I play sitar for 3 years, learnig it just by listenig of CD's and I would like to buy video tape to learn more. I would need something, that is not for total beginers or maintance or repairing the instrument. I would like to learn more about ornaments and some "specialities". Can you help me?
Thanks
I believe there is a definite market out there for someone to produce a sitar video that goes beyond the bare basics. I have been looking for that myself, but not much luck. Batish was planning on doing this project 7 years ago, but I don't think he ever got around to it. His two-tape series is designed for beginners only.
Peter: When I first picked up the sitar a year ago, I bought both of Ashwin's Sitar Tutors #1 and #2. They are enjoyable videos but I would recommend them for BEGINNERS ONLY. They show proper basic technique (sitting positions, how to wear the mizrab, strokes, etc.) and some BASIC exercises that you can find in most of the available books. Since you've been playing for 3 years, I would think that some lessons from a qualified teacher would be more beneficial, especially to make sure you haven't developed any bad habits regarding technique. It would be nice if Ashwin finished that third video he promised :-)
Qualified teacher in Slovakia - that's the problem. I know just one more guy in Slovakia owning Sitar - no comment. Some people like this sound, but that's all. I met some Indians living in Slovakia, but those people are involved in business only, not in music. It's worse, than bad.
