the Magic music shop

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The music shop I have lesson in is much like many others in Varanasi. The floor is padded with a thin futon and the various instruments are are placed on the shelves around. shops in general are raised about a foot or two above the street level and shoes are always removed on entry.

Varanasi is a city of learning and especially music. My lessons are quite different to the formal classical learning environments i have experienced in Australia.

When i get to class I revise and warm up whilst Kailash does his puja (morning prayers and offerings) with much flower sprinking and insence twirling. The studio and me get a good splish of Ganga juice and Kailash settles in front of me to start the lesson.

Within minutes chai will be ordered and one will arrive just as I'm getting frustrated with the new rhythm he has given me. We stop and drink the hot shot of spiced tea and stretch our legs.

during the next 4 hours various people will wonder into the shop to sit a while, drop off keys, give blessings, get blessing, do a chai run, help me with sending my tablas to Australia or whatever. so far I have not seen one instrument sold from the shop.

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Photos

Kailash playing tabla
faster faster!!!!

Comments

[richardg]

these are priceless keep em coming learned grasshopper xxxx

[Ben]

Must be great having music lessons for 4 hours in a village atmosphere. Typical of artists everywhere - make art but mo dough.

[Marcus]

Hola querida como estas?
Pi Wei, Como estas? Espero que el viaje sea lo que has esperado. perdon que no nos encontramos antes que te fueras. Disfruta toda la experiancia. Un abrazo y beso Marcus