he /she can hold and sit comfortably with the instrument
in position. This tenet would apply irrespective of age.
3) If the student is an adult, he might have had training earlier from a sitar player.
On the other hand, children below 10 may not have an earlier training. It would be
therefore easy to teach children because they would not have any preconceived
notions compared to an adult who might already have talim which would reflect the
style and technique of his / her earlier teacher.
4) In conclusion I would mention that whilst teaching a child care should be taken
to ensure that the child enjoys what he is doing. I remember having witnessed of
Ustad Vilayat Khan teaching Shujaat when he was very young. He used to coax /
cajole him to sustain his interest and enjoy the process of learning. For an adult
assuming that he has reasonable musicality, one should follow the techniques
described in detail in Trainer’s manual.