Keeping the beat alive!

What's On peeks into a couple of popular music stores and returns comforted that tradition and modernity have struck a happy balance in some nooks in the city

What's On peeks into a couple of popular music stores and returns comforted that tradition and modernity have struck a happy balance in some nooks in the city

It was a wise one who said, 'Life without music is an error'. Bangalore, home to bands that play rock, blues, metal, funk and fusion, also houses stores that not only sell musical instruments but also nurture talent.

Like Veena Musicals, which was set up in 1912 in Chikpet, a bustling commercial hub. They started off making and selling harmoniums. Since then, they have been a name to reckon with on the music scene as artistes from near and far throng the store to buy sitars, guitars, violins and veenas. "We direct enthusiastic learners to tutors. We have a growing clientele of foreigners who come here looking for veenas and sitars. Lots of Indian parents come here, children in tow, to buy pianos," says Karthik Nagaraj, manager of the Jayanagar branch of Veena Musicals.

A heritage building on Brigade Road was converted into a swanky music store called SoundGlitz in 2006. Described by music buffs as a "one-stop shop" for all equipment required for a live concert, SoundGlitz has been a keen promoter of young talent. "We strive to promote music. We've come up with exciting ventures like our music institute, and we sponsor instruments for popular events like the Saturday Jam@Central, and the Live Gig that happens at least twice a month," says Siddarth Patwa, director, SoundGlitz.

"We encourage amateur bands which eventually helps our business," he adds.

Nihesh, who is in charge of the Saturday Jam @Central, says, "If I am shopping for equipment, I'd want to go to SoundGlitz because they have both quality and quantity." Avik Lahiri of the band Aurko is another loyal customer. "Those who run the store are knowledgable and friendly. It's the atmosphere of the store that makes you keep going back," he observes. The showroom's prized possession is the decorated Lucca piano from China, which costs Rs 1,61,000.

The SoundGlitz Music Institute, near Fuga on Castle Street, has trained over 1,000 students since its inception.
The students are encouraged to jam at the institute where they have facilities and equipment required for practice sessions. "It's this ability to nurture talent that has resulted in many youngsters taking to music full-time," says Karthik, drummer and instructor at SoundGlitz. The institute conducts guitar, violin and paino classes on the weekends, and a special summer batch for youngsters.

Clearly, music stores these days are diversifying so as to provide personalised services, proving that people can make money out of their passion. Watch this space as we profile more pioneers and adventurous souls who put a song on everyone's lips.u00a0u00a0

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