Music and Respect

Maa ​Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, education, and learning, is revered as the patron of arts, speech, poetry, music, creativity, and culture. In Indian tradition, any form of art or music has always been held in high regard.

​Artists—especially singers and musicians—are the worshippers and regular practitioners of the divine, manifesting it through vocal and instrumental music.

Learning, practicing, and mastering any musical art is a commitment beyond words. Riyaz (dedicated practice) is what drives growth and progress; there are no shortcuts to mastering an instrument or one's voice. For years, a student must undergo disciplined training to understand nuances and adapt to different styles, eventually even inventing their own. This commitment is often not motivated by materialistic rewards or monetary compensation. Instead, it is about fulfilling the soul and spreading joy, happiness, and divinity.

Having been a student of classical music for several years and being married to an artist, I have had the privilege of observing these artistic journeys firsthand.Unlike acquiring other skills with a set curriculum, music and dance are about continuous learning, practicing, and fine-tuning, followed by improvisation and innovation. Music carries a profound spiritual significance; it is believed to change vibrations and enhance positivity. The right music has the power to connect our souls to the Divine. This is why, for hundreds of years, bhajans have been sung and instruments like the flute and sitar have been played—to help the soul attain a meditative state.

Technically, the audience is expected to be attentive, helping the performer concentrate while allowing themselves to connect to those energies. This attentiveness is a form of respect toward the divinity within the art.

​Whether this due respect is actually given in our society is a question that has occupied my thoughts for a long time.

​In events like parties or sangeets, where the goal is to dance and celebrate, the situation is different. Performers are aware they are there for pure entertainment. However, when the music is aimed at peace, relaxation, and artistic appreciation, the audience should respond differently.

Recently, at a community New Year function, as soon as the artist began to play, many in the audience started eating snacks and talking loudly. In contrast, while we were recently sitting in a hotel garden where my husband was practicing his morning riyaz on the flute, an elderly european woman who was jogging by stopped in a corner. She listened in complete silence and, during a break, came over to express her gratitude for such soulful music.She seemed so much joyful.

Have you visited live performances of big artists..​At large-scale performances by famous artists, typically organized by major sponsors at reputed venues, decorum is strictly maintained. The audience is expected to remain seated, and no food or talking is allowed. People follow these rules because they are either special invitees or have paid a hefty price for tickets.

​However, at small-scale programs held in modest venues, the scene is different. Even if the sound systems ,lights Or seating arrangements aren't perfect, artists still perform out of love for their craft. The saddest part is when people ignore the artist’s efforts—eating, talking, or looking at their phones—completely disregarding the purpose of the music.

The other day ar a dinner buffet an artist was beautifully playing Santoor for hours.Many of the people seated just ignored and continued with their meals and talks. They didnt even bother to acknowledge or clap as a gesture of appreciation.

​I believe the responsibility for respecting the art lies with both the artist and the audience. Artists must choose their performance venues wisely, and the audience must hold the art in high regard. Unfortunately, financial pressures often leave artists with few options. For years, I have spoken with parents and prospective students who believe music education should be inexpensive. Many indulge in constant negotiations over class fees. As members of a rich cultural heritage and lovers of art, we need to come forward and support artists in every way possible.

We all need to be present to the fact that music is spiritual sadhana and not just a commercial commodity.