Book Description

Note from the Author: This book is the culmination of my work over the last five years. Ever since the age of four, my life has revolved around music. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by parents who emigrated from India. My cultural background enabled a very early exposure to music; I started learning piano before I could even read. I was given the unique opportunity to be exposed to so many different teachers and mentors, each with a unique style and perspective on the music they taught. I have learned Hindustani vocal classical music from three different teachers and have been exposed to Western music through numerous piano teachers, as well as private saxophone instructors, band teachers and other mentors. These established musicians have inspired me by taking me into the depths of their musical knowledge. I was able to benefit from their unique experiences as I progressed through my musical journey. My exposure to these seemingly incredibly different types of music has built up my deep passion for any and all kinds of music. Through my learning, I have tried to link the similarities and exploit the differences in the styles of Indian and Western music. I wrote this book in order to build a bridge between Indian and Western music. Indian music isn't always written down in a way that all can understand it, and my goal is to enable the wishes of all musicians who want to play Indian music on their instruments. As always with Indian music, though, the notes on the page are just a guide, and all stylistic improvisation is welcome and advised. I have chosen some of the most melodious Bollywood songs from the last two decades, hoping that different age groups can relate to the songs. Tracks for each song, customized to the arrangement that I felt sounded best when I played it on alto saxophone, are included separately on a CD. The notes in this book are provided in three different keys (Bb, C and Eb) so that a variety of instrumentalists can play these songs. Bb instruments commonly include clarinet, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, trumpet, Bb cornet and euphonium. Instruments in C include flute, oboe, piccolo, piano, trombone and all string instruments. The most common Eb instruments are alto saxophone and baritone saxophone. Now sixteen years of age, I wish to continue my musical journey and create more compilations like this in the future. I would love to hear your feedback, requests or suggestions. Please write to me at [email protected]. Please check out the accompaniment CD, now available from Amazon and other retailers (ASIN: B005S4J8YW).