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Webimpulse
09 December 2013, 07:02 PM
Namaste HDF,

The following might seem like an unusual turn of interest for me, and an unusual request. Still, I hope those here at HDF will be willing to listen. :)

Recently, I have been inspired to look into taking up the south Indian instrument known as the veena. As for why, there are multiple reasons, foremost among them being the spiritual aspect of learning the arts, especially Indian classical music. (I can get into other reasons if people want to know.)

The first thing I have done, of course, was look for a potential teacher, a guru. I found one in New York City who is willing to teach me remotely, but in order to benefit from her tutelage I need to own a veena.

I looked into buying a veena online, and sheesh, are they expensive! Buying a quality one from India can cost over $1000 US dollars, and that's before shipping. :(

I know investing in musical instruments, especially ones as venerated as the Saraswati veena, isn't supposed to be cheap, but surely there must be a way I can get a Saraswati veena without having to sacrifice so much of my income? I don't make that much money. :( Anyone here have any ideas?

JaiMaaDurga
09 December 2013, 11:43 PM
Namaste WebImpulse,

Perhaps it may worth considering that if your interest in the veena
will have waned in the amount of time it would take to save enough money for
a proper instrument, then the years needed to master it would also not
be fruitful. I do not wish to appear condescending or to discourage pursuing
this- but $1000 is not unreasonable, considering the relative lack of
popularity (as opposed to a guitar, where student models may be had for
under $100).

Therefore, if this is indeed something you are serious about, then your only
solution is to save incrementally; create a literal or figurative "veena fund"
account, deposit however much weekly or monthly you can afford, and do
not touch that money for any reason until you have enough to buy one.

If this seems unappealing, then most likely it would be best to let the whole
idea sit for a few weeks; as a musician, I have had many friends over the
years suddenly decide they would like to be one, and invest money in
instruments, lessons, etc. only to discover their passion to be a temporary
one. Again, my words are not meant to judge your state of commitment,
I only speak from my own experience and what is in your post. You must
do as you see fit.

JAI MATA DI

the sadhu
10 December 2013, 12:11 AM
Find a Guru who can teach you without a Veena. Ya dont see yogis lugging around instruments to often.