In India, students striving to make music live in the same home as their musical teachers, practicing and perfecting their skills for hours a day and devoting their lives to mastering their instruments. The members of The Indian Music Ensemble at UCLA strive to create the same level of music while also juggling academics and campus life.
The ensemble focuses on playing North Indian classical, or Hindustani music. The music is made predominantly by two instruments: the tabla, which keeps the rhythm much like a drum, and the sitar, a string instrument akin to a very large guitar.
The ensemble is co-directed by Abhiman Kaushal, a tabla instructor, and Andy Pettit, a sitar instructor.
Music of India plays long form songs with an emphasis on rhythmic repetition. This template is different from Western musical traditions, which typically involve songs with clearly defined beginnings and ends.
“(We create) very internal music. Our music is very spiritual, and when you attend an Indian classical concert, you feel a certain oneness with the music,” Kaushal said.
Since mastering this style takes a great deal of practice, it is customary in India for a music student to live with his teacher for a number of years. Such a commitment is simply not feasible in a college setting. Instead, Kaushal attempts to infuse his first-time students with foundational knowledge of the North Indian style and create an appreciation for Hindustani music.
Those who choose to continue with the ensemble spend at least four nights a week in practice to further develop their musical proficiency, which allows the Music of India Ensemble to create an authentically Indian musical experience.