A note and photos by Harkamal Singh Chahal

Dr. Virinder Kumar began his first session by introducing the students to the different parts of the Sitar and the role each part played in producing the sound of the instrument. This was followed by introducing the students to the names of the 6 different strings of Sitar and there corresponding notes (Baaj, Jori, Pancham-2, Vaddhi Chikari, Chotti Chikari). Dr. Kumar then showed how the instrument is to be held (pakar). He then showed how the instrument is to be plucked using the Mizraab (Da-Aakarsh and Ra-Apkarsh). The lesson ended by Dr. Kumar showing the students how to play Sa. Dr. Kumar taught the students with a lot of love and encouraged the students to ask questions. The students were also quizzed on the lesson given at random!