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Suhas Rao (left) and Tara Anand Bangalore, Apprenticeship - Carnatic violin, 2007
Framingham, Massachusetts
Photography by Billy Howard
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A music student from the age of four, Tara Anand Bangalore (b. 1964) has a deep knowledge of Carnatic (South Indian classical) music, one of the oldest music systems in the world. Though the violin was first introduced to southern Inida in the 18th century as a supporting instrumnet, the violin steadily gained importance, and by the 20th century was considered a prominent instrument featured in solo recitals. The building blocks of Carnatic music are talas (rhythmic cycles) and ragas (melodic scales). As is customary, Tara learned directly from prominent gurus (teachers) in Delhi.
Suhas Rao (b. 1990), who grew up in Boston's western suburbs, has been playing the violin since he was six years old. Although his musical training began in the Western classical style, his parents introduced Suhas to Carnatic music by taking him to a concert at a local temple performed by Tara. He has been studying with her ever since. Suhas says "Since I was born and brought up here, I have to work extra hard to maintain a connection to Indian cultural here in the United States. Carnatic music has been the link that has tied me to my identity as an Indian." Tara notes, "Suhas is a very exceptional player. He is one of those students that comes along only once in a lifetime." When asked to describe his guru's teaching style, he answers, "She's strict but still fun at the same time. She is very encouraging." They were awarded an MCC Traditional Arts Apprenticeship in 2007.
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