Diving into jazz fusion became more than a musical inclination for me; it was a full-blown obsession. Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Béla Fleck—these names weren't just musicians; they were my mentors from afar. I spent nights glued to concert DVDs, dissecting every beat, every pause. This genre laid the foundation for who I am as a drummer today, blending technicality with emotion. 

To talk about my mentors, Sahil Sareen and Varun Venkat—these guys didn't just teach me drumming; they unlocked a new way of listening. Workshops, late-night conversations, and shared gigs became my classroom. It wasn't just about playing; it was about understanding the language of music, the unspoken conversation between instruments. 

Then came the curveball—West African music. Djembe playing was a whole new world, and Varun Venkat who played the djembe was my guide. I joined Drum circles with such diverse sounds, and rhythms, it was something that resonated with something primal in me. It wasn't just about hitting the drum; it was about feeling the pulse of life through each beat. 

It was during that time, that an experience transformed my further journey. Imagine leaving a corporate gig for a life of uncertainty in music. That's what happened after a shifting experience at a music festival I was playing the djembe in. I was sharing the stage with musical legends, it wasn't just a dream come true; it was a wake-up call. Formal education followed, not as a backup plan, but as an accelerator for my journey. And met Felipe, the teacher. And my mind was blown. I was like, this is it. Like if I have to get serious about it and like, really because I was 24 or, you know, like I had to, like, fast track the entire process. Uh, and these guys really helped, like Felipe and some of my teachers, they killed it. Like, in three, three months, we were studying like, a like. Bunch of s**t. Um. So. Yeah. And after that, I've just been doing music stuff like playing, curating events or like I've worked with Zildjian for a bit. There have been different kinds of jobs, but within the music industry and yeah, playing has been a major part of it. And yeah, long one. But that's how it started. 

How has the music industry evolved during your career, and what impact has that had on your approach to drumming and teaching? 

Ten years! A lot has happened in the decade.Before this last decade was, playing a little bit here and there, but the amount that of tec, or the kind of music that we consume, or the way people want to consume it, has shifted a lot. 

It was very different, like we would still have to explore and search for music and really find what we like and, share music with our friends. 

The good impact as well has been shocking in terms of tech, but it has also been a change in the different genres, and the way people learn now 

Even the impact on drumming and teaching has been profound. Technological advances and evolving genres have altered how aspiring drummers learn. Gone are the days where we relied solely on DVDs or books; information is now instantly accessible, revolutionizing the learning process. 

The growth in drumming skills has become exponential, with tools like Moises offering instant transcriptions and feedback. 

Tools like Moises and muse score software provide a lot of advantages, allowing quicker growth and self-assessment. However, the influx of information brings challenges, because with excess data it can hinder clarity on what and how to practice. Its super essential to strike a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a healthy disassociation. 

Could you discuss the role of networking and building relationships within the music industry, and how it has impacted your own career? 

Networking, oh boy, where do I start? It's like navigating a labyrinth of opportunities and connections. You know, sometimes the kind of work you want to get, you have to get out there and grab it. There's no other way. Music involves people, and even though you can do things alone, I've found that collaborating with others, bouncing ideas, and playing with different musicians has been the catalyst for growth. 

It's not just about the gig; it's about the shared experience, the unspoken language between instruments. Collaborations, whether it's an album or a live session, add layers to your musical identity. You might click with someone instantly or find the magic after years of playing together. The journey is a fascinating exploration of meeting diverse minds and crafting unique sounds. 

And the digital conundrum, it's a double-edged sword, isn't it? Social media serves as our CV, our portfolio. It's fantastic to showcase your work, connect with fellow musicians, and discover new sounds. But let's not forget the essence of face-to-face interactions. In a city like Bombay, getting out for gigs, meeting people, and building genuine relationships still holds immense value. 

Sure, you can have a killer Instagram profile, but the real magic happens when you step into the room, feel the energy, and connect with musicians on a personal level. Social media is a tool, not the destination. It's crucial to identify the circles you want to be part of, have a clear direction, and genuinely engage with the community. 

What trends or changes do you foresee in the music industry in the coming years, and how should students prepare for these shifts in their musical journeys? 

