Click on image to hear Ashwin Batish playing the tabla!

Sitar Maestro Ashwin Batish

Some Reviews:

All Music Guide 1 | All Music Guide 2 | Inside World Music with Paula E. Kirman | Phil Dirt - KFJC FM | More .....

Ashwin Batish is an extraordinary sitarist and tabla player. He received training in the North Indian classical tradition from his father S.D. Batish and later created his own unique fusion of Indian classical sitar with pop, rock, jazz, calypso, funk... an example of a few hybrids he excells at. He is famous for such songs as the Bombay Boogie, Raga Rock, Raga Jazz, Casbah Shuffle and Sitar Mania.

Ashwin is also very well know for being an educator. His series of instructional videos for the sitar, tabla, dilruba, dholak, vichitra veena, harmonium that he has produced with his father Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish have become a very sought after commodity by the Indian music student. Ashwin often gives private and group Indian music lessons at his Santa Cruz, California USA facility and is often called upon by various music festivals and universities to perform his sitar and be a guest lecturer for weekend workshops and seminars on Indian music and ethnopop, raga rock sitar fusion.

Ashwin Batish's pioneering effort in worldbeat music called "Sitar Power" has earned him some critical reviews and great respect in the music community. The sitar is ageless in Ashwin's hands. It is souped up for amplification and effects! We hope you get to catch one of Ashwin's electric performances. His music is as dynamic as his stage presence. When called upon, Ashwin will assemble a seven piece band of handpicked musicians that compliment his every musical nuance.

Booking: Sandra Batish email: info [at] batish.com
 1310 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | Tel: (831) 423-1699 | Fax: (831) 423-5172 | Toll Free: 1-800-RAG-MALA (724-6252)


Sitar Power 1 - a fusion of rock and Indian music
by Ashwin Batish

 By combining elements of rock and jazz with classical Indian music, sitar wizard Ashwin Batish gives you this unique collection of high energy danceable music. A real rockout! He is joined by David Harnish on guitar and Ravi Batish on vocal shouts. This album received an award in the World beat genre from the National Association of Independent Record Distributors and was selected one of the top 20 NPR albums. It was also #1 on many NPR and college radio stations across U.S.A. and Canada.

Track Listings
1. Bombay Boogie | mp3 sample 30sec.
2. Casbah Shuffle | mp3 sample 30sec.
3. Raga Rock | mp3 sample 30sec.
4. Sitharmony | mp3 sample 30sec.
5. New Delhi Vice | mp3 sample 30sec.
6. India Beat | mp3 sample 30sec.
7. Sitar Magic | mp3 sample 30sec.

Composed by Ashwin Batish * all music ASCAP

Media Reviews

It's powerful, it's magical! .... Stops you dead in your tracks the first time you hear it .... Batish rips on the Sitar" - Tower Records, Pulse.

"Sitar Power is a mind blowing mix of modern funk gadgetry and classical Eastern flavor. This is no novelty. Batish has been called a sitar master by fellow musicians and critics alike." - CMJ, NY

Cat#: BR6001CD Price: $17.99
BR6001C cassette: $9.99
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Sitar Power 2 - more fusions of rock, pop, jazz, country with sitar
by Ashwin Batish

Bombay Born Ashwin Batish rocked the airwaves with his debut album Sitar Power 1 in 1986. This album drew rave reviews for its innovative stance and as one of the pioneering albums in the Worldbeat genre that successfully fused the classical sitar music of India with rock. Sitar Power 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor but stretches out further and blends North Indian classical music with Samba, Jazz, R&B, Country, and Surf! The end result produces some very diverse and rich combinations with the special Ashwin touch!

Track Listings

1. Sitar Mania | mp3 sample 30sec.
2. Hi 5 | mp3 sample 30sec.
3. Cowboys and Indians | mp3 sample 30sec.
4. Cerebral | mp3 sample 30sec.
5. Surfing With The Sitarman | mp3 sample 30sec.
6. Misty | mp3 sample 30sec.
7. Tropicool | mp3 sample 30sec.
8. A Tabla For Two | mp3 sample 30sec.

Media Reviews

India West, California
The chasm between Western popular and the sedate, ponderous world of Indian classical music is not an easy one to bridge, however. Western popular music is geared to meeting the needs of a fast-paced lifestyle: It's immediate, sensuous, and hits the senses with a bang.

