She is, at present, studying in Class III at Apeejay School, Kharghar. I enjoy singing, dancing, and playing the synthesiser. She recently completed her first year of the Gandharva Prarambhik exam, and I’ve been playing the instrument since I was five years old. Meet Kaavya Dhumal. In a candid interview, she shares her favourite raag.
What inspired you to start learning the synthesiser?
I enjoy listening to the music of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar. My mother began teaching me Sa, Re, Ga, Ma alankar on my toy piano when I was four. I started learning classical synthesiser from Pandit Mrinal Upadhyayji at the age of five. Later, I met Dhrupad Pandit Ustad Wasifuddin Dagarji at one of my guruji’s programmes, and he told me he’d like to perform with me someday. That motivated me to learn even more.
How did you prepare for your Prarambhik Gandharva exam?
I studied seven raags, patriotic songs, and Bollywood songs as part of the two-year Prarambhik syllabus. I practice for an hour every day.
Particular raga, piece, or composition you enjoy playing the most?
I have a few of them. My favourites are raag Bhupali, raag Durga, raag Teentaal, and mash-up songs.
How does learning classical music help you when you play more contemporary pieces?
Classical music has improved my understanding of musical expression, structure, rhythm, and techniques needed for modern music. It gives me the theoretical and technical foundation to play contemporary pieces better.
What skills or techniques have you improved the most?
The exam required specific technical exercises and focused scale practice. I use a metronome often, starting slow and gradually increasing speed.
What are your next goals in music?
I have already begun preparing for Praveshika Pratham, the level-II exam. I also want to explore new genres like jazz, rock, pop, Bollywood, and classical.
How does the school support your interest in music?
My school has been extremely supportive. My teachers and my coordinator gave me my first stage opportunity to play the National Anthem on the synthesiser during the Independence Day celebration in KG. I am also grateful to my music teachers for their constant support, and to my dance teacher, who always encourages me in dance and music.