In a state of awe (some!)

So Zakir Hussain, the reigning god of the tabla, taught our last two classes (and will be there for the next 2 as well!). I really do feel like I've been in the presence of a god, no joke. The way that he makes people feel is really amazing. He brings out the best in them. One of the students in our class was returning to France tonight, and wanted to sell his tablas before he left. So Zakir bought them! Like he needs more tablas ;o) He must have a gazillion. But he knew this student was stressing out, so he just bought them, and donated them to the class...

His attitude as a teacher is amazing to watch. So often in the teaching of music, the music disappears. Music becomes memorizing and copying. But regardless of whether he's teaching the most junior or most advanced student, Zakir's emphasis is on creativity. Rigorous practice goes without saying. But he stresses that the point of the practice is to master the basic phrases. Once mastered, then they can be played with at will. That's side of things that most teachers, in my humble opinion :o), forget.

He's all about play! He just sits down and teaches for 4 hours straight, from beginner to advanced, always with the same enthusiasm, endless enthusiasm. Challenges us just enough, and helps take us to the next level. Sigh. I'm on cloud nine!

I'll be posting some clips from these sessions soon. Stay tuned.

Tarun