Dirty Linnen, NY
The Frank Zappa of the sitar has finally released his second volume of Sitar Power. It's been nine years and he has gotten even more experimental.

India Currents, California
If you think that fusion - music that combines the sounds of different traditions - is passe, you need to hear Ashwin Batish's latest. This compact disc contains eight new tracks which breathe new life into the fusion genre.

Cat#: BR6003CD Price: $17.99
BR6003C cassette: $9.99
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The Third Stream - an accoustic East West Blend
by Ashwin Batish Sitar and David Harnish Guitar

This album follows more of the North Indian classical tradition than the familiar East/West fusion forms. The compositions are based upon traditional ragas, and are made unique by the interaction between the sitar and the guitar - a mixture that is not commonly experimented with in India. The acoustic textures of each instrument complement one another well. David has studied music with Ashwin, and they have performed together regularly. Over the years, he has done well in understanding and complementing Ashwin’s musical style. It is this relationship that makes their "call and response" improvisations spontaneous.

Since this album’s first release, on cassette, in 1981, Ashwin has gone on to release two more fusion albums Sitar Power I and Sitar Power II, with David accompanying him on the guitar.

This release on CD is brand new and the tracks have been especially enhanced from the original analog reel master to the present Compact Disc format.

Track Listings

1. Raga Hansadhuani - Alaap | mp3 sample 30sec.
2. Raga Hansadhuani - Gat in Tintal | mp3 sample 30sec.
3. Raga Brindabani Sarang - Gat in Tintal | mp3 sample 30sec.
4. Dhun in Dadra Tal | mp3 sample 30sec.
5. Raga Patmultani - Alaap | mp3 sample 30sec.
6. Raga Patmultani - Gat in Tintal | mp3 sample 30sec.

Cat#: BR6002CD Price: $17.99
BR6002C cassette: $9.99
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Cat#: BR4001CD Price: $17.99
BR4001C cassette: $9.99
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Morning Meditation
Ragas on Sitar

Sitar - Shri Ashwin Batish
Tabla - Pandit S.D. Batish

Track Listings:

  1. Raga Pahadi - Alaap | mp3 sample 40 sec.
  2. Raga Pahadi - Gat composition in Deepchandi Tal | mp3 sample 40 sec.
  3. Raga Vibhas - Alaap | mp3 sample 40 sec. and Gat composition in Ektal | mp3 sample 40 sec.
  4. Raga Todi - Alaap | mp3 sample 40 sec. and Gat composition in Tintal | mp3 sample 40 sec.

All music composed and performed by Ashwin Batish (ASCAP).

This was Ashwin's debut album. It was originally recorded in 1978 and was a cassette only release. This recording has been re mastered for CD from the original Reel to Reel tape.

Some of Ashwin's favorite morning ragas are presented here being performed in the North Indian classical style. Ashwin's father is accompanying him on the tabla.

Cat#: BR4002CD Price: $17.99
BR4002C cassette: $9.99
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Om Shanti Meditation
Ragas on Dilruba

by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish

Track Listings:

  1. Raga Tilang Alaap (30:00) | 30 sec. real audio sample
  2. Raga Kathinya Alaap (30:00)

All music composed and performed by S.D. Batish (ASCAP).

Album Description

This music evokes the Shanta Rasa–an aura of peace and tranquility, a state of being essential to meditation.

Dilruba, the instrument being played by Panditji, has 30 sympathetic strings. Each string is especially tuned to the proper shruti and is in perfect harmony. As the lead string is bowed to the notes of the raga, these sympathetic strings reverberate automatically producing a deep, lush, and dreamy sound . This instrument is one of the most popular stringed instruments of the bowed variety in Northern India. Its fretted finger board resembles that of a Sitar and its belly, upon which the main bridge rests, is covered with goat skin like on a Sarangi.

The Om Shanti Series was initiated by Ashwin Batish and his father Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish when approached by many people looking for pure tonal music to meditate, relax, or to do daily yoga practice to. The music is un-metered, very slow, fluid, and extremely relaxing. Each note of the raga (modal scale) is fine tuned to enhance its natural soothing qualities.

Two Tanpuras add soothing drone in the background.

Cat#: BR4003CD Price: $17.99
BR4003C cassette: $9.99
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Om Shanti Meditation
Ragas on Swarmandal
The Indian Harp

by Shri Ashwin Batish

Track Listings:

  1. Raga Bilaval - Play After Sunrise
  2. Raga Bageshwari - Play After Sunset

All music composed and performed by Ashwin Batish (ASCAP).

