I am a veena player. Not an accomplished one. A keen enthusiastic learner. Learning Keerthana’s — that’s the stage where I am now.
Just a small introduction for those who are new to the instrument. This instrument is compared to a human body. The 24 frets are compared to 24 vertebrae of the back of the human body.
The one with the paintings is called Sarokai [extra resonator] what we keep on our leg sitting cross-folded. when we keep this on our lap, we feel a sense of belonging to the instrument as if we own it. Of course, we have to own it and play. this just adds to the feeling. when keeping it on the ground feeling satisfied of well-played, appreciated also feels good.
Veena is a divine instrument. As everyone I also aspire to own a Tanjore veena known for its sound quality. The Ekantha veena made in this place is of a single wood piece giving a good vibrating tone.
Everytime we play, we adjust the pegs and strings at the bridge.
What I wanted to write is the way I feel when I am playing. The satisfaction I get after playing.
Reduces stress. You become stress-free, Boosts confidence to a large extent.
A sense of rhythm, memorizing the compositions of great legends like Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Shyama shastri, Thyagaraja boosts mental abilities, improves focus, concentration. Also appreciating the beauty of these compositions and falling short of words to praise these Great legends.
When you are thorough with the script you are fully immersed in the flow that feels like a meditation, self-expression. This happens to all veena players.
Downsides of this instrument:
Carrying it is a huge task due to its size. Cannot be carried in a bag, purse or any box. This needs a specially made box in the same shape, safe and secure. Has to be carefully carried in a wide spaced car. cannot be accommodated in a small car.
Unlike the flute, this does not produce such an obvious or Melodious sound. So, a high intensity pick-up has to be attached for the sound to reach the audience in the auditorium.
I urge everyone to learn any musical instrument that resonates with you. People like chitti babu, Doraiswamy Iyengar who have mastered the instrument have an emotional connection with the instrument
Learning a musical instrument boosts our self-confidence, our self-expression comes out of that. We achieve clarity in thoughts in other areas of our life too. There are numerous benefits in learning an instrument. Music has power to heal any disease. It is medicine to the soul. If the soul is healed, the body is automatically happy.
