I'm from a pretty small town in BC, Canada, where there's not much access to sitars, supplies, or teachers, but I'm very keen on learning the sitar, it's a beautiful instrument. I was wondering if, because no one can teach me to play, if books, internet, videos, or a combination would help me learn until I can have access to a teacher. What would you suggest I do if I break strings or need new mizrabs? I probably can find something if I go to a big city like Vancouver, do you think any cities in BC would have places like that, or would I have to go to the USA. Thanks for listening!
Hello Kate,
Here's a link to James Sadler Hamiltons website, I think he lives in Burnaby area somewhere, maybe that's close to you??
http://www.geocities.com/sitar_music/mainpage.html
I don't know if he teaches or not but he is certainly qualified and would maybe know of a teacher should you want one. I live in the Seattle area, no teachers here or music shops that have anything a serious sitar player would need. For a sitar, I would highly recommend Buckingham music, I have 2 from there. . . wonderful instruments. You can get some supplies there as well, for strings, etc. there are a variety of options. I get bulk strings of german steel.
Lots of choices for books. . . "My music, My life" by Ravi Shankar and one called "Techniques of Sitar" by S. Bandyopadhyaya would be my first choices. If you would like to email me I'd be glad to tell you howto find all of that plus I have an e-book sitar manual for you as well. . . .