Album Description

Relaxation Through Music

This music evokes the Shanta Rasa- an aura of peace and tranquility, a state of being essential to meditation. Swara means a musical note and “Mandal” means a multitude or group. Each string is especially tuned to the proper shruti and is in perfect harmony. The main idea behind the playing of the Swaramandal is the way its delicate web of music producing strings are handled.

The Om Shanti Series was initiated by Ashwin Batish and his father Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish when approached by many people looking for pure tonal music to meditate, relax, or to do daily yoga practice to. The music is un-metered, very slow, fluid, and extremely relaxing. Each note of the raga (modal scale) is fine tuned to enhance its natural soothing qualities.

Two Tanpuras add soothing drone in the background.

About the Swarmand (Indian Harp)

The swarmandal has about 30 playing strings encompassing a four octave range. It has to be re-tuned every time a new raga is evoked. The tuning is modal and in just intonation (as opposed to the tempered intonation of Western instruments). Thus each note is in perfect harmony with the rest. Playing or listening to these notes will evoke within you a corresponding state of peace, tranquility and inner harmony.

While listening to the tape, take deep breaths and chant Om. You should feel your voice vibrating in your chest when you utter Om. This will have a very relaxing effect on your body and mind. Chanting Om in a slow deliberate manner will also help you inhale and exhale easily and evenly hence acting as a breathing exercise which in the long run will produce a marked improvement on your mental and physical well being.

The 72 Melakartas of South Indian music system, volume 1 featuring the 1st 12 Melas. Composed and by S.D. Batish

Cassette BR8001C - $9.99
CD BR8001CD - $17.99
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The 72 Carnatic Melakartas
Composed and sung by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish

Track Listing

  1. Kanakangi Mela #1 - Gaaiye Ganapati Jaga Bandana | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  2. Ratanangi Mela #2 - Madura Dhuna Baaji Baansuriyaa | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  3. Ganamurti Mela #3 - Indu Chakra Men Kanakaangi | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  4. Vanaspati Mela #4 - Daar Daar Bana Bana Men | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  5. Manavati Mela #5 - Maana Taja Maanavati Sri Raadhe | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  6. Tanarupi Mela # 6 - Raaga Taanaroopi, Kyaa Ajaba Swaroopi
  7. Senapati Mela #7 -
  8. Hanumat Todi Mela #8
  9. Dhenuka Mela #9
  10. Natakapriya Mela #10
  11. Kokilapriya Mela #11
  12. Rupavati Mela #12
This album is the first of a six volume set encompassing the complete seventy two Melakartas (musical scales) of the Carnatic music system. There are twelve Chakras (groups) of six Melakartas each. The first two, the Indu and the Netra Chakras are covered here. Most of the songs are in in the Raga Lakshan Geet form - which means that the words of each song also teach the pertinent details of its raga. The compositions are the original creations of Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish and are rendered in the North Indian classical style of singing utilizing North Indian talas (rhythm cycles). Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish has brought his over 60 years of active musical experience - as a singer, composer, author, song writer, music director, and multi-instrumentalist, to bear upon this musical creation superimposing the North Indian style of singing and composing to the Carnatic ragas. As far as we know, such a work has never before been attempted by a North Indian composer. Such beautiful compositions and style breathes new life into both the Northern and the Southern music traditions.

Ashwin Batish graces this project with his magical touch. With his multi-instrumental skills, he adds the perfect arrangements and orchestration to his father’s compositions.

Raga Todi sung by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish

Cassette BR5001C - $9.99
CD BR5001CD - $17.99
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Raga Todi:

Ashwin Batish - Tabla

Tracks:

  1. Alaap - Introduction
  2. Jai Jai Mahadev Kriti in Tintal

Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish was born in a Brahman family and received classical music training from his guru Shri Chandan Ram Charan of Patiala, Punjab. In 1936, he rose to stardom with his hit song Khamosh Nigahen from the film Dassi, he has recorded virtually thousands of songs with His Master’s Voice of India. Panditji has composed music for over 45 films in India and directed music & sung and worked with leading music directors such as S. D. Burman and O. P. Nayyar. He is recognized as an outstanding artist A grade artist of All India radio and TV. His Compositions have been rendered by top singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle, Mohamad Rafi, Talat Mahmood. Some of his hit songs are, Ishk Ishk Qawali, Manmohan Man Me, Poocho Na Kaise Maine Rain Bitaee.

In England, Panditji worked with the BBC and was one of the founders of the TV program Apna Hi Ghar Samajhiye created for the resident immigrants of India. He also composed and directed music for over 20 documentary movies. His most popular venture was when he helped the Beatles record the sound track for their film “Help”. He also taught George Harrison and his wife Patti the Dilruba.

In 1970 , Panditji moved to California to teach Indian music at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Here, along with his son Ashwin, he formed the Batish Institute of Indian Music and Fine Arts dedicated to teaching and furthering the culture and arts of India.

Ashwin Batish Live at KKUP radio. Featuring raga Kirvani on the sitar

Cassette BR5004C - $9.99
CD BR5004CD - $17.99
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Ashwin Batish Sitar - Live at KKUP Radio

John Taylor - Tabla

Track Listings

  1. Introduction | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  2. Raga Kirvani - Alaap, Jod, Jhalla | Alaap - mp3 sample 30 sec. | Jhalla mp3 sample 30 sec.
  3. Raga Kirvani - Gat in Deepchandi Tal of 14 beats | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  4. Raga Kirvani - Gat in Fast Tintal of 16 beats | mp3 sample 30 sec.
  5. Interview with Ashwin | mp3 full clip

Album Description This is a special release of a performance/interview of Ashwin on KKUP Radio in Cupertino, California. We hope you will enjoy its live nature and on-air vibes. An interview with Ashwin is included. John Taylor, one of Ashwin’s students, accompanies him throughout the performance on the tabla.

A special thanks to Joe Sodja and “The Ethnic Connection” for inviting Ashwin and recording the performance. Ashwin has been a regular contributor to KKUP for the past 25 years!

Sitarist Ashwin Batish in Concert at the UCSC performing arts theater in Santa Cruz. Accompanied by Zakir Hussain on tabla

Total Time 76 min.

Cassette BR5003C - $9.99
CD BR5003CD - Not available
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Ashwin Batish In Concert

Zakir Hussain Tabla

Track Listing

  1. Raga Shuddha Sarang in Tintal
  2. Raga Sundar Kauns in Slow Tintal - 16 beat cycle
  3. Raga Sundar Kauns in Fast Ektal - 12 beat cycle

This is a recording of a very exciting meeting of two brilliant classical musicians with energy to spare. Improvising on stunning rhythmic cycles, intricate passages weave with a deftness that thrills theheart. Ashwin Batish and Zakir Hussain make a great team!

Instruction Videos
by Ashwin Batish

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Learn to play your favorite Indian music instrument in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. These tutor are produced by the Batish family after many years of teaching experience and are a very unique learning tool for students of Indian music that might find themselves at a loss for a good accomplished guru in their area.

Ashwin Batish has been teaching music for over 25 years. He is a virtuoso sitar and tabla player. He and his father Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish have pioneered in self help products that teach music of India. They are hard at work producing instructional videos to teach the various Indian musical instruments like the Sitar, Tabla, Dilruba, Harmonium, Vichitra Veena, Violin, Tanpura. Ashwin is frequently invited to various Universities for lecture demos. Here's a recent review mentioning Ashwin as a teacher.... "A student of Batish once remarked that what she liked about studying with him was his cheerful, playful approach to Indian music. It is true. With Ashwin Batish, you don't feel constrained by the tradition of centuries. You learn how to open your ears and your mind to new sounds, new possibilities. "India Currents Magazine." All Videos are available in NTSC and PAL formats. Please specify your preference when ordering

Tabla Tutor 1 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Tabla Tutor Video #1
Introduction to Tabla

by Ashwin Batish

Tabla Tutor User Comments

The Tabla drum set has become the staple percussion diet of the Indian music scene. Although today it has found a permanent home in the classical music tradition of North India, it has also been the rhythm instrument of choice in folk and film music.

This video deals with

  1. Names of various drum parts - Bayan, Dayan, Pudi, Gatta, Gajara, etc.
  2. Care of your Tabla set
  3. Sitting Position
  4. Tuning the Tabla
  5. Proper left and right hand positions
  6. Some important Tabla and Dagga sounds and their production
  7. Combination sounds
  8. Simple exercises

(Program Duration 65 minutes)
Catalog#: BRV1 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-50-8
Available in NTSC and PAL

Tabla Tutor 2 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Tabla Tutor Video #2
Production of Tabla Bols

by Ashwin Batish

Tabla Tutor User Comments

This tutor provides one of the most thorough collections of Tabla bols. Each combination is demonstrated with closeups of the hands. Titles, listing the bols with a specially designed font, display while the bols are being demonstrated.

This video contains....

  1. Proper pronunciation guide
  2. Tabla Bols (sounds)
  3. Dagga Bols
  4. Combination Bols
  5. Two beat combinations
  6. Three beat combinations
  7. Four beat combinations
  8. A short performance in Tintal (16 beat cycle)

(Program duration 60 minutes)
Catalog#: BRV12 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-60-5
Available in NTSC and PAL
Tanpura (Tambura, Tamboora) Tutor 1 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Tanpura Tutor Video
(sp. tamboora, tambura)

by Ashwin Batish

Tanpura Tutor User Comments

Many explain this instrument to be a drone in the classical ensemble. This is true but let me explain all its capabilities and its use in the ensemble. Whereas the drone seems like an obvious function of the tanpura, there are many other, more subtle, uses that the tanpura is put to in every performance. A student of this instrument should try to familiarise themselves with all these areas as it will make them a better participant in a musical performance.

This video deals with

  1. Sa/Pa and Sa/Ma tunings
  2. Male Tanpura tuning
  3. Female Tanpura tuning
  4. Tanpura playing positions
  5. Proper hand position
  6. Instrumental Tanpuras
  7. Some alternate tunings
  8. String replacement explained
  9. Care and maintenance

(Program duration 70 minutes)
Catalog#: BRV11 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-53-2
Available in NTSC & PAL
Harmonium Tutor 1 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Harmonium Tutor Video #1
Introduction to Harmonium

by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish
and Ashwin Batish

Harmonium Tutor User Comments

The Harmonium has become a very popular and a proficient tool for the singer in today's music. Many light classical singers have adopted this instrument for accompaniment. It is also becoming an instrument of solo performance. Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish is a master of all these styles. He and Ashwin demonstrate the basics with many examples that will get the student initiated into the proper technique.

This video tutor contains

  1. Raga Bheempalasi alaap
  2. Harmonium design and care
  3. Sitting position / Left and Right hand positions
  4. North Indian Sargam explained
  5. Notes of Bilaval Thaat
  6. The 12 notes of the octave and their Sargam
  7. Bilaval Thaat fingering from various keys
  8. Basic exercises
  9. A Solo Harmonium performance
  10. Performance using the Harmonium as accompaniment for singing

(Program duration 55 minutes)
Catalog#: BRV5 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-52-4
Available in NTSC & PAL
Sitar Tutor 1 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Sitar Tutor Video #1
Introduction to Sitar

by Ashwin Batish

Sitar Tutor User Comments

Sitar master Shri Ashwin Batish starts this video from the very basics. But these steps are also very important even for the initiated. Topics covered are:

  1. Sitar Paraphernalia
  2. Half-lotus Sitting Position
  3. Right and Left Hand Positions
  4. Note Production
  5. The Two Layers of Strings explained
  6. Indian Sargam Note Names
  7. Tuning of Top Strings (PA/SA)
  8. Tuning of Sympathic Strings
  9. Mizrab Closeup (finger pick)
  10. Proper way to wear a mizrab
  11. Closeup of various sitar parts
  12. Closeup of accessories box
  13. How to move sitar frets
  14. Learning Indian music vs learning the sitar
  15. A short performance

(Program duration: 65 minutes)
Catalog#: BRV2 / Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-51-6
Available in NTSC & PAL
Sitar Tutor 2 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Sitar Tutor Video #2
Begining Sitar Exercises

by Ashwin Batish

Sitar Tutor User Comments

Some of the important topics covered in this video are

  1. Alaap in raga Yaman
  2. Tuning without a tone generator
  3. Alternative sitar holding positions
  4. Right hand exercises - Da, Ra, DiRa, DR
  5. Exercises in Bilaval Thaat
  6. A right hand exercise using Da Ra Da
  7. Four beat exercise using Da Ra Da Ra
  8. Chikari explained
  9. Two, three and four beat Chikari exercises
  10. Chikari application in performance

(Program duration 65 minutes)
Catalog#: BRV3 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-59-1
Available in NTSC/PAL/SECAM

Dilruba Tutor 1 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Dilruba Video Tutor #1

by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish
Shri Ashwin Batish
Dilruba Tutor User Comments

We'd like to announce that Tutor #1 is now ready. Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish and Ashwin Batish take you through the basics of this wonderful instrument. This tutor is a must for any serious Dilruba student. All our tutors are available in VHS NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats. Here are the contents of this one....

  • A short introduction and history
  • Bilaval scale note production
  • The sitar/sarangi connection explained
  • Sitting position demonstrated
  • Proper hand position
  • Playing technique
  • Bow holding technique
  • Dilruba bow vs cello bow
  • Dilruba Paraphernalia
  • Main strin notes reproduction
  • Dilruba tuning
  • Basic exercises
  • Alhaiya Bilaval alaap by Pandit S. D. Batish

Program duration 62 minutes
Catalog#: BRV13 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-54-0
Available in NTSC & PAL
Sitar Repair Tutor - 'Changing Your Sitar Strings' image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Changing Your Sitar Strings

by Shri Ashwin Batish

Sitar care and maintenance part one

It sounds simple enough until you go about doing it. Changing the strings on your sitar can be quite daunting especially to newbies. An instrument repair shop can charge you a lot for this. It can take a seasoned pro more than two hours for this job. It is good for a sitar student to know how to do this themselves. What if you are performing and you break a string you have to become an expert to take care of such emergencies!

This video covers the intricate task of replacing all the strings on a sitar. Detailed step-by-step instructions makes this experience easy and safe. Tips given include how to make proper string loops, clean the frets, polish the sitar, and how to protect yourself from injury.

Program duration 62 minutes
Catalog#: BRV14 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-61-3
Available in NTSC & PAL

Sitar Repair Tutor 'Tweaking Your Sitar' image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

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Tweaking Your Sitar

by Shri Ashwin Batish

Sitars coming out of India are invariably in need of tweaking. This is unfortunate as most of the new sitar students (and a few old ones) have no idea of the mechanics of a sitar and hence cannot set it to play in good intonation and with the proper action. THis not only makes your learning experience disappointing but is also a major barrier to a student's musical growth. This tutor covers many of the adjustments necessary to whip your sitar into performance shape.

Topics Covered

  • Bridge adjustment using harmonics
  • Main string adjustment
  • Tuning beads adjustment
  • Tuning the frets for proper intonation
  • Adjustments to maximize the sitar's meend
  • Shimming the bridge

Program duration 62 minutes
Catalog#: BRV15 Price $49.95 +S&H
ISBN 1-882319-63-1
Available in NTSC & PAL
Vichitra Veena Tutor 1 image. All content is copyright ©1990 - 2003 Batish Records. www.batish.com. All rights reserved.

Program duration 78 minutes
Catalog#: BRV16 Price $59.95 +S&H
ISBN applied for
Available in NTSC & PAL

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Vichitra Veena Video Tutor #1
(other sp. vichiter veena, vichitra vina, vina)

by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish
Ashwin Batish

Vichitra Veena Tutor User Comments

The Vichitra Veena Tutor #1 ready for shipment. We are very proud of its content. It is a first of its kind with a very thorough coverage of the basics. The tutor is authored by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish and his son Shri Ashwin Batish.

The goal of this tutor is to give the Vichitra Veena a new lease on life. It is pathetic that it's practitioners can today be counted on the fingers of your hands. Although students are gradually picking this instrument up for study, many get discouraged due to lack of direction resulting in this instrument ending up in a closet or in a glass case to be visually admired. We aim to change this and this tutor is the first step! Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish has been actively playing this instrument for over 60 years. As a vocalist he has a special insight into its workings. He shares this with you in this, and upcoming tutors.

Here are some of the highlights .....

  • 1. A Short History
  • 2. Recommended String Gauges
  • 3. Sitting Positions explained
  • 4. Mizrab (finger pick)
  • 5. Proper Slide Hold
  • 6. Right Hand Positions
  • 7. Tuning of the open strings
  • 8. Note Locations explained
  • 9. Basic Vichitra Veena Designs
  • 10. Alternative Sliders explored
  • 11. Right Hand Exercises using Da, Ra, DiRa, DR
  • 12. Bilaval Raga scale
  • 13. Simple Sargam Exercises
  • 14. Short Performance in Raga Tilang

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