RANGEEN

Musical Journey

Kamal Ahmad’s musical journey began with tabla before he was introduced to sitar by his elder sister. He soon sought out formal training under the guidance of sarod maestro Arnab Chakrabarty, who later introduced him to sitar virtuoso Vinayak Chittar and scholar-vocalist Pandit Arijit Mahalanabis. Despite starting his musical training later than most, Kamal’s relentless dedication and critical approach to learning enabled him to make rapid progress. His intense focus on efficient methods allowed him to overcome the challenges posed by his late start and become a proficient sitar player.

Kamal's pursuit of excellence extends beyond his own performance. His approach to teaching raga music is shaped by his continuous desire for self-improvement, instilling in his students the same analytical mindset that has propelled his own growth. As a teacher, he emphasizes the importance of constant refinement, encouraging his students to engage critically with their practice. Kamal’s journey is a testament to the power of discipline, passion, and the drive to evolve, regardless of when one embarks on their musical path.

Teaching Philosophy

At the core of Kamal's teaching philosophy is the belief that music education should be accessible to all, regardless of age or background. His approach combines:

1. Technical Precision:
   • - Emphasis on proper technique and form from the beginning
   • - Structured progression through increasingly complex musical concepts
2. Cultural Context:
   • - Integration of historical and cultural knowledge about Indian classical music
   • - Understanding the philosophical dimensions of raga music
3. Personalized Instruction:
   • - Tailoring lessons to each student's learning style and goals
   • - Balancing technical exercises with creative expression
4. Scientific Approach:
   • - Applying principles of neuroscience to enhance learning and retention
   • - Structured practice techniques based on cognitive science

Expertise & Specializations

Kamal specializes in teaching the following instruments and musical concepts:

• Sitar: Traditional Hindustani classical style with focus on both gayaki ang (vocal style) and tantrakari ang (instrumental style)
• Tabla: Fundamentals from various gharana styles
• Harmonium: Both accompaniment techniques and solo performance
• Raga Theory: Comprehensive instruction in raga structure, development, and improvisation
• Tala (Rhythm): Advanced rhythmic concepts and compositions

His teaching extends beyond technical instruction to include the historical context and cultural significance of Indian classical music, providing students with a holistic understanding of this rich tradition.