Predicting the future of music feels like peering into a crystal ball. The landscape is evolving rapidly. With tools like Moises, we can now isolate and manipulate tracks with unprecedented ease. Yet, with great power comes great responsibility. 

Students should embrace technology as a tool for efficiency, not a shortcut to laziness. There's a thin line between using tools to enhance skills and misusing them to plagiarize. The key lies in acquiring a skill set that encompasses both traditional methods and cutting-edge tech. Authenticity should remain at the core of musical expression, irrespective of the tools at hand. 

RanBhoomi: Unleashing the Spirit of Sportsmanship  

Jyoti Shinde, BBA, JAGSoM

We are thrilled to announce that "RanBhoomi," the highly anticipated sports tournament, has finally commenced! On the 2nd of February, the event kicked off with a momentous opening ceremony, filled with excitement and anticipation. Students and teachers came together to motivate and cheer on the participating teams.   

The day's events began with an exhilarating basketball match, showcasing the incredible skill and teamwork of the players. Following this, the competition continued with intense battles in chess and squash. The early morning of the following day saw an electrifying football match, and in the afternoon, volleyball took centre stage.  

And the fun doesn't stop there! Numerous other games and sports are being played throughout the event, each one bringing its own unique thrills and challenges. The grand finales are scheduled for the 6th and 7th of February, where the top teams will compete for glory and the coveted championship titles.  

We encourage everyone to send their best wishes to all the participants, as they have worked tirelessly to showcase their skills and passion for sports. Let us come together as a community and support these talented individuals, and may the best team emerge victorious! 

Masterclass with Leeds Conservatoire: Rock Track Mixing for Tollywood 
Saniya Dalal, BBA, JAGSoM  

Vijaybhoomi University recently had the privilege of hosting a prestigious masterclass conducted by Bhupinder Chaggar, Deputy Head of School - Music Production and Events at Leeds Conservatoire, UK.  

Titled 'Mix Breakdown of a Rock Track for Tollywood', the event, held on Wednesday, 7th February,  in the university's auditorium, offered invaluable insights into the fusion of musical and technical elements.  

Chaggar delved into the intricacies of tackling a substantial mix of a Tamil song, offering insights into both the musical and technical aspects of the process.  

As a leading conservatoire renowned for its undergraduate music degrees in various genres such as Classical, Jazz, Music Production, and more, Leeds Conservatoire brought a wealth of expertise to the session. 

Students eagerly absorbed Chaggar's insights, showcasing their enthusiasm as the session transitioned into an engaging Q&A segment. Their thoughtful inquiries ranged from technical nuances to broader artistic considerations, reflecting the diverse interests and eagerness to learn prevalent at Vijaybhoomi University. 

This masterclass underscored the university's dedication to providing enriching opportunities for its students to learn from industry luminaries and expand their horizons in music production. 

It reaffirmed Vijaybhoomi's commitment to fostering a vibrant learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.  

What does student life look like in Vijaybhoomi University?  

In the midst of academic pursuits, Vijaybhoomi emphasises fostering a vibrant student community. The university organises periodic student trips, special brunches, and entertaining events, creating opportunities for students to unwind and bond. Balancing studies with enjoyable experiences, Vijaybhoomi encourages a holistic approach to student life, promoting camaraderie and memorable moments beyond the classroom.  

Generated by:

 Satvika Kushwaha

We really value your feedback. We’d love to hear back from you. Do write to us at newsletter@vijaybhoomi.edu.in

Vijaybhoomi University is India's first Liberal Professional University, which uses the liberal-professional framework of education to build a unique curriculum aligned to Industry 4.0. The curriculum facilitates the process of self-discovery in the initial year and thereafter choice of majors and minors to prepare oneself in high-demand careers in data science, artificial intelligence, business, law, music and design. The university is located in Karjat, Greater Mumbai, and nurtures holistic, socially responsible, and continuously employable professionals who can make a positive difference in the world.

Vision

To become an independent, multi-disciplinary, globally acclaimed university which facilitates learner-centricity, builds pathways to groom holistic individuals, and foste

rs innovation and scholarship to impact practice and communities

Mission

Nurture holistic, socially responsible, and continuously employable professionals.