What works so well for Hemant is his utter dedication. Gradually, over time, Hemant began to sing swaras (musical notes) in tune using a tanpura. As part of that exercise, Hemant would have to imagine Sa’ (the higher Sa) as a friend who is really far – so he would have to pitch his voice a little higher. Another technique I used was to visually demonstrate the musical notes as they went higher – picture a staircase of swaras (musical notes). In class, I would take each note, one by one, and ask him to sing the notes after me.

So the first thing I did in class was to make Hemant familiar with the seven basic musical notes. I felt at that time that was primarily because Hemant had not learned music before and hence was unaware of the basic ideas of music. When we began, he knew little about tanpura or sur or pitch. That's how he ended up joining music class.Īnd this music class was a challenge for me as a teacher, just like it was a challenge for him as a learner. He wanted to learn music soon after he read in a book that when you reach 60 years of age you should do something you are really bad at. He joined an online course in Hindustani Vocal, at the beginner level or HV101, in Shankar Mahadevan Academy. Hemant is a successful businessman, and a busy person. The first is a 60-year old student, named Hemant Manek, from Pune. When You Turn 60, Do Something You’re Really Bad At. When I pondered over this thought, the names of two such students come to my mind.

But still, there are some students who you cannot ignore talking about. And when we are asked to talk about any one student, it becomes difficult for us to choose one. As a teacher, a special moment is made when our students make us feel special as a teacher – and at times even define us as a teacher.